What escalation has occurred between the U.S. and Iran?
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Noor Rahm. The U.S. and Israel launched a wave of airstrikes against Iran today, following a huge military buildup and weeks of escalating tension in the region. President Trump also called on ordinary Iranians to rise up and overthrow the Iranian government. NPR's Greg Myrie has more.
Huge explosions rang out in Iran's capital, Tehran, and videos on social media showed huge plumes of smoke. President Trump said on Truth Social that the U.S. was targeting Iran's nuclear and missile programs in what he described as a massive operation.
Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.
He also spoke directly to the Iranian people, saying, quote, When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu said in his own statement that his country was also taking part in the air campaign against Iran. Greg Myrie, NPR News, Washington.
Israeli assessments indicate the longtime ruler of Iran has been hit, according to a person briefed, but no details have been provided. And Iranian state media is reporting that he'll speak to the nation soon. Under the Constitution, it's up to Congress to declare a war. Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna says the Congress must stop this operation.
Donald Trump has launched a war on Iran. The Congress must reconvene on Monday to vote on Thomas Massey and my War Powers Resolution to stop this war. Trump says his goal is to topple the Iranian regime, but the American people are tired of regime change wars.
For many people in Iran, the airstrikes unfolded just as the work week was getting underway. NPR's Areza Razvani reports on how residents reacted.
30-something-year-old V, who lives in Tehran and gives only his first initial for fear of retribution, was settling into work when the attack started.
And suddenly heard some loud noises and then explosions. We even saw one of the explosions from our office window. It was around the middle of the city, downtown Tehran.
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