TEHRAN — Explosions were heard in Tehran and thick smoke rose over parts of the Iranian capital early Saturday, after Israel announced it had launched a “pre-emptive” strike against Iran, raising tensions across the Middle East.
Israel declared a “special and immediate” state of emergency across the country, suspending educational activities, public gatherings, and most workplace operations except in essential sectors.
Air raid sirens then sounded throughout the country as missiles were reportedly fired from Iran toward Israeli territory.
Israeli media reported that the United States and Israel jointly carried out the attack. US President Donald Trump later acknowledged that the US military had launched what he called a “large scale combat operation” in Iran.
“Shortly ago, the United States military launched a major combat operation in Iran. Our objective is to eliminate the immediate threat posed by the Iranian regime and protect the American people,” Trump said in a video statement.
He vowed to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities and prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, and described the operation as necessary to protect U.S. forces, bases and allies.
In addition to Tehran, Israeli attacks have reportedly targeted multiple locations including Qom, Isfahan, Kermanshah, and Lorestan. Iran’s ISNA news agency reported that several members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including key operational personnel, were killed or injured. Israeli media reported that senior Iranian officials were also targeted.
Iranian state television said the country was preparing a “severe response” and Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s parliament’s National Security Committee, warned that Israel had “started on a path to an outcome that is no longer under control”.
According to Iran’s official IRNA news agency, hospitals in Tehran declared a state of emergency following the explosion. The Health Ministry said emergency protocols had been activated in affected areas of the capital.
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The cyberattack also attacked multiple Iranian news websites and local applications. Internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported a near-total internet blackout in Iran, with nationwide connectivity dropping to about 4%.
According to Israeli media, missile launches from Iran triggered air raid sirens and explosions in northern Israel, including the Haifa area. Sirens were also reported in Jordan and Bahrain, and authorities urged residents to evacuate and restrict movement.
This escalation comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts over Iran’s nuclear program. Omani-mediated talks have recently taken place between U.S. and Iranian officials, and on Friday Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi met with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. New talks in Geneva concluded on Thursday.
President Trump cited past attacks by Iran and its proxies as justification for the operation, including the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, the 1983 Beirut Marine Barracks bombing, and the 2000 attack on the USS Cole. He reiterated that it has been long-standing U.S. policy that Iran “can never acquire nuclear weapons.”
He also addressed Iranians directly, urging them to stay indoors and calling on Iran’s military and security services to lay down their weapons.
Israel announced the operation was launched under the name “Lion’s Roar,” while the U.S. War Department called the action “Operation Epic Fury.”
The attack marks one of the most significant escalations between Israel, the United States and Iran since last year’s 12-day Israel-Iran war, raising concerns of a broader regional conflict.
