US joins Israel in major strikes on Iran as regional tensions escalate

The sound of explosions echoed through the Iranian capital of Tehran in the early hours of Saturday as a joint US-Israel military operation targeted key military installations. Israeli officials declared a "special and immediate" state of emergency nationwide, suspending educational activities and non-essential work as air raid sirens sounded across the country. According to Israeli Channel 12, the strikes were conducted jointly with the United States, marking a significant escalation in the long-running shadow war between the nations.

Diplomatic efforts overshadowed by attacks

The military action comes at a critical juncture in regional diplomacy, occurring just as Omani-mediated talks between Washington and Tehran showed signs of progress. Badr Albusaidi, Oman's Foreign Minister who has served as the primary mediator, met with US Vice President JD Vance on Friday. Following the meeting, Albusaidi posted on X, expressing optimism about the negotiations: "I am grateful for their engagement and look forward to further and decisive progress in the coming days. Peace is within our reach." The timing of the strikes has effectively derailed the ongoing diplomatic track regarding Iran's nuclear program.

Casualties reported among elite forces

Initial reports from Iranian news agencies indicate the strikes have inflicted significant casualties on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The ISNA news agency, citing a military source, reported that numerous IRGC personnel were killed or wounded in the first wave of attacks, including several key operational commanders. The Mehr news agency confirmed that explosions were not limited to Tehran, with successive strikes reported in the cities of Qom, Isfahan, Kermanshah, and Lorestan, suggesting a wide-ranging operational scope targeting Iran's military infrastructure.

Tehran warns of retaliation

In response to the attacks, Israeli media reported that senior Iranian officials within Tehran were specifically targeted, though their status remains unclear. Channel 12 further reported, citing security officials, that Israel is prepared for an initial four-day phase of intense joint operations against Iran. The Islamic Republic has already signaled its response. Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran's parliamentary National Security Committee, issued a stark warning on X, stating: "We warned you! Now you have started down a path which end is no longer in your control." The international community now watches closely as the region braces for potential further escalation between the two nations.