The U.S. and Israel have initiated extensive military strikes against Iran, aiming to dismantle the nation's military power and force a regime change.

President Trump declared the start of "major combat operations" in a late-night video dispatch from Mar-a-Lago, precisely as his 10-day ultimatum to Tehran expired.

The Pentagon has named the campaign Operation Epic Fury. Israel refers to its joint involvement as Lion's Roar.

The primary targets include top-tier leadership and critical infrastructure.

Targeting Leadership: Israeli air forces directly targeted high-ranking Iranian political and military figures, explicitly including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, to topple the government's stability.

Airstrikes: Nationwide strikes have been reported by Iranian media, with plumes of smoke visible rising over the capital city of Tehran.

Tehran's response was immediate.

Regional Strikes: Iranian missiles targeted U.S. military installations across the Middle East, striking bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, and Jordan.

Casualty Report: Despite the barrage, a senior U.S. official confirmed there were no American casualties as of 6 a.m. ET.

Diplomatic Warning: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned neighboring Arab states against facilitating the allied strikes. He condemned the attacks as "a clear crime against international peace and security," promising that Iran would leverage "all its defensive and military capabilities" to fight back.

The massive assault follows a breakdown in recent nuclear negotiations and intense internal debate in Washington.

Failed Diplomacy: Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, recently concluded rounds of nuclear talks with Iran that failed to yield an agreement, occurring alongside a massive buildup of U.S. military power in the region.

Internal Divide: Trump's inner circle was divided on the aggressive approach. While hawkish allies like Sen. Lindsey Graham championed the move—declaring, "The end of the largest state sponsor of terrorism is upon us"—top military advisers like Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine privately cautioned the president against getting dragged into a lengthy conflict.