I will explain the unfolding report of U.S. and Israeli strikes in Iran, relay President Trump’s confirmation, summarize on-the-ground signals from Iran and Israel, preserve direct statements from officials, and note continuing developments and reactions.

UPDATED: President Trump Confirms ‘Major Combat Operation’ in Iran

UPDATED 2:53 AM EST

Reports from defense correspondents indicate Iranian air defenses are degrading, and the likelihood now is that any immediate retaliation will come through proxies rather than centralized Iranian missile volleys. Those observations come amid fast-moving battlefield signals and a flurry of intelligence reports that track launches and air defense performance. The operational picture is still being assembled as munition impacts and radar tracks are validated.

UPDATED 2:40 AM EST

President Trump confirmed that “major combat operations” are underway in Iran in a brief video address, framing the action as a defensive necessity. He stressed the scale and intent in stark, direct language, emphasizing the protection of Americans and allied forces abroad. This statement shifts the narrative from isolated strikes to a coordinated campaign with clear political backing at the highest level.

“Our objective is to the defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people. Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas and our allies throughout the world.”

ORIGINAL STORY, 2:13 AM EST

Initial accounts say Israeli and U.S. forces struck targets inside Iran, with one impact reported near offices tied to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Military analysts on the scene reported munitions and strike signatures that suggest precision targeting of high-value infrastructure. If verified, such a strike near senior leadership facilities marks a major escalation in reach and intent.

Official statements from Israel made clear the operation was framed as preemptive, intended to eliminate threats the Israeli government says were directed at its territory and citizens. The strike posture warned of expected missile and drone launches in short order and imposed emergency civil protections at home. Israeli civil defense orders called on citizens to follow Home Front Command guidance and stay in protected areas when instructed.

The Israeli government :

The State of Israel has launched a preemptive attack against Iran

Israel’s Minister of Defense, Israel Katz, declares a special and immediate state of emergency throughout the state.

The State of Israel has initiated a preemptive attack against Iran to remove threats directed against the State of Israel.

As a result, missile and drone launches against the State of Israel and its civilian population are expected in the very near term.

Therefore, pursuant to his authority under the Civil Defense Law, Minister of Defense Israel Katz has now signed a special order mandating the imposition of a special state of emergency in the Home Front throughout the State of Israel, effective immediately.

The instructions of the Home Front Command and the authorities must be followed, and individuals must remain in protected areas.

On the ground in Iran, civilians and local observers described the strikes as a message that the United States is directly engaged and supportive of Israel’s right to defend itself. Social and traditional media reports from the region conveyed shock, concern, and, in some quarters, a belief that outside powers were signaling a new level of involvement. Analysts warn that civilian perception now matters as much as military effects when it comes to shaping regime behavior and international response.

This is a breaking story; updates will be provided as they’re available.

Conservative commentary on this development stresses that decisive action against regimes that threaten American lives and interests is necessary and long overdue. From this perspective, moves that degrade Iran’s ability to project violence through proxies and direct strikes are framed as restoring deterrence. The emphasis is on protecting citizens, service members, and partners while keeping the strategic initiative against malign actors who have used asymmetrical methods for years.

With information still coming in, caution is warranted but so is clarity: targeted military pressure aims to reduce future threats, not to provoke uncontrolled escalation. Officials will be watching proxy movements, missile launches, and regional alliances for signs of a wider conflagration. Expect diplomatic activity to ramp up fast as allies and partners weigh public and classified details of the operation.