Newsletters
Iran experienced a near-total internet blackout Saturday as joint U.S.-Israeli strikes intensified across the country, while Iran launched a second wave of ballistic missiles at Israel and the Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) mounted a large-scale missile and drone offensive against what it called "occupied territories."
Internet watchdog NetBlocks confirmed that Iranian connectivity dropped to 4% of normal levels. "Iran is now in the mid of a near-total internet blackout," NetBlocks stated.
"The incident comes amid U.S. and Israeli combat operations and matches measures used during last year's war with Israel."
Cyberattacks also targeted multiple Iranian news sites and local apps, including state news agency IRNA, which reported disruptions to its own website and other portals.
Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported that a new wave of ballistic missiles was fired at Israel. The Israeli military confirmed detecting the second missile launch and said it was working to intercept.
The Revolutionary Guard launched what was described as a large-scale missile and drone offensive against "occupied territories" in response to the U.S.-Israeli strikes.
Air raid sirens sounded across northern Israel and Jerusalem as Iran's retaliatory strikes continued. The Israeli military issued repeated warnings for civilians to remain in protected spaces.
"Another barrage has been launched toward the State of Israel. You are requested to continue following Home Front Command instructions and remain in a protected space until an official announcement is made," the Israeli army spokesperson said, emphasizing that the public should not publish or share locations or footage of impacts.
Iranian state television said in a brief statement that "Iran is preparing a harsh response to Israel."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation Saturday, revealing the full objectives of Operation "Lion's Roar": overthrow of the Iranian regime, elimination of the nuclear program, and elimination of the missile threat.
"My brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel, a short while ago, Israel and the United States launched an operation to remove the existential threat posed by the terror regime in Iran," Netanyahu stated.
"We must not allow this murderous terror regime to arm itself with nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity," he said, thanking Trump for his "historic leadership."
Netanyahu said the joint operation would "create the conditions for the brave people of Iran to take their destiny into their own hands."
"The time has come for all parts of the Iranian nation—Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Baluchis, and Ahvazis—to cast off the yoke of tyranny and bring about a free and peace-seeking Iran," Netanyahu noted.
He called on Israeli citizens to follow Home Front Command instructions. "In the coming days, during Operation Lion's Roar, we will all need patience and fortitude," he said.
Strikes targeted Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, Tabriz, Bushehr, Kermanshah, Ilam and other cities across Iran. Fars News Agency reported missiles hit University Street and the Republic area in central Tehran.
Tehran hospitals were placed on alert and ambulances were dispatched to central areas of the capital. Initial strikes killed and wounded numerous Revolutionary Guard personnel, ISNA reported.
Israeli media said Iran's Chief of General Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi was among the targets.
Both Israel and Iran closed their airspace. Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency with sirens sounding across the country as civilians were directed to shelters ahead of Iranian counter-strikes.
Iranians could not access the internet as the blackout took effect, matching the communication shutdown imposed during last year's 12-day war with Israel and the January crackdown on anti-government protests.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
3 min read
