The Israeli military said it struck dozens of military targets inside Iran together with U.S. forces. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it an operation to eliminate the Iranian regime's "existential threat."
In a statement on the 28th (local time), the Israeli military said, "The Israel Defense Forces and the U.S. military have launched a broad joint operation to completely weaken Iran's terror regime and remove the existential threat to Israel over the long term," announcing the move.
The Israeli military claimed that Iran suffered severe damage during the clash in June last year yet has expanded its nuclear program and restored missile production facilities. It also accused Tehran of funding, training and arming proxy forces on Israel's border, heightening risks in the Middle East and around the world.
It added, "For months we have established close joint plans with the U.S. military, and through perfect synchronization and coordination, we successfully carried out this large-scale airstrike," stressing, "Even at this moment, Israeli Air Force fighter jets are continuing to strike targets across Iran based on precise intelligence."
In a video address, Netanyahu said, "Israel and the United States have launched an operation to eliminate the existential threat posed by Iran's terror regime," adding, "We thank our great friend President Donald Trump, who has shown historic leadership."
He went on, "For 47 years, the ayatollah regime has chanted 'Death to Israel' and 'Death to America,'" adding, "They have made us bleed, killed countless Americans and massacred their own people."
Netanyahu said, "This murderous terror regime must not possess nuclear weapons that could threaten all humanity," arguing, "Our joint action will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to chart their own destiny."
He added, "Now is the time for all the people of Iran to throw off the yoke of tyranny and build a free and peaceful Iran."
Calling the operation "the roar of the lion," he urged, "People of Israel, listen to the Home Front Command's instructions and show patience and unbending resolve."
The United States and Israel carried out simultaneous airstrikes on Thursday morning on major cities across Iran, including the capital Tehran, Qom, Karaj and Qeshm. U.S. President Trump posted a statement on Truth Social, saying, "A major battle by U.S. forces has begun."