US and Israel launch joint strikes on Iran; Trump declares ‘major combat operations’ underway

Key Points

• US forces have launched major combat operations against Iran under the codename Operation Epic Fury.
• Israel conducted pre-emptive strikes on multiple Iranian cities, targeting leadership and military assets.
• Iran retaliated with ballistic missile and drone strikes against Israel and US military sites in the Gulf.
• Regional airspace closures and international calls for restraint highlight concerns over wider conflict and disruptions to oil and aviation.
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