In a sharp rise in tensions in the Middle East, Israel and the United States have begun a joint military operation targeting Iran. The move has been described by both countries as an effort to remove what they call an existential threat posed by the Iranian regime. The announcement came through public statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), and US President Donald Trump, who confirmed that strikes had already been carried out on Iranian targets.

In a public address to the people of Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the operation had started shortly before his speech. He said, "My brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel, just an hour ago, Israel and the United States embarked on an operation to remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran." He described the Iranian leadership as hostile and dangerous, saying it had shown long-standing hatred toward both Israel and the United States.

Netanyahu thanked US President Donald Trump for supporting the move and called his role historic. He said, "I thank our great friend, President Donald Trump for his historic leadership. For 47 years, the Ayatollah regime has called for 'Death to Israel' and 'Death to America.' It has spilled our blood, murdered many Americans, and massacred its own people. This murderous terrorist regime must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity. Our joint action will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands."

Netanyahu also directly addressed the people of Iran in his speech. He urged different ethnic groups within the country to rise against the current leadership. He said, "The time has come for all segments of the people in Iran - the Persians, the Kurds, the Azeris, the Balochis, and the Ahwazis - to rid themselves of the yoke of tyranny and bring about a free and peace-seeking Iran." His remarks suggested that Israel sees the operation not only as a military step but also as a push for political change within Iran.

The Israel Defence Forces earlier announced that the strikes were part of a mission named OPERATION ROARING LION. According to the IDF, the goal is to remove the threat to Israel over time by weakening what it called the Iranian terrorist regime.

In its statement, the IDF said, "The IDF and the U.S Armed Forces have launched a broad & joint operation to thoroughly degrade the Iranian terrorist regime and to remove existential threats to Israel over time. The Iranian regime has not abandoned its plan to destroy Israel. The regime has continued financing, training, and arming its proxies positioned on Israel's borders. These actions constitute an existential threat to Israel and pose a danger to the Middle East and the world as a whole." The statement made clear that Israel believes Iran has continued to support armed groups near its borders and has not given up on its aim to destroy the country.

US President Donald Trump also made strong remarks about the situation. In a televised address on Truth Social, he confirmed that American forces were involved in strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. He directly addressed members of Iran’s security forces and warned them to surrender. He said, "To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces, and all of the police, I say tonight that you must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity, or, in the alternative, face certain death. So, lay down your arms, you will be treated fairly with total immunity, or you will face certain death." Trump described the moment as an opportunity for change within Iran. Declaring that the "hour of your freedom is at hand," he urged Iranian citizens to stay safe as "bombs will be dropping everywhere." He framed the military action as a historic chance for the Iranian people to "take over" their government.

The joint strikes come after weeks of tense nuclear negotiations and rising military activity in the region. There had already been signs of growing confrontation between Iran on one side and Israel and the United States on the other. While officials have not yet shared full details about the damage caused or the complete scope of the operation, the launch of this coordinated attack marks a major step in the ongoing conflict. The situation remains serious, and its wider impact on the Middle East and the world is still being assessed.