In a significant escalation of tensions, former US President Donald Trump has confirmed that the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran overnight. The operation, described as "major combat operations" by Trump, targeted Iranian military installations with the stated goal of crippling its capabilities and preventing the nation from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Details of the Attack and Retaliation
Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, stated that his country initiated a "preventative attack" against Iran to remove perceived threats. The US participated in these strikes, conducting dozens of attacks across Iranian territory. In response, Iran retaliated by launching strikes against Israeli and US military targets throughout the Middle East, heightening fears of a broader regional conflict.
Casualties and Airspace Closures
According to two US officials, there have been no reported American casualties from Iran's retaliatory strikes, which targeted US military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, the UAE, and Qatar. However, the conflict has led to significant disruptions in air travel, with eight countries in the Middle East closing their airspace. This has resulted in multiple UK flights being turned back and grounded, including reports of cancellations, delays, and packed airlines at Heathrow. For instance, Qatar Airways flights were called back to the terminal while taxiing to runways as news of the conflict broke.
Regional and Global Implications
The strikes have sparked widespread concern over potential escalation, with some observers fearing the outbreak of a larger war. The closure of airspace across the region has caused chaos for international travel, affecting flights from major hubs like Dubai. As tensions mount, the situation remains fluid, with ongoing developments likely to impact global security and diplomatic relations.
