Tehran Says It Will Not Hesitate to Act
DUBAI: Iran’s Foreign Ministry declared on Saturday that the country “will not hesitate” in responding to joint military strikes launched by the United States and Israel.
In a statement posted on X, the ministry said, “The time has come to defend the homeland and confront the enemy’s military assault,” signaling Tehran’s intent to retaliate following the coordinated attacks.
Iran Vows Response After US-Israel Strikes
Earlier Saturday, Washington and Jerusalem confirmed the launch of what they described as a major operation targeting military and nuclear-related sites across Iran. The strikes marked one of the most significant escalations in decades of hostility between Iran and its Western adversaries.
US President Donald Trump addressed the situation in a video message shared on social media, defending the decision to strike and sharply criticizing Iran’s leadership. He alleged that the Iranian government had waged a prolonged campaign of hostility against the United States and its allies.
Trump Urges Iranians to ‘Take Over’ Government
“For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted Death to America and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder, targeting the United States, our troops and the innocent people in many, many countries,” Trump said in the video.
In an extraordinary appeal, the US president called on the Iranian people to “take over your government,” suggesting that the military action could signal broader objectives beyond immediate security concerns. He urged civilians to take cover during the strikes and added, “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take.”
Read Also ; Afghan Foreign Ministers Discuss Regional Tensions
The first wave of strikes appeared to target locations in central Tehran, including an area reported to house the compound of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The 86-year-old cleric has led the Islamic Republic for decades. It was not immediately clear whether he was present at the site at the time of the reported attack.
Explosions Reported Near Supreme Leader’s Compound
Witnesses and local media described smoke rising from parts of the capital following the explosions. Iranian authorities did not immediately release detailed assessments of damage or casualties.
The developments represent a dramatic intensification of long-running tensions centered on Iran’s regional influence, missile capabilities, and nuclear program. Tehran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons, while Western governments have accused it of advancing capabilities beyond peaceful purposes.
As of Saturday, Iranian officials reiterated their commitment to defending the country and warned of consequences for what they termed aggression against national sovereignty.
The situation remains fluid, with further military and diplomatic developments expected as both sides assess the fallout from the strikes.
