United States (US) and Israeli forces carried out coordinated attacks on Iran early Saturday, describing the operation as a "pre-emptive" strike aimed at halting Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
Reports indicate that missiles struck multiple locations, including areas near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile launches targeting Israel and other parts of the Middle East.
President Donald Trump said in a social media video that the US had begun "major combat operations in Iran," citing issues over ongoing nuclear development and missile programmes capable of reaching US territory.
Lt Col Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesman, added that Iran had accelerated missile production, reportedly producing dozens of ballistic missiles per month, though no great hits were reported in Israel.
The Iranian Supreme National Security Council confirmed that its armed forces had "commenced a decisive response to these hostile acts."
Schools and universities were closed, but banks were instructed to continue operating.
It added that citizens were urged to avoid areas under attack, with government assurances that supplies of basic necessities had been arranged.
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The United Kingdom (UK) government, on the other hand, stated it was not involved in the strikes and urged caution to prevent further escalation.
A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and that is why we have continually supported efforts to reach a negotiated solution. Our immediate priority is the safety of UK nationals in the region, and we will provide consular assistance, available 24/7."
British travellers were warned against all travel to Israel, while embassies in Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE advised residents to shelter in place.
Germany was informed in advance about Israel’s operations, with officials consulting European partners and a crisis management team convening to monitor developments.
German citizens in Iran, Israel, and surrounding areas were urged to register with official systems and follow local authorities’ guidance.
Meanwhile, reports from Iraq suggest Iranian-backed militias had prepared contingency plans in case of an attack, targeting US forces and interests in northern Iraq and Jordan.
Iraqi militias, including Kataib Hezbollah, have warned of a prolonged "war of attrition" and cautioned the Kurdish regional government against cooperating with foreign forces.