NYT: US op against Iran expected to far exceed 2025 strikes

The current US military operation against Iran is expected to be “significantly larger” than the strikes carried out against the country’s nuclear facilities in June 2025, according to a report by The New York Times citing US officials.

The publication reports that dozens of strikes are being conducted by attack aircraft deployed at military bases across the Middle East as well as from aircraft carriers operating in the region.

The escalation follows Israeli strikes launched on February 28, when Israel targeted Iranian territory. Media reports indicate that the first wave of attacks focused on sites in Tehran.

Israeli outlets have reported that General Amir Hatami, Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Army, was allegedly eliminated during the operation. Residents described widespread panic in the capital amid powerful explosions and significant damage to government buildings. According to Reuters, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is no longer in Tehran and has been transferred to a secure location, while mobile communications have been disrupted in several parts of the city.

At the same time, Tel Hashomer Hospital has begun moving hospital wards into protected facilities, and the US embassy in Qatar has instructed personnel to barricade themselves in designated safe zones. The operation reportedly includes aerial refuelling of aircraft launched from Rubaga, and strikes on the presidential complex in Tehran have already been recorded.

Explosions have also been reported in the Iranian cities of Qom and Isfahan.

Journalists further report that, prior to the Israeli strikes, senior ministers were issued “red phones” and instructed to remain close to them throughout Saturday to receive urgent notifications or calls. Ministers were also ordered not to comment publicly on the attacks or discuss the possibility of strikes.

By Tamilla Hasanova