The United States and Israel carried out coordinated att+cks on Iran early Saturday, dramatically escalating tensions after weeks of strained diplomacy and the largest American military buildup in the region since the Iraq w@r.

The str+kes follow last June’s 12-day conflict, when Washington joined Israel’s air campaign against Tehran’s nuclear facilities. Although U.S. President Donald Trump had reportedly considered limited military options, sources told CNN that the latest operation was “not a small str+ke,” suggesting a far broader a§§ault.

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz said the att+ck was carried out “to remove thr+ats,” according to Associated Press. Since early January, the U.S. has reinforced its presence in the Middle East, deploying two aircraft carriers, guided-missile d+stroyers, fighter jets, b@mbers and advanced air-defense systems.

At the same time, Trump dispatched envoys for indirect talks with Tehran, demanding a halt to uranium enrichment and its ballistic missile program. While Trump previously warned Iran over the k+lling of anti-regime protesters, recent statements have focused on concerns that Tehran is rebuilding its nuclear capabilities.

Saturday’s action marks a wider offensive compared to June’s str+kes, which targeted only a few nuclear sites. The move comes despite appeals from several Arab allies urging restraint, amid warnings from Iran that any new att+ck would trigger a stronger retaliation.

In Washington, the str+kes prompted swift criticism from some lawmakers who argued Congress was sidelined. “Acts of war unauthorized by Congress,” Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., wrote on X, questioning the administration’s authority to proceed.