.…..as Israel Conducts Coordinated Strikes

In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, the United States has initiated what President Donald Trump described as “major combat operations” against Iran, with Israel simultaneously announcing its own preemptive strikes on Iranian targets.

President Trump made the announcement early Saturday morning in an eight-minute video posted on his Truth Social platform, stating: “A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran.

Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people.

“The U.S. leader vowed to “raze their missile industry to the ground,” annihilate Iran’s navy, dismantle its missile capabilities, and prevent the country from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

He also urged Iranians to “take over your government” and suggested the operations could foster regime change, describing the campaign as “massive and ongoing” with potential for several days of action.

The strikes come after weeks of stalled diplomatic negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, during which the U.S. demanded significant concessions including dismantling key nuclear facilities and halting enrichment that Tehran rejected. U.S. officials had previously amassed substantial military assets in the region, including carrier strike groups, amid threats of force if talks failed.

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that his country launched a “pre-emptive” attack on Iran to neutralize existential threats, with explosions reported in multiple cities including the capital Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah.

Smoke plumes were visible rising over Tehran, and witnesses described blasts near key government sites.

An Israeli source indicated coordination with the United States, framing the joint effort as targeting Iran’s military infrastructure, nuclear sites, and proxy networks.

Iranian state media and officials reported widespread attacks and vowed a “crushing” retaliation, with the armed forces preparing to respond. Iranian missiles have reportedly been launched toward Israel in response, triggering sirens and shelter instructions across the country.

The operation marks a significant escalation in the long-standing U.S.-Iran confrontation, building on prior strikes including U.S. actions against Iranian nuclear facilities last year.

International reactions are emerging rapidly, with concerns about a broader regional conflict involving Iran’s proxies and potential disruptions to global energy supplies.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge from the region and official statements are released.

Image credit : AFP

President Donald Trump on Thursday promised $10 billion for a new “Board of Peace,” an amorphous new institution focused first on Gaza that is being launched just as he threatens Iran with war.

While US warplanes and aircraft carriers headed toward Iran on his orders, Trump welcomed some two dozen allies from around the world to the gleaming Washington building of the former US Institute of Peace, which has been gutted and renamed after the 79-year-old Republican.

Trump, who has sharply curtailed foreign aid, said that the United States would contribute $10 billion to the initiative whose goals include rebuilding Gaza, which was reduced to rubble by two years of war between Hamas and Israel.

“Together we can achieve the dream of bringing lasting harmony to a region tortured by centuries of war, suffering,” said the realtor-turned-president, who has previously spoken improbably of building tourist resorts in Gaza.

Trump did not explain exactly where the money would go and his “Board of Peace” has drawn wide criticism for its opaque nature.

Trump will wield veto power over the “Board of Peace” and can remain its head even after leaving office, while countries that want to stay on permanently rather than enjoy a two-year stint will need to pay $1 billion.

In a rambling speech in which he denounced domestic opponents, highlighted stock market gains and hailed his prowess in endorsing foreign leaders during elections, Trump said he wanted to pursue more peace deals.

Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, the youngest son of the late former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, has been arrested following a shooting incident at his residence in the upscale Hyde Park suburb.

According to reports from South African media outlets including eNCA and IOL, as well as Gauteng police investigations, an employee—described variably as a security guard or gardener—was shot during an apparent dispute at the property.

The victim is in critical condition and receiving medical treatment.Police responded to the scene, where Mugabe was reportedly taken into custody in connection with the shooting.

Some unconfirmed social media accounts and early reports mentioned police negotiators attending amid claims the suspect had barricaded himself, but he was subsequently arrested.

This marks the latest in a series of legal troubles for Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, who has previously faced charges related to assault in Zimbabwe, including incidents involving security personnel and law enforcement.

The investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) is ongoing, with more details expected as the case develops. Authorities have not yet released an official statement on charges or motives.

The incident has drawn significant attention online and in regional media, given the family’s prominent political legacy.