US-Israel Attack on Iran and Tehran's Response
Sunday, 2026/03/01281 words4 minutes898 reads
In a dramatic escalation of Middle Eastern tensions, the United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes across Iran on Saturday morning, prompting immediate retaliatory missile attacks from Tehran targeting Israeli territory and US military installations throughout the region. President Donald Trump characterized the operation as "massive and ongoing," asserting that the objective was to eliminate imminent threats and prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capability.
Explosions were reported in Tehran and multiple provincial cities, with BBC-verified footage showing smoke plumes rising within one kilometer of the Supreme Leader's office. Unconfirmed reports suggest at least 53 casualties from a strike on a girls' primary school in Minab county. Israeli Defense Minister declared a "special and permanent state of emergency," while both Trump and Netanyahu urged Iranian citizens to "throw off the yoke of tyranny" and seize control of their government.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes as "wholly unprovoked, illegal, and illegitimate," launching retaliatory missiles at Israel and US facilities in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE. Most missiles were successfully intercepted, though the UAE reported one fatality from falling debris. The attacks have disrupted regional aviation, with major carriers suspending operations and several countries closing their airspace.
The international response has been sharply divided. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk deplored the strikes and subsequent retaliation, emphasizing civilian protection. European leaders, while not participating in the operation, condemned Iran's nuclear program and called for negotiated solutions. Russia characterized the strikes as "reckless" and criticized the undermining of diplomatic negotiations that had occurred just days earlier. Oman's Foreign Minister, who had been mediating recent US-Iran nuclear talks, expressed dismay that "active and serious negotiations have yet again been undermined."
