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Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel on Saturday in retaliation for the joint U.S.-Israeli military operation, triggering air raid sirens across northern Israel and interceptor fire, as U.S. President Donald Trump said U.S. forces are undertaking a "massive and ongoing operation" to destroy Iran's military apparatus.
The Israeli military confirmed that missiles had been launched from Iran toward Israel and said air defense systems were working to intercept them.
Sirens sounded across northern Israel as interceptor fire was heard.
In a statement, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards confirmed they had launched the first large-scale wave of missile and drone strikes against Israel.
In a video message released shortly after the strikes began, Trump described the military campaign as aimed at preventing Iran from threatening American lives and core national security interests.
"The United States military is undertaking a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America and our core national security interests," Trump said.
"We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground," he added.
Trump said Iran had been working to rebuild its nuclear program after last June's U.S. bombing of its nuclear facilities. "They rejected every opportunity to reach their nuclear ambitions, and we can't take it anymore," he stated.
The president acknowledged that American lives may be lost. "The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost and we may have casualties — that often happens in war — but we're doing this not for now. We're doing this for the future, and it is a noble mission," Trump said.
He said the U.S. had "taken every possible step to minimize the risk to U.S. personnel in the region."
The U.S. military is planning for several days of attacks, according to two sources.
In an extraordinary appeal to the Iranian people, Trump encouraged them to take over their government when U.S. military operations conclude.
"When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations," the president said.
"For many years, you have asked for America's help, but you never got it. No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. Now you have a president who is giving you what you want, so let's see how you respond," Trump added.
"America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force. Now is the time to seize control of your destiny and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close within your reach," he said. "This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass."
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Israel's Prime Minister's Office announced that the operation against Iran is named "Roaring Lion," following the "Rising Lion" operation during the 12-day war in June.
Israeli Channel 12 reported, citing a security official, that Israel is preparing for four days of intense joint attacks on Iran in the initial phase.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz had earlier announced a "pre-emptive attack" against Iran and declared a nationwide state of emergency, prohibiting educational activities, gatherings and workplaces, with only essential sectors exempted.
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Iran’s Interior Ministry called on the public to remain calm following Israeli and U.S. strikes on the country, issuing a formal statement addressing the attacks.
In its statement, the ministry said the "criminal enemy has once again violated international law and disrupted ongoing negotiations by launching an act of aggression against our beloved homeland."
The ministry said all available resources had been mobilized "to maintain public order, ensure societal tranquility, and provide essential services," adding that the interior minister had instructed governors nationwide to submit urgent situational reports while reinforcing previously issued emergency protocols.
The statement urged citizens to "maintain composure" and to manage both intra-city and intercity travel in light of current conditions.
The ministry also announced the establishment of a National Crisis Management Center to address potential disruptions and coordinate response efforts.
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