The US and Israel attack Iran, Trump: "The people's time for freedom is near."

The US and Israel have launched a "preemptive strike" against Iran.

Among the targets of the operation – prepared (and threatened) for months and called “Lion’s Roar” – is also the capital Tehran, where explosions and columns of black smoke have been reported by agencies.

Also targeted were targets in the cities of Isfahan, Qom, Karaj and Kermanshah.

The strikes, the New York Times writes, are aimed at destroying Iran's military . Beyond its nuclear sites, Tehran is believed to have 2,000 ballistic missiles spread across the country.

It is understood that the attacks were also launched by US aircraft from bases in the Middle East or from aircraft carriers.

According to initial reports from Iran, heavy losses have been recorded among local security forces, with dozens of deaths and injuries among the ranks of the Revolutionary Guards , including some key figures.

The Jewish state has declared an emergency due to a likely counterattack by the Islamic Republic. Defense Minister Israel Katz explained that "an attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected."

Tehran's response – announced as "devastating" – was not long in coming, with missiles and drones directed against the Jewish state.

"We have begun a major operation in Iran . The goal is to defend Americans by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime," US President Donald Trump stated in a video published on Truth. "They will never have the atomic bomb," the Washington leader reiterated.

"To the members of the Revolutionary Guards, the armed forces, and the police, I say: lay down your weapons and you will be treated fairly with total immunity or face certain death," Trump continued, also sending a message to "the great and proud Iranian people: the hour of freedom is near. Stay safe, do not leave your homes, it is very dangerous out there. There are bombs falling everywhere."

Tehran's response was immediate, threatening: "Our response will be devastating."

"I am following the developments of the situation in constant contact with the Italian embassies in Tehran and Tel Aviv," Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani wrote in X. "Priority: the safety of our fellow citizens. The Crisis Unit is at work at the Farnesina," the minister added.

- UPDATE IN PROGRESS –

(Unioneonline)