Israel attacks Iran Image:Republic
‘Operation Epic Fury’ is the code name for the strikes launched by the US and Israel against Iran on Saturday. This attack took place just days after US President Donald Trump gave Iran a 10-day ultimatum to finalize the nuclear deal.
President Donald Trump announced the operation against Iran, claiming that its purpose was to protect the American people and eliminate threats coming from the Iranian regime. The Pentagon officially called this operation ‘Operation Epic Fury’. Meanwhile, Israel did its part called ‘Operation Lion’s Roar’.
In a video message, Trump said, “Bombs will be falling everywhere. When we’re finished, take over your government. It will be yours. It may be your only chance for generations.”
“We will make sure Iran does not get nuclear weapons.”
The aim is to destroy Iran’s nuclear program
Trump further said that he will no longer tolerate Iran’s actions. These attacks are being carried out after months of planning amid tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missiles.
Trump cited previous US action last summer to destroy Iranian nuclear sites. Iran has denied attempting nuclear weapons.
How did the attacks start?
The US and Israel attacked Iran on Saturday, with the first strike near the office of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian media reported attacks across the country, and smoke could be seen rising from the capital. President Donald Trump said in a video posted on social media that the US has started major combat operations in Iran.
It was also not immediately clear whether 86-year-old Khamenei was in his office at that time or not. He has not been seen for several days due to increasing tensions with America. Let us tell you that this attack has happened at a time when America has gathered a large fleet of fighter jets and warships in this area to put pressure on Iran for a deal regarding its nuclear program.
The Israeli military says that about 200 fighter jets were involved in the initial attack on Iran. Nearly 500 targets were hit in the attack, which included air defense and missile launchers. The Israeli military said it was the largest “military flyover” in the history of its air force.
Iran also launched a fierce retaliatory attack
The growing conflict in the Middle East took a major turn when Iran retaliated by targeting American military bases following the joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran.
Reports said the missile was intercepted over Abu Dhabi, and explosions were heard over the UAE capital and elsewhere in the Gulf. Amid claims of major attacks, more reports of missile impacts and explosions emerged in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Iran’s attack on these 7 countries
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Al-Dhafra Air Base in the UAE and the US Naval Base in Bahrain were targeted. According to Iranian state media, Muwaffaq al-Salti air base in Jordan and a US base in northern Iraq were also targeted.
According to an outlet affiliated with the IRGC, Iran fired dozens of ballistic missiles toward Israel. Israel said about 40 ballistic missiles were fired by noon local time.
Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz
An official with the European Union’s naval mission said Saturday that the ships were receiving VHF transmissions from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards saying no ships were allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Let us tell you that this strait is the world’s most important oil export route, which connects the largest Gulf oil producers like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
Also read: Amidst major attacks on Iran, attack on the backbone of oil supply, IRGC closed the Strait of Hormuz; Will India be affected?