By Zoila Palma: Today, the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran with the first apparent attack reported near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, AP reports.
Iranian media said strikes were carried out nationwide, and smoke was seen rising from the capital.
President Donald Trump said in a video posted on social media that the U.S. had begun “major combat operations in Iran,” claiming Tehran continued developing its nuclear program and missiles capable of reaching the United States.
“A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people.
“Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world,” Trump stated.
Two people familiar with the operation, including a U.S. official, said Israeli strikes targeted members of Iran’s leadership, though it was not immediately clear whether those attacks were successful.
As the attacks unfolded, Iranian authorities took emergency measures in the capital. State news agency Islamic Republic News Agency reported that a major highway connecting Tehran to northern Iran was made one-way to handle heavy outbound traffic. Iran’s top national security body had earlier advised residents to consider leaving the city for their safety. In northern Tehran, supermarkets saw a rush of customers stocking up on bread and bottled water, though some essential items were unavailable. Long lines also formed at gas stations, and state television aired footage of severe congestion along Soleimani highway.
The strikes disrupted air travel across the Middle East and beyond.
Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar closed their airspace, while southern Syria also halted flights.
Aircraft bound for cities such as Tel Aviv and Dubai were diverted or returned to their departure points. Dubai’s airport operator said flights were halted indefinitely at Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest airport for international travel, and at Al Maktoum International Airport.
Airlines urged passengers to check flight statuses online, with many carriers canceling routes to and from parts of the region through Sunday or early next week.
International reaction was swift.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney voiced support for U.S. action aimed at preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, describing the Islamic Republic as a principal source of instability in the Middle East and urging Canadians in Iran to shelter in place.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes as a “preplanned and unprovoked act of armed aggression” and warned of possible humanitarian and economic catastrophe, calling for an immediate halt and a return to diplomacy.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer chaired an emergency meeting and reiterated that Britain was not involved in the strikes, stressing the need to avoid wider regional escalation.
The post International News: U.S. and Israel launch strikes on Iran as Trump announces ‘Major Combat Operations’ appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Today, the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran with the first apparent attack reported near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, AP reports. Iranian media said strikes were carried out nationwide, and smoke was seen rising from the capital. President Donald Trump said in a
The post International News: U.S. and Israel launch strikes on Iran as Trump announces ‘Major Combat Operations’ appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
