Iran retaliate to US strike as Trump confirms 'major combat operations'
Iran has retaliated after the Middle Eastern country was targeted by the US and Israel in a joint-strike operation.
Explosions were heard in cities across Iran today (28 February) after president Donald Trump confirmed that 'major combat operations' were underway.
The 'pre-emptive' strikes were also launched by Israel after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Iran an 'existential threat' to his country.
He thanked Trump in a statement: “My brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel, a short time ago, Israel and the United States embarked on an operation to remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran.
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“I thank our great friend, President Donald Trump, for his historic leadership.”
However, Iran has been quick to respond to this morning's attack, with the Israeli Defense Forces confirming that retaliatory strikes have now been launched towards Israel.
An IDF spokesperson said: “A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat.
“In the past few minutes, the Home Front Command has sent a precautionary directive directly to mobile phones in the relevant areas.
“The public is asked to act responsibly and follow the instructions – they save lives.
“Upon receiving an alert, the public is instructed to enter a protected space and remain there until further notice. Leaving a protected space is permitted only after receiving explicit instructions.
“The public is requested to continue acting in accordance with the Home Front Command’s guidelines.”
Trump, who also bombed Iran last year over fears about the nuclear weapons in the country, and also sent fighter jets to the country earlier this month, has now taken things one step further by suggesting that the US and Israel 'are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground'.
The joint attack will also aim to 'annihilate' Iran's navy, with Trump suggesting that Iran has rejected every opportunity to renounce its nuclear ambitions and continued to develop long range missiles that can threaten allies in Europe and soon the 'US homeland'.
The 79-year-old also urged Iranians to take over the government, while president Netanyahu hit out at the Ayatollah regime and the threats it has made against Israel and the US.
He said: For 47 years, the Ayatollah regime has been shouting 'Death to Israel,' 'Death to America.'
"It has spilled our blood, murdered many Americans, and massacred its own people. This murderous terrorist regime must not be armed with nuclear weapons that would allow it to threaten all of humanity. Our joint action will create the conditions for the courageous Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands.
"The time has come for all segments of the Iranian people - the Persians, the Kurds, the Azeris, the Baluchis, and the Ahwazis - to throw off the yoke of tyranny and bring about a free and peaceful Iran.
"I appeal to you, the citizens of Israel, to listen to the instructions of the Home Front Command. In the coming days, in Operation 'The Roar of the Lion,' we will all be required to have endurance and fortitude.
"Together we will stand, together we will fight, and together we will ensure the eternity of Israel."
Topics: Iran, Israel, Donald Trump, World News
James Moorhouse