Dubai, UAE. President Donald Trump said Saturday that the United States had begun “major combat operations in Iran,” confirming that American forces joined Israel in coordinated strikes targeting sites in Tehran, including an area near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as tensions over Iran’s nuclear program escalated sharply.

Iranian media reported strikes across the country, and smoke was seen rising from parts of the capital.

In a video posted on social media, Trump accused Tehran of continuing to advance its nuclear program and seeking missiles capable of reaching the United States. He urged Iranians to “take over your government,” and acknowledged the risk of American casualties, saying “that often happens in war.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the joint operation aimed to “remove an existential threat posed” by Iran.

“Our joint operation will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands,” Netanyahu said.

Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said it responded by launching a “first wave” of drones and missiles targeting Israel.

Strike Near Supreme Leader’s office

It was not immediately clear whether the 86-year-old Khamenei was present at the time of the strike. He has not appeared publicly in recent days as tensions with Washington intensified.

The attack comes as the United States has deployed fighter jets and warships to the region in an effort to pressure Iran over its nuclear program.

Iran says it has not enriched uranium since June but has blocked international inspectors from accessing sites hit during a previous 12-day conflict. Satellite images analyzed by The Associated Press show renewed activity at two of those locations, suggesting Iran may be assessing damage or attempting to recover materials.

Tehran maintains a self-imposed limit on its ballistic missile program, capping the range at 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles), putting much of the Middle East and parts of Eastern Europe within reach. There is no public evidence that Iran is pursuing intercontinental ballistic missiles, though Washington has criticized its space program as potentially providing that capability.

Explosions in Israel

Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard says it has launched its 'first wave' of drones and missiles targeting Israel.

Iran has vowed to respond if attacked, including saying American military personnel and bases spread across the region would be targets. Hours after the strikes on Iran, explosions rocked northern Israel as the country worked to intercept incoming Iranian missiles.

The blasts echoed just after the Israeli military said it would be using its air defense systems to bring down the Iranian fire. There was no immediate word on any damage or casualties from the ongoing attack.

Sirens also sounded in Jordan.

Several hospitals in Israel launched their emergency protocols, including moving patients and surgeries to underground facilities.

Blasts Heard in Tehran

Roads leading to Khamenei’s compound in central Tehran were closed as additional explosions echoed across the capital. Neighboring Iraq shut its airspace, according to its Ministry of Transport.

According to an official briefed on the operation, targets included Iranian military facilities, government sites and intelligence locations. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive details.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the strikes were carried out “to remove threats” but did not elaborate.

Trump has sought a deal to curb Iran’s nuclear program and appears to see an opening as Iran grapples with domestic unrest following nationwide protests. Iran says it wants to avoid war but insists on its right to enrich uranium and refuses to negotiate over its long-range missile program or support for armed groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.

Iranian state television acknowledged explosions near Khamenei’s office but did not provide details. Authorities have not released casualty figures.

Iran later shut its airspace, and mobile phone services were disrupted.

Houthis Threaten Red Sea Attacks

The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen said they would resume missile and drone attacks on Red Sea shipping and against Israel in support of Iran, according to two senior Houthi officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.

One official said an initial attack could come as soon as Saturday night.

The Houthis had halted attacks on shipping under a previous deal with the Trump administration that paused US strikes on the group. They also stopped attacks on Israel following an October ceasefire that ended major fighting in Gaza.

Add as a preferred source on Google +