Israel carried out a pre-emptive attack against Iran, striking the capital Tehran on Saturday morning, Defense Minister Israel Katz announced.
Katz said the aim of the attack is to “remove threats,” declaring a state of emergency across Israel, according to Reuters.
Sirens sounded throughout Israel, with the Defense Ministry prohibiting school activities and social gatherings and instructing people to stay within proximity to protected spaces.
In a statement, the Israeli Defense Ministry issued a “proactive alert” to prepare the public for the possibility of Iranian retaliation with drones and ballistic missiles.
Iranian state media reported at explosions in Tehran and Isfahan. Fars News Agency also said it has received reports about several missiles hitting the Republic area of the Iranian capital, in addition to explosions in Qom and Kermanshah.
An apparent Israeli strike hit near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reported France 24. However, Iranian officials said Khamenei was not in Tehran and had been transferred to a secure location.
Meanwhile, Israeli media outlets reported that one of the strikes targeted the presidential headquarters in Tehran, adding that several assassinations were carried out.
Furthermore, the US military is reportedly taking part in the strikes. A US official and a person familiar with the operation told the Associated Press (AP) that the US military is participating in the Israeli strikes against Iran, though it was immediately clear the full extent of their involvement.
Following the explosions, Iran shut down its airspace. Meanwhile, Israel closed its airspace to civilian flights.
The US and Iran have resumed nuclear negotiations in early February amid a massive US military buildup in the region. The attack came after US President Donald Trump said he was “not happy” with the talks.
