US and Israel launch coordinated air strikes on Iran under Operation Lion’s Roar, prompting Tehran’s retaliation across the Middle East. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warn of regime change, escalating fears of regional war.
In a dramatic escalation that has shaken global geopolitics, the United States and Israel launched coordinated air attacks on Iran on Saturday under a joint military campaign dubbed Operation Lion’s Roar. The strikes triggered swift retaliation from Tehran and intensified fears of a wider regional war across the already volatile Middle East.
US President Donald Trump confirmed that American forces had initiated what he described as “major combat operations in Iran,” marking the second time in eight months that open warfare has erupted involving Iranian territory. The announcement signals one of the most serious military confrontations in the region in recent years.
In an eight-minute video statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump outlined the objectives of the military campaign. “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime,” he declared, describing Iran’s leadership as a “very wicked radical dictatorship.”
According to Trump, US forces targeted key Iranian military infrastructure, including missile systems, naval assets, and defense production facilities. “We are destroying their missiles. We are razing their missile industry to the ground. We are annihilating their navy,” he said, adding that Washington’s long-standing priority remains preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
“We will ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon. It’s a very simple lesson,” Trump emphasized, reiterating a policy that has defined US-Iran relations for decades.
Simultaneously, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Israel’s direct participation in the operation. In a nationally televised address, Netanyahu described Operation Lion’s Roar as a necessary step to eliminate what he termed an “existential threat” posed by Iran.
“For 47 years, the Ayatollahs’ regime has chanted ‘Death to Israel’ and ‘Death to America,’” Netanyahu said. “This murderous terrorist regime must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity.”
Netanyahu thanked President Trump for what he called “historic leadership,” underscoring the deep strategic alignment between Washington and Jerusalem. The Israeli leader framed the strikes not only as a defensive measure but also as a catalyst for political change within Iran.
“Our joint operation will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands,” he stated, directly appealing to various ethnic communities inside Iran, including Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Baloch, and Ahwazis. He urged them to rise against the ruling establishment, portraying the military campaign as paving the way for a freer and more democratic Iran.
Regional Retaliation and Escalation
Shortly after the coordinated strikes, Iranian state media reported retaliatory actions targeting US and Israeli interests across the Middle East. Missile launches and drone activity were reported near key military installations, while allied militia groups signaled readiness to escalate hostilities.
Tehran condemned the attacks as acts of aggression and vowed a “crushing response.” Iranian officials accused Washington and Tel Aviv of attempting to destabilize the region and undermine Iranian sovereignty.
The unfolding confrontation has raised alarms in global capitals, particularly given the Middle East’s strategic significance for global energy markets. Oil prices surged in early trading hours as investors reacted to the possibility of prolonged conflict in a region responsible for a substantial share of the world’s energy supply.
US Military Buildup and Strategic Calculations
The military action follows a month-long US buildup in the region, including the deployment of additional naval assets and air defense systems. The mobilization came after President Trump pledged support for anti-government protesters in Iran at the beginning of January.
In his address, Trump also issued a direct warning to Iran’s security forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. “Lay down your arms. You will be treated fairly with total immunity, or you will face certain death,” he warned, signaling a dramatic attempt to pressure Iran’s military leadership.
The US President further appealed to the Iranian public, urging civilians to remain indoors during the strikes. “To the great, proud people of Iran, the hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered. Don’t leave your home. It’s very dangerous outside,” Trump said, framing the military campaign as an unprecedented opportunity for regime change.
“When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations,” he added.
Global Implications and Uncertain Future
The joint US-Israeli offensive represents one of the most consequential military developments in the Middle East in recent memory. Analysts warn that the situation could rapidly spiral into a broader regional conflict involving proxy groups and allied states.
Iran maintains influence through allied factions in multiple countries, and any sustained military confrontation could destabilize neighboring states. The risk of disruption to shipping lanes and energy infrastructure further amplifies the potential global economic fallout.
Diplomatic channels appear strained, with emergency sessions reportedly being considered at international forums. Several nations have called for restraint, warning that further escalation could ignite a protracted war with unpredictable consequences.
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For now, the Middle East stands on edge. With airstrikes ongoing and retaliatory actions unfolding, the possibility of a prolonged confrontation looms large. Whether Operation Lion’s Roar achieves its stated objectives or triggers a broader regional war remains uncertain.
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What is clear is that the coordinated assault by the United States and Israel has dramatically altered the geopolitical landscape, ushering in a new and highly volatile chapter in Middle Eastern history.
