According to the Geo News, Israel announced on Saturday that it has launched a pre-emptive military strike against Iran, significantly escalating tensions in the Middle East and marking a major development in the long-running conflict over Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.
According to Israeli officials, Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the strike saying it was intended to “remove threats to the State of Israel.” Explosions were reported across Tehran and other Iranian cities, including Isfahan, Qom and Karaj, shortly after the operation began.
The strike follows months of rising tension between Jerusalem and Tehran, including a previous 12-day air war in June and repeated warnings by Israel and the United States that they would act if Iran continued advancing its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities.
In response to the attack, Iran closed its airspace and Iranian state media reported blasts in the capital. Sirens were also heard across parts of Israel as the military issued alerts to civilians.
The U.S. has mobilised military assets in the region in recent weeks amid ongoing diplomatic efforts with Iran aimed at resolving its nuclear dispute, but the latest military action has complicated those negotiations and raised concerns about a wider regional conflict.
No official casualty figures have yet been released by either side, and details of the full scope and targets of the operation remain limited. Authorities on both sides have issued statements warning of possible retaliation.
The US embassies in Qatar and Bahrain told their staff to seek shelter Saturday and advised US citizens to do the same after US and Israel launched strikes on Iran. The embassies said in two separate statements they were “implementing a shelter-in-place for all personnel. We recommend all Americans do the same until further notice,” and urged US citizens to “find a secure location within your residence or another safe building”.
Israel’s main opposition leader, Yair Lapid, vowed to “stand together” with the ruling government and the military after Israel launched strikes on Iran.
“In moments like these we stand together, and we win together. There is no coalition and no opposition, only one people and one IDF, with all of us behind them,” Lapid posted on X.
Following the attack, Israel closed its airspace to civilian flights, their defence ministry said.
Iran has also closed its airspace following multiple explosions, Civil Aviation Organisation spokesperson Majid Akhavan told state media IRNA.
Akhavan said that the airspace will be closed for six hours.
This is a breaking news event and updates may follow as more information becomes available.