US-Israel Launch Major Strike on Iran as Trump Calls for Regime Change

Smoke is rising over Tehran's skyline. At 9:30 AM local time, explosions echoed across Iran as what President Donald Trump described as "massive and ongoing" military operations began.

Coordinated Strike Hits Multiple Iranian Cities

This wasn't a limited surgical strike. Explosions were reported simultaneously across Iran's major population centers—from the capital Tehran, where smoke was seen over Jomhouri and Hassan Abad squares, to the cities of Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. Iran immediately closed its airspace.

Trump confirmed US involvement via Truth Social, stating the objective was to "defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime" and "ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon." But his message went further, telling Iranian citizens: "When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations."

Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this regime-change rhetoric, calling on "all Iranian people to throw off the yoke of tyranny and bring about a free and peaceful Iran."

Iran Strikes Back as Conflict Spreads

Tehran's response was swift and multi-pronged. Israeli forces detected Iranian missiles heading toward Israel, with explosions heard in Haifa and other cities—though it's unclear whether these were impacts or successful interceptions. More concerning, Bahrain reported that the US Navy's 5th Fleet headquarters came under missile attack.

Israel has suspended civilian flights and warned citizens against gatherings or non-essential travel until Monday 8 PM. Bahrain sounded emergency sirens, urging residents to seek shelter.

Beyond Nuclear Negotiations to Military Action

This escalation follows weeks of failed negotiations over Iran's nuclear program. Israel's defense minister framed the strikes as "pre-emptive," suggesting intelligence of imminent Iranian action.

But the stakes extend far beyond bilateral conflict. Iran's potential retaliation could target Gulf oil infrastructure or attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz—a chokepoint for 20% of global oil transit. Regional allies like Saudi Arabia and the UAE now face difficult choices about involvement or neutrality.

The timing also matters. With Trump back in office and taking immediate military action, this signals a return to "maximum pressure" policies that could reshape Middle Eastern alliances and global energy markets.