WASHINGTON (WDNews) — The United States and Israel launched a major military strike on Iran Saturday, escalating tensions across the Middle East.
President Donald Trump called on the Iranian public to “seize control of your destiny,” urging citizens to rise up against the Islamic leadership that has ruled the nation since 1979.
The strikes mark the second time in eight months that the Trump administration has used military force against Iran.
Initial reports indicated some of the first strikes targeted areas near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. Iranian state media reported strikes across multiple locations nationwide, and smoke was seen rising from parts of the capital. It was not immediately clear whether the 86-year-old leader was present at the time.
As of this writing, reports indicate approximately 85 casualties, allegedly students in Iran at a school.
Iran retaliated hours later by launching missiles and drones toward Israel and U.S. military bases in the region.
President Trump has referred to the U.S. operation as “Epic Fury,” while Israeli officials have called their mission “Roaring Lion.”
The situation remains fluid.
