Joint Operation Hits Tehran, Minab and Southern Regions; Trump Urges Iranians to Rise Against Islamic Leadership, Gulf Tensions Escalate
Tehran: At least 40 people, including students, were killed in a series of coordinated airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel across multiple locations in Iran, according to reports from the Fars News Agency and other Iranian media outlets.
Read Also: US–Israel Launch Massive Strikes on Iran; Trump Urges Regime Change as Missiles Rock Gulf Region
Schools and Key Military Installations Hit
Iranian media stated that several educational institutions in southern provinces were among the targets, leading to civilian casualties, including students. However, independent verification of casualty figures is awaited.
Heavy bombardment was also reported in Minab, described as a key base of Iran’s paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
In the capital, Tehran was reportedly engulfed in smoke following intense explosions. Initial strikes allegedly focused on areas surrounding the offices of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with reports claiming significant destruction. Officials have not confirmed whether Khamenei was present at the targeted location.
The attacks come amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, with US warships having deployed to nearby waters in recent weeks.
Trump Calls for Uprising Against Islamic Leadership
Following the strikes, US President Donald Trump publicly appealed to the Iranian people, urging them to “stand up against the Islamic leadership that has ruled the country since 1979.”
His remarks were widely interpreted as a call for regime change, intensifying diplomatic fallout and drawing sharp criticism from Tehran and its allies.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the joint operation, stating:
“Our joint operation will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their future into their own hands.”
Retaliation Targets US Installations in Gulf
In the aftermath of the strikes, retaliatory attacks were reported against US military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, according to regional media sources. Explosions and air defence activity were reported in parts of the Gulf.
As tensions mounted, the United Arab Emirates and Iraq temporarily closed their airspace as a precautionary measure.
Iran Vows Strong Response
Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued a stern statement, declaring that the country “will not hesitate in its response.” Officials characterized the airstrikes as a violation of sovereignty and warned of consequences.
The rapidly deteriorating situation has raised concerns of a full-scale regional confrontation involving multiple state actors, with global markets and diplomatic channels closely monitoring developments.
