US and Israeli forces attacked targets in Iran at 1:00 am on Saturday morning. Explosions were heard in Tehran neighborhoods where senior government officials reside, including the Iranian Supreme Leader. The US also targeted military facilities throughout the country.
In response, Iran retaliated by launching waves of missiles at Israel and US military bases in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, and Jordan.
President Trump spoke about the military operation on social media. He cited Iran’s long history of terror sponsorship and dissatisfaction with negotiations between the US and Iran as the reasons behind these strikes. He also said that Iran’s nuclear and missile programs pose serious threats to US bases in the Middle East and Europe. In an effort to cause change in Iranian society, President Trump called on the Iranian people to seize this historic opportunity to rebel against their brutal government.
As these military operations continue, there is legitimate concern that Iran will resort to attacks on vital military and economic targets in neighboring countries and on international shipping in the Arabian Gulf. This will lead to a costly and protracted war with major international implications.