US and Israel Launch Major Coordinated Strike on Iran

The United States and Israel carried out coordinated attacks on Iran early Saturday, sharply escalating tensions after weeks of stalled diplomacy and the largest American military buildup in the region since the Iraq war.

The strikes follow last June’s 12-day conflict, during which Washington joined Israel’s air campaign against Tehran’s nuclear facilities.

Although U.S. President Donald Trump had reportedly considered limited military options, sources told CNN that the latest operation was “not a small strike,” suggesting a significantly broader assault. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz said the attack was carried out “to remove threats,” according to the Associated Press.

Since early January, the U.S. has reinforced its Middle East presence, deploying two aircraft carriers, guided-missile destroyers, fighter jets, bombers, and advanced air-defense systems. Simultaneously, Trump sent envoys for indirect talks with Tehran, demanding a halt to uranium enrichment and its ballistic missile program.

While Trump had previously warned Iran over the killing of anti-regime protesters, recent statements have focused on concerns that Tehran is rebuilding its nuclear capabilities.

Saturday’s action marks a wider offensive compared to June’s strikes, which targeted only a few nuclear sites. The move comes despite appeals from several Arab allies urging restraint, amid warnings from Iran that any new attack would trigger stronger retaliation.

In Washington, the strikes drew swift criticism from some lawmakers who argued Congress was sidelined. “Acts of war unauthorized by Congress,” Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., wrote on X, questioning the administration’s authority to proceed.