Israel, U.S. strike targets in Iran; Tehran launches retaliatory attacks

By Nathan Morley

Israel and the United States carried out joint strikes on Tehran and several other Iranian cities early Saturday, targeting the office of Iran’s supreme leader, the presidential compound and multiple military sites across the country, according to Iranian and regional reports.

Iran responded with retaliatory attacks on Israel. 

Explosions believed to be Iranian strikes were also heard in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait.

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump urged Iranians to “take over” their government, calling the moment “probably your only chance for generations.”

Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes, saying its people and armed forces would deliver a “decisive and determining” response against what it called “aggressors,” accusing the United States and Israel of “criminal” actions. 

In a statement carried by the state-run IRNA agency, the ministry said U.S. and Israeli forces had hit defence infrastructure and civilian sites in several cities, calling the attacks a violation of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The ministry urged the United Nations and the Security Council to act immediately, saying the strikes posed a threat to international peace and security. 

It also called on UN member states to condemn the attacks and take collective measures in response.

Washington has been increasing pressure on Tehran to agree to a new nuclear deal. President Trump said Friday he was “not happy” with Iran’s position in the ongoing talks.