Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) has announced that the country’s armed forces have begun a “decisive and proportionate” response following joint US and Israeli airstrikes on targets inside Iran.

In a series of official statements, the council described the attacks as hostile and destabilizing, warning that Iran would not surrender and pledging a crushing response.

In its first communiqué, the SNSC confirmed that air operations were conducted by the United States in coordination with Israel against sites in Tehran and several other Iranian cities.

The council said the strikes occurred while diplomatic negotiations with Washington were underway, calling the move unprovoked and destabilizing.

It stated that the “enemy” mistakenly believed the Iranian people would surrender to “petty” or “illegal demands” through what it described as cowardly actions.

According to the council, Iran’s armed forces have already begun retaliatory measures and will “continuously keep the dear people informed” of developments.

Warning against espionage, cooperation

The SNSC also issued a stern warning that any involvement in espionage or cooperation with what it described as criminal operations would face firm action.

It stressed that such acts would result in the harshest penalties under Iranian law and be dealt with swiftly and decisively.

In a second notice, citizens were urged to report suspicious activities by calling hotline 113, operated by the Ministry of Intelligence, or hotline 114, the communication line of the IRGC Intelligence Organization.

Authorities warned that any support for hostile or criminal operations would be considered a serious offense.

Public urged to remain calm

Amid heightened tensions, the council advised citizens to maintain calm and, where possible, travel to safer areas to avoid potential dangers from continued US and Israeli operations in Tehran and other cities.

The government reassured the public that it had prepared in advance to meet all societal needs.

“There is no concern regarding the supply of essential goods,” the SNSC said, urging people to avoid crowding in shopping centers.

The council announced that all schools and universities will remain closed until further notice. Banks will continue providing services to the public, while government offices will operate at 50% capacity for the time being.

Further updates, the council said, will be announced as the situation evolves.

Escalating regional crisis

The statements come as regional tensions intensify following joint US-Israeli airstrikes and Iran’s retaliatory measures.

Describing the strikes as aggression by the “American regime” in collaboration with Israel, the SNSC said the Iranian nation has once again witnessed aerial attacks against various parts of the country.

With military operations underway and domestic precautionary measures in place, international observers are closely watching the rapidly unfolding security situation in the region.