In a dramatic escalation of long-standing tensions, the United States and Israel launched coordinated military operations against Iran on Saturday, plunging the Middle East into renewed conflict and further jeopardizing diplomatic efforts regarding Tehran’s nuclear program. This marks the second time in less than a year that Israel has attacked Iran, leading to an all-out war, following a 12-day conflict last June.

US President Donald Trump justified the combined military operation, stating its objective was to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, which he described as a "vicious group of very hard, terrible people." Trump highlighted Iran's "menacing activities" that directly endanger the United States, its troops, overseas bases, and allies. He referenced a 47-year history of the Iranian regime chanting ‘Death to America’ and waging campaigns of "bloodshed and mass murder," citing past incidents such as the 1979 takeover of the US embassy in Tehran, the 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Beirut, and the 2000 attack on the USS Cole. Trump also accused Iran of backing militant groups like Hamas, attributing the October 7th attacks on Israel, which killed over 1,000 innocent people including 46 Americans, to Iran's proxy. He reaffirmed the long-standing US policy that Iran "can never have a nuclear weapon." Trump also referenced "Operation Midnight Hammer," a campaign his administration launched in June to destroy Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, asserting that Iran rejected opportunities to renounce its nuclear ambitions. He warned Iranian military and security personnel to lay down their weapons for immunity or face "certain death" and urged Iranian civilians to overthrow their government.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Israel had launched a "pre-emptive attack" against Iran to "remove threats against the State of Israel." The operation, planned for months in coordination with Washington, saw explosions reported in Tehran and sirens sounding across Israel. The Israeli military announced the closure of schools and workplaces, with exceptions for essential sectors, and a ban on public airspace, advising citizens to seek shelter.

Iran promptly retaliated against the American and Israeli strikes by firing missiles and drones at Israel, as well as US bases in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE. Iran’s IRGC confirmed these launches. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran accused the United States and Israel (referred to as the "Zionist regime") of "criminal military aggression" and a "clear breach of international peace and security." Iran stated that these attacks violated its territorial integrity and national sovereignty, including defensive infrastructure and non-military locations, despite ongoing diplomatic discussions between Iran and the US. Citing Article 51 of the UN Charter, Iran asserted its legitimate right to self-defense and vowed a "crushing retaliation," with its armed forces "fully prepared to defend the country and will make aggressors regret their actions."

The escalating situation forced many Gulf countries, including Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE, to close their airspace, grounding hundreds of flights worldwide. Bahrain confirmed that the headquarters of the US Navy’s 5th Fleet was targeted by a missile attack, while Qatar’s Defence Ministry reported an Iranian missile intercepted by the Patriot defense system. Explosions were also heard in Abu Dhabi, UAE. US embassies in Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE, and Israel issued urgent advisories for American citizens to shelter in place. Many countries, including the US, China, and the UK, asked their citizens to leave Iran and Israel amidst fears of a wider war.

International reactions to the conflict were swift and largely condemnatory of the escalation. Russia strongly condemned the US and Israel, describing their actions as a "premeditated and unprovoked act of armed aggression" carried out "under the guise of diplomacy." Moscow accused Washington and Tel Aviv of deliberately escalating tensions and offered to assist in mediating peaceful solutions.

The African Union (AU) expressed deep concern, with Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf calling the development a "dangerous escalation" that risks intensifying regional volatility and global instability. The AU urged all parties to exercise restraint, pursue immediate de-escalation, and adhere strictly to international law and the UN Charter. It warned of severe implications for energy markets, food security, and economic resilience, particularly in Africa, and supported ongoing mediation efforts, notably those facilitated by the Sultanate of Oman.

French President Emmanuel Macron warned of "grave consequences for international peace and security," stressing the need for an immediate diplomatic response. France took precautionary measures to safeguard its citizens and interests, stood ready to support allies, and pushed for an emergency session of the UN Security Council. Macron also urged Iran to engage constructively on its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and criticized the Iranian leadership, stating that "massacres committed by the Islamic regime disqualify it and demand that the voice be returned to the people."

The United Kingdom advised its citizens in Gulf states to shelter in secure locations and temporarily withdrew diplomatic staff from Iran due to deteriorating security. While not participating in the strikes, the UK reinforced its defensive capabilities in the region and reiterated its stance that Iran must never develop nuclear weapons, emphasizing commitment to negotiated solutions. Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened an emergency COBRA national security meeting to coordinate Britain’s response.

The European Union also labeled the developments as "greatly concerning," urging maximum restraint, civilian protection, and respect for international law, underscoring that diplomatic solutions remain crucial to prevent a wider Middle East war. The attacks occurred despite indirect discussions between Iran and the US regarding Iran’s nuclear program, which Oman’s Foreign Minister, Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, had recently mediated, expressing belief that issues could be resolved amicably. The US had been building up military forces in the Middle East for weeks, deploying dozens of fighter planes, bombers, and ships in preparation for the attack, despite calls for caution from world leaders.