Former President Donald Trump announced the start of what he called “major combat operations in Iran,” saying U.S. forces are now engaged alongside Israeli strikes. Israeli officials have said they launched a pre-emptive attack on Iranian targets, and U.S. participation in strikes has been reported in multiple accounts. Early assessments of damage and the impact on Iran’s nuclear program have been mixed, with some analysts saying setbacks may be measured in months and others warning fuller evaluations will take time.
The announcements follow a period of heightened exchanges between Israel and Iran, including targeted strikes and killings linked to Iran’s regional operations. International leaders and institutions have expressed concern about rapid escalation and called for de-escalation even as allies monitor the situation and gather intelligence. Civilian safety, regional spillover risks and the potential for broader conflict remain central concerns as assessments of the strikes continue.
