The Iran Israel missile escalation intensified after former defence minister Yoav Gallant voiced support for joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. He posted “Good luck” in Hebrew and English on X, alongside Israeli and American flags. A photo showed him addressing Israeli Air Force personnel inside a hangar, with an F-15 fighter jet behind him.
Meanwhile, explosions rocked Tehran and other Iranian cities. US President Donald Trump announced the start of “major combat operations” targeting Iran’s military infrastructure. He described the action as necessary to counter Tehran’s missile and nuclear ambitions. In a video message, he vowed to destroy Iran’s missile industry and naval forces.
In response, Iran launched missiles toward Israel, triggering air raid sirens across major cities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes aimed to remove an existential threat. He added that the operation could empower Iranians to shape their future.
Ahead of the assault, Washington expanded its military footprint in the region. The USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS Gerald R. Ford deployed with accompanying destroyers. Thousands of additional troops, fighter jets, and support aircraft also moved into the Middle East, strengthening US readiness.
