Israel, US Launch Massive Joint Strike Campaign Across Iran

The decision to launch the operation was finalized during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent visit to Washington.

By United with Israel Staff

Israel launched the largest air operation in its history against Iran on Saturday, as approximately 200 Israeli fighter jets carried out a massive coordinated assault targeting missile infrastructure and air defense systems across western and central Iran.

The strikes marked the opening phase of a sweeping joint military campaign conducted in close coordination with the United States, with American and Israeli forces simultaneously targeting key components of Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure.

Israeli officials said hundreds of precision munitions were dropped on roughly 500 targets identified through extensive intelligence gathering. Among the sites struck were missile storage facilities, production centers, launch systems, and air defense networks designed to protect strategic regime assets.

U.S. forces carried out parallel attacks focused primarily on Iran’s nuclear program and additional targets tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and senior government infrastructure, reflecting a coordinated division of responsibilities between the two allies.

According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, Washington and Jerusalem are preparing for several days of intensive strikes aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities and denying the regime the ability to sustain future attacks.

An Israeli official told N12 that the decision to launch the operation was finalized during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent visit to Washington.

“That was when the decision was made to move forward with the strike,” the official said. “The Iranians were given a final opportunity and destroyed it, as we had anticipated.”

The New York Times reported that under the operational plan presented to President Donald Trump, Israel would lead attacks against Iran’s missile arsenal, storage networks, manufacturing facilities, and launch infrastructure, while the United States would concentrate on nuclear-related targets and strategic regime assets.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said the Iranian regime “has not abandoned its vision of advancing a plan to destroy Israel,” warning that Tehran continues to pursue nuclear development while rebuilding its ballistic missile production and funding regional proxy forces.

“Operation Rising Lion proved that this regime is vulnerable,” Zamir said. “For the first time, historic cooperation was created together with the United States military, in which American aircraft delivered a lethal blow to Iran’s nuclear facilities.”

Zamir added that Israeli Air Force pilots are striking “hundreds of targets across Iran, at great risk and in coordination with American strikes,” underscoring the depth of operational integration between the two militaries.

President Donald Trump described the campaign as “massive and ongoing,” calling it the opening phase of a broader effort aimed at dismantling Iran’s military capabilities and nuclear ambitions. In video remarks posted to Truth Social, Trump addressed the Iranian public directly, urging civilians to remain indoors as operations continue.

“The hour of your freedom is at hand,” Trump said. “Stay sheltered. Do not leave your home. It is very dangerous outside.”

Iran’s Red Crescent reported at least 201 people were killed and 747 wounded, stating that attacks impacted 24 provinces across the country.

Israeli military leadership warned the public not to grow complacent as the confrontation escalates.

“We must not underestimate the enemy’s ability to harm us,” Zamir said. “In the coming period, we will face difficult tests.”

The joint operation represents one of the most extensive and direct military partnerships ever carried out between Israel and the United States against Iran, signaling a dramatic escalation with potentially far-reaching regional consequences as the campaign continues.