LONDON: The war that generations of diplomats, generals and spies had tried to avoid began on Saturday morning, when waves of US and Israeli aircraft and missiles struck targets across Iran, including in Kermanshah, Qom, Isfahan, Tabriz and Karaj, in what President Donald Trump called a “massive and ongoing” campaign. For nearly half a century, the US and Iran have circled each other through covert action, proxy wars, sanctions and sporadic clashes, but never tipping into open conflict. That balance has now collapsed.

US and Israel conduct airstrikes inside Iran as Trump tells Iranians to take over their government

Military operations by the US and Israel in Iran mark the most intense escalation since the June 2025 conflict.

The United States joined Israel as the two countries began "major combat operations" against Iran, which initiated its own counter strike.

LONDON: The war that generations of diplomats, generals and spies had tried to avoid began on Saturday morning, when waves of US and Israeli aircraft and missiles struck targets…

Coordinated daylight assault on Tehran sparked Iranian retaliation and plunged the region into wider conflict

The mutual resentments that have fueled tensions between the US and Iran have simmered for nearly half a century

Donald Trump threatens to unleash ‘force that has never been seen before’ in response to retaliation from Tehran

Trump warns of a prolonged Iran war as violence escalates, stating the U.S. is prepared for an extended conflict.

Iran strikes energy infrastructure across the Gulf as IRGC announces closure of Strait of Hormuz.

Predicting the total cost of the campaign is difficult, and experts warn the greater challenge may be inventory.