In a televised statement, Netanyahu thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for his "historic leadership,” asserting that the joint campaign was necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capability. 

"For 47 years, the Iranian regime has called for the destruction of Israel and America,” Netanyahu said, accusing Tehran of regional violence and internal repression. He added that the operation would "create the conditions” for the Iranian people to determine their own future.

The announcement followed weeks of public warnings from Washington about potential military action and a visible buildup of U.S. forces across the Middle East. According to Yedioth Ahronoth, Netanyahu and senior Israeli security officials convened in an underground facility to oversee developments.

Shortly after the strikes began, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed it had detected missile launches from Iran toward Israeli territory. In an official statement, the military said air defense systems were "operating to intercept the threat,” while the Home Front Command sent emergency alerts to mobile phones in affected areas, instructing civilians to move to shelters and remain there until further notice.

An Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran was preparing a "crushing response.” Separately, Tasnim News Agency cited a source saying Iran was readying a "severe retaliation.”

Regional analysts warn that the coordinated nature of the operation raises the risk of a wider confrontation, particularly if proxy groups or regional powers become involved. Energy markets and diplomatic channels are now closely watching the evolving situation.