The United States and Israel have launched strikes on Iran, with Donald Trump confirming that “major combat operations” are in progress.
The Israel Defence Forces said Tehran has responded with retaliatory attacks. Trump also called on citizens there to rise against their leadership, saying the country could be “theirs to take” and describing the moment as a rare opportunity for political change.
Images circulating online show smoke billowing over Tehran, while explosions have reportedly been heard in at least five cities. Washington has intensified pressure in recent weeks to push for a new agreement over the nuclear programme, with Trump saying on Friday he was dissatisfied with the stance taken during negotiations.
Concerns remain heightened in the region, where memories of last June’s 12-day conflict — which significantly weakened Iranian air defences — are still fresh, according to a correspondent based in Tel Aviv for the BBC.
International media outlets often face visa restrictions that limit access to the country, making it difficult to independently verify developments on the ground.
