U.S. and Israel strike Iran as air raid sirens sound in Jerusalem and explosions hit Tehran
The overnight developments come as both countries increase military operations against Iranian targets.
(NBC)- Air raid sirens sounded across Jerusalem and explosions rocked Tehran as the United States and Israel traded strikes with Iran, marking a dangerous escalation in the conflict that is now drawing global attention.
The overnight developments come as both countries increase military operations against Iranian targets. U.S. officials say the strikes are aimed at weakening Iran’s military capabilities and preventing the country from developing a nuclear weapon.
President Donald Trump defended the decision to launch strikes, arguing the action was necessary to stop Iran from advancing its nuclear program.
“Their missiles are being wiped out rapidly,” Trump said, adding that allowing hostile governments to obtain nuclear weapons could lead to catastrophic consequences.
The White House says the military campaign could expand, signaling that larger waves of strikes may be coming. Pentagon officials have described the operations as part of a broader effort to dismantle Iran’s missile capabilities and reduce the threat to U.S. allies in the region, including Israel.
However, the administration is facing growing criticism in Congress. Some lawmakers pushed a resolution to limit the president’s war powers and require congressional approval for further military action against Iran. Senate Republicans ultimately voted down the measure.
New reporting also reveals that Israel’s prime minister contacted President Trump days before the strikes, informing him that Iran’s supreme leader would be meeting with senior advisors, presenting what Israeli officials described as a potential opportunity to target Iran’s leadership.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the information influenced the timing of the operation but was not the sole factor behind the president’s decision.
Administration officials also point to the collapse of nuclear negotiations with Iran last week and intelligence assessments suggesting Iran could launch its own attack as reasons for the escalation.
The conflict has already taken a deadly toll on U.S. forces. Six American service members were killed in Iranian counter-strikes targeting U.S. positions in Kuwait, where they had been stationed.
Among those killed was 20-year-old Sergeant Declan Coady. His family says the loss has left them devastated.
“I just wish he could have known one more time that we loved him because he was so amazing and kind,” said his sister, Keira Coady.
New polling from NBC News shows a majority of Americans disapprove of the president’s handling of the Iran situation, highlighting the political pressure building in Washington as the conflict intensifies.
Meanwhile, Americans across the Middle East are working to reach safety as tensions rise. The administration says it is coordinating assistance to help U.S. citizens evacuate dangerous areas if necessary.
