War on Iran: How the US-Israeli bid for regime change unfolded

Coordinated daylight assault on Tehran sparked Iranian retaliation and plunged the region into wider conflict

Shiite Muslims hold the portraits of Iranian leaders during a rally to condemn the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Picture: AP Photo/Arshad Butt

The bombs and missiles started falling on Tehran in full daylight, at about 9.15am, after the working day had started and the streets and offices were full.

Bombing campaigns in the modern era usually start at night, to heighten the target’s sense of disorientation and minimise the effectiveness of air defence.