ISTANBUL

US-Israeli airstrikes struck more than 20 cities across Iran since early Saturday, according to the Iranian Red Crescent.

Speaking to Mehr News Agency, Red Crescent spokesperson Mojtaba Khaledi said the attacks began in the early hours of the day and affected cities across the country.

He said all Red Crescent teams are actively operating in the field and urged citizens to stay away from sites targeted in the strikes.

The US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran early Saturday, claiming it was meant to remove “threats” posed by the Iranian “regime.” Separate video statements were released by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, which also hinted at supporting efforts for a change in government in Tehran.

Iran termed the strikes a violation of sovereignty, vowed to respond and launched retaliatory strikes.

The developments came as Oman was mediating talks between Washington and Tehran on Iran’s nuclear program, and the latest round was held in Geneva on Thursday.