The United States and Israel have launched missile strikes on Iran.
Israel has described the strike as ‘pre-emptive’.
Initially thought to be an Israeli-only operation, Fox News is reporting that the ‘United States is participating in these attacks’ and that ‘this is a combined US-Israeli mission’.
In a statement on Saturday, Israeli defence minister Israel Katz said the strike was part of a move to ‘remove threats against the State of Israel’.
He also announced a ‘special and permanent state of emergency’ across the country, warning that Iran could respond with drones and ballistic missiles.
In Iran, state media reported multiple explosions in Tehran, the capital.
At least three blasts were heard in the downtown area, with reports that several missiles struck the Republic district of the city.
Additional explosions were later reported in the northern and eastern parts of Tehran.
Iranian authorities are yet to release an official statement on casualties or damage at the time of this report.
Possible Retaliatory Strikes
In Israel, sirens blared in several areas as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Home Front Command issued a ‘proactive alert’ to civilians.
Civilians were urged to ensure they know what the optimal protected shelter near them is and avoid non-essential travel ‘due to the security situation’.
The IDF said the ‘proactive alert’ is intended to prepare the public for the ‘possibility of missile fire toward our territory’.
The military clarified that, for now, there was no immediate instruction to enter shelters.
The strikes come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear programme and preventing a broader conflict.
Negotiations were expected to continue next week, although US President Donald Trump said on Friday he was not ‘thrilled’ with the progress of the talks, despite reports that Iran had made some concessions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly warned about what he describes as the growing threat posed by Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities.
He has also voiced strong opposition to any agreement that focuses solely on Iran’s nuclear programme without addressing its missile arsenal.
