India, Feb. 28 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has thanked US President Donald Trump after the United States and Israel launched a joint military strike on Iran on Saturday morning, dramatically escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Backing Trump's call for regime change, Netanyahu said Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.

Several Iranian cities were reportedly struck in the joint operation, including the capital Tehran.

Missiles hit areas such as University Street and Republic Square, according to media reports. Iran's state-run news agency IRNA reported thick smoke rising from parts of the capital, with explosions heard at multiple locations.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has reportedly been moved...