The United States has reportedly begun military strikes on Iran, according to multiple US media outlets on Saturday.
The action follows Israel’s announcement that it had launched attacks on its long-time regional adversary.
Citing American officials, the reports said Washington is conducting the strikes in coordination with Israel, which also confirmed carrying out strikes and temporarily closing its airspace.
In response to the escalating situation, the US embassy in Qatar issued a shelter-in-place order for its personnel. The Pentagon has not immediately commented on the reports.
US President Donald Trump described the joint US-Israeli operations as an effort to “eliminate imminent threats from the Iranian regime.” On his Truth Social account, he stated, “A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran.
“Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people. Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world.”