Israel launched a direct military attack on Iran early Saturday morning, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces confirmed. The strikes, which targeted locations in central Iran, came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump stated he was “not happy” with the ongoing negotiations surrounding Iran’s nuclear program.
Explosions were reported in Tehran, including near what witnesses described as the offices of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to reports from The Hill. Ali Khamenei was moved to a “secure location” prior to the strikes, according to The Jerusalem Post.
An Israeli military spokesman stated the attack was a “pre-emptive strike against Iran to remove threats to the state of Israel.” Israel subsequently closed its airspace and declared a state of emergency, anticipating a retaliatory response from Iran, which is expected to include drone and missile attacks.
The attack follows a period of heightened tensions and a significant U.S. Military buildup in the region, including the deployment of two aircraft carrier strike groups. The coordination of the strikes with the U.S. Military has been reported by both U.S. And Israeli media outlets, though details of that coordination remain limited.
Israel’s defense minister has publicly affirmed responsibility for the attack, and simultaneously declared a state of emergency within Israel, according to 6abc Philadelphia. Further explosions were reported in Tehran following the initial strikes, indicating a sustained operation.
