The United States and Israel carried out coordinated strikes on Iran Saturday, with President Trump urging the Iranian people to “seize control of your destiny” from the Islamic leadership that has governed the country since 1979.
Early reports indicated areas near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were hit, as Iranian media described attacks nationwide and smoke rising over the capital.
“When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations,” President Trump said. “For many years, you have asked for America’s help, but you never got it.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation would “create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands.”
Iran responded with a broad retaliatory campaign, launching missiles at Israel and directing ballistic missiles and drones at U.S. military bases across the Arabian Peninsula. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared American bases and interests in the region within its operational range, widening the conflict across the Gulf.
Saudi Arabia condemned the Iranian attacks on its neighbors, declaring full solidarity with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan and pledging to make all its resources available to support them against continued aggression and violations of their sovereignty.
