Middle East On Edge: Tehran Targeted, Iran Retaliates With Drones on Israel; Explosions Reported in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Riyadh
News Flash Desk: In a dramatic escalation that threatens to redraw the geopolitical map of the Middle East, the United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes across Iran on Saturday, targeting key military and strategic installations in and around the capital, Tehran.
Addressing the crisis, US President Donald Trump issued a direct appeal to the Iranian people, urging them to “take over your government,” a statement widely interpreted by analysts as an unprecedented call for regime change in the Islamic Republic.
The development marks one of the most serious confrontations between Washington, Tel Aviv and Tehran in decades, raising fears of a broader regional war.
Initial Strikes Target Supreme Leader’s Compound
According to regional media reports and international wire agencies, the first wave of strikes appeared to target the compound believed to house Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in central Tehran. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising over the city skyline.
It was not immediately confirmed whether Ali Khamenei, 86, was present at the location during the attack. Iranian state media has yet to release details regarding casualties or damage assessment.
Security sources indicated that the strikes were part of what Israeli officials described as a “broad military operation” aimed at degrading Iran’s military infrastructure.
Israel Issues Evacuation Warning Across Iran
The Israel Defense Forces issued a public advisory in Farsi on its official X account, warning civilians located near weapons factories and military facilities to evacuate immediately.
“To all individuals who are inside or in the vicinity of military weapons production factories and military infrastructure facilities across Iran: You are located near weapons and military facilities that are considered dangerous. For your safety and well-being, we urge you to immediately evacuate these areas and remain outside of them until further notice,” the statement read.
The advisory signals that further strikes may be imminent.
Iran Retaliates With Drones and Missiles
Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed it launched a “first wave” of drones and missiles toward Israel in response.
Israeli authorities declared a nationwide alert as air defence systems intercepted incoming projectiles. The Israeli military claimed it successfully neutralised multiple threats, though independent confirmation is awaited.
The conflict rapidly spilled beyond Iranian territory.
Gulf Region Shaken by Explosions
Authorities in Bahrain confirmed that a missile targeted the US Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters stationed in the island kingdom. Sirens and loud explosions were reported across the capital.
Witnesses in Kuwait, home to US Army Central Command, also reported hearing multiple blasts. Similar explosions were reported in Qatar.
AFP correspondents in Riyadh said loud explosions echoed across the Saudi capital following Iran’s vow of retaliation.
In response to the deteriorating security environment, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates temporarily closed their airspace. Air-raid sirens were also heard in Jordan, indicating heightened regional alert.
Russia Slams US Action
Russia’s former president Dmitry Medvedev, currently Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, criticized Washington’s move.
“The peacemaker has shown its true face once again. All the talks with Iran were just a cover. No one ever doubted that. Nobody was interested in negotiating anything in particular,” Medvedev said on Telegram.
His remarks signal possible diplomatic fallout between Moscow and Washington, further complicating global power alignments.
Global Tensions Soar
With military installations across multiple countries now involved and airspace closures disrupting civilian aviation, the crisis threatens to spiral into a full-scale regional confrontation. Oil markets, global shipping lanes and diplomatic channels are expected to react sharply as developments unfold.
International observers warn that any further escalation could have lasting geopolitical and economic consequences far beyond the Middle East.
