President Donald Trump has announced “major combat operations” against Iran, as the U.S. and Israel carried out fresh strikes on Saturday.
Explosions hit parts of Tehran and other cities early in the morning. Iranian state media said at least 57 students were killed when an Israeli strike hit an elementary school in southern Iran. Iranian officials claim more than 50 people have died in the first wave of attacks.
Donald Trump said the goal is to “defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.” He described Iran’s leadership as dangerous and told the Iranian public that once the fighting ends, they should “take over your government.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said the deaths included “dozens of innocent children.” He warned the attacks “will not go unanswered.” Iran reportedly launched counter strikes toward several U.S. bases in the Middle East, though no American deaths had been reported as of Saturday morning.
Araghchi also told NBC News that Iran is open to de-escalation talks. However, he dismissed the idea of regime change, calling it “mission impossible.”
The escalation follows months of rising tension between Iran and Israel. The two sides exchanged strikes last year, and the U.S. previously hit Iranian nuclear sites before helping broker a temporary ceasefire. That calm has now collapsed.
Tensions grew again in late 2025 after Iran faced economic turmoil and widespread protests. The U.S. has repeatedly warned that Iran’s nuclear program had advanced beyond diplomatic limits.
The situation remains fast-moving. More updates are expected as both sides respond to the latest wave of strikes.
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