The United States and Israel have launched a coordinated military attack on Iran in a major escalation of tensions in the Middle East. The operation involved strikes on multiple sites inside Iran, including the capital Tehran and other cities, marking one of the most serious confrontations in years. Israeli officials described the offensive as pre-emptive against threats posed by Iran’s nuclear and military capabilities.
Explosions were widely reported throughout Tehran, including areas such as University Street and Jomhouri Square, with sirens and ash visible over the city. Iranian media also confirmed blasts in various provinces of the country.
Israel declared a state of emergency as its airspace closed and alarms sounded amid fears of counterattacks.
After the attacks, Iran began firing missiles and launching retaliatory strikes across the Middle East aimed at US and Israeli interests.
Location: Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq | VIDEO CREDITS: Viral Strange
Iranian forces reportedly struck or attempted to strike military bases hosting US forces in several Gulf Arab states, including Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.
They also struck Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
The images show the inauguration of the new United States Consulate General in Erbil on December 4, 2025, an event attended by senior Kurdish and American officials. The facility is considered the largest US consulate complex in the world and represents a major expansion of American diplomatic and strategic presence in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. According to regional analysts, this development was closely watched by Tehran.
The opening of such a significant US diplomatic hub in Erbil added to existing tensions between Iran and the United States, and it is widely viewed as one of the underlying factors that deepened regional friction. The strike on Erbil is therefore being interpreted by many observers as connected to this broader geopolitical dynamic, linking the recent attack to the growing strategic competition that intensified after the consulate’s opening.
Other countries in the region, including Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE, reported explosions and heightened alerts following the Iranian retaliation.
The exchange has widened beyond Iran, Israel, and the US, with strikes and alerts spreading throughout the Middle East. Gulf states hosting US military assets were targeted in Iranian counter-strikes, prompting closures of airspace and flight cancellations across parts of the region.
The situation has triggered global concern, with international leaders calling for de-escalation and emergency meetings at the United Nations to address the growing conflict.
Location: Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq | VIDEO CREDITS: Viral Strange
Tensions between Iran and Israel, backed by the United States, have been building for years over disputes involving Iran’s nuclear programme, ballistic missile development, and regional influence. Recent diplomatic negotiations failed to reach an agreement, leading to this sharp escalation.
The US administration described the joint offensive as necessary to defend its people and allies, and to degrade Iran’s ability to carry out future attacks.
The situation remains highly unstable. Iran continues to fire missiles and target allied military sites across the Middle East, while Israel and US forces maintain readiness. Countries across the region are on heightened alert as diplomatic efforts seek to prevent further widening of the conflict.
