Middle East braces for escalation after joint strikes trigger Iranian missile attacks

The United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran on Saturday, targeting senior Iranian leaders and military sites in what Washington described as a major operation. The attack marks the most significant escalation in the long‑running confrontation between the countries. 

Reuters reported explosions in several Iranian cities as the strikes began, with targets hit across multiple regions. Iranian officials said senior Revolutionary Guard commanders and political figures were among those killed, though these claims could not be independently verified. 

Iran responded by firing missiles at Israel and at US military bases across the Gulf, including facilities in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. The attacks triggered air‑defence activity across the region and prompted airlines to cancel or reroute flights. 

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the strike was pre‑emptive and aimed at neutralising threats from Iran. The US said its objective was to degrade Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities. 

Iranian state media reported that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been moved to a secure location, and that he was expected to make a statement, though he had not appeared publicly by Saturday evening. 

The escalation comes after months of rising tensions and failed diplomatic efforts. Western governments have urged restraint, warning that the conflict could widen rapidly across the Middle East.

The situation remains fluid, with both sides signalling readiness for further action.