US and Israel Conduct Joint Military Strikes on Iran Amid Rising Tensions

The United States and Israel initiated coordinated military strikes on Iran, with the first attack occurring near the Tehran offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian media reported multiple strikes nationwide, with visible smoke rising from the capital.

US President Donald Trump announced the commencement of "major combat operations in Iran," citing concerns over Iran's nuclear program and missile development. He urged the Iranian populace to "take over your government — it will be yours to take." Acknowledging potential American casualties, Trump stated, "that often happens in war."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the joint operation as an effort to "remove an existential threat posed" by Iran. He expressed hope that the action would enable "the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands."

In response, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard launched a "first wave" of drones and missiles targeting Israel. Explosions were reported in northern Israel as the country activated its air defense systems to intercept incoming attacks. Several Israeli hospitals implemented emergency protocols, relocating patients and surgeries to underground facilities.

New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters stated that the government is "monitoring the military strikes in the Middle East closely" and advised New Zealanders in Iran or Israel to "shelter in place — or leave if safe to do so."

The status of the 86-year-old Khamenei during the strikes remains unclear, as he has not been seen publicly in recent days amid escalating tensions with the United States. The attacks coincide with a significant US military presence in the region aimed at pressuring Iran over its nuclear program.

Iran has claimed a halt in uranium enrichment since June but has restricted international inspectors from accessing sites targeted during a previous conflict. Satellite imagery analyzed by the Associated Press indicates new activity at two such sites, suggesting potential recovery efforts.

Iran maintains a self-imposed limit on its ballistic missile program, capping their range at 2,000 kilometers, encompassing the Middle East and parts of Eastern Europe. While there is no public evidence of Iran pursuing intercontinental ballistic missiles, Washington has expressed concerns over its space program's potential military applications.

Iran has vowed retaliation if attacked, including targeting American military personnel and bases across the region. Following the strikes, explosions were reported in northern Israel as the country worked to intercept incoming Iranian missiles. Sirens also sounded in Jordan.

Neighboring Iraq closed its airspace, according to the Ministry of Transport. The Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen have vowed to resume missile and drone attacks on Red Sea shipping routes and on Israel in support of Iran, according to two senior Houthi officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade advised New Zealanders in the Middle East to monitor local media for updates and follow the advice of local authorities, noting that transportation, particularly flights, may be disrupted at short notice.