The United States and Israel have carried out missile strikes on Iran.
Israel described the operation as “pre-emptive”.
What was first believed to be an Israeli-only action was later reported by Fox News to involve American participation, stating that the “United States is participating in these attacks” and that “this is a combined US-Israeli mission”.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the operation was aimed at “remove threats against the State of Israel”.
He also declared a “special and permanent state of emergency” nationwide, cautioning that Iran might retaliate with drones and ballistic missiles.
In Iran, state media confirmed multiple explosions in Tehran.
At least three explosions were reported in the city centre, with accounts indicating that several missiles struck the Republic district.
Further blasts were later recorded in northern and eastern parts of the capital.
Iranian officials had not issued any formal statement regarding casualties or the extent of the damage as of the time of filing this report.
Possible retaliatory strikes
In Israel, warning sirens sounded in several locations as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Home Front Command issued a “proactive alert” to residents.
Civilians were advised to familiarise themselves with the nearest protected shelter and to avoid unnecessary travel “due to the security situation”.
The IDF stated that the “proactive alert” was designed to prepare the public for the “possibility of missile fire toward our territory”.
However, the military clarified that there was, at present, no immediate directive for people to enter shelters.
The strikes come against the backdrop of ongoing diplomatic engagements between the United States and Iran intended to limit Tehran’s nuclear activities and avert a wider conflict.
Talks were scheduled to resume next week, although US President Donald Trump said on Friday he was not “thrilled” with the pace of progress, despite reports suggesting Iran had made certain concessions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently warned about what he considers the escalating threat of Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities.
He has also strongly opposed any agreement that addresses only Iran’s nuclear programme without tackling its missile stockpile.