The US and Israel began launching airstrikes on Iran on Saturday, with powerful explosions reported in Tehran and other cities, according to The New York Times.

Donald Trump confirmed that the US has initiated a large-scale military operation against Iran. He announced this in an eight-minute video posted on the social network Truth Social.

The US president stated that the operation against Iran targets the country's nuclear and missile programs. Trump emphasized that Iran will never acquire nuclear weapons.

"Our goal is to protect the American people by eliminating direct threats posed by the Iranian regime, a group of extremely cruel and terrible people. The regime's activities pose a direct threat to the United States, our troops, overseas bases, and allies worldwide," said Trump.

Donald Trump also addressed Iranian security forces and ordinary citizens.

"I call on the Iranian police and security forces—immediately lay down your weapons, or you will face certain death. For the Iranian people, the hour of freedom is approaching. Stay in your homes and do not go outside, the streets are dangerous. After we finish the job, you will govern your own government. This will be your only chance to overthrow the regime," the US president declared.

In response, Iran is preparing countermeasures. An Iranian official told Reuters that the response will be deadly.

These strikes follow months of threats from US President Donald Trump and the largest buildup of American forces in the region since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Source: www.gazeta.uz