- Explosions were heard in Tehran as Israel launched a preemptive attack with US support
- Strikes targeted areas near Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s offices in Tehran
- Sirens were sounded across Israel, warning of possible missile attacks on Tel Aviv
Explosions were heard in Iran's capital Tehran on Saturday morning as Israel, with the help of the US, launched a preemptive attack - pushing the Middle East into a renewed military confrontation and further dimming hopes for a diplomatic solution. LIVE UPDATES HERE
The strikes reportedly took place near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Reuters reported that the 86-year-old leader was not in Tehran and had been transferred to a secure location at the time.
A journalist speaking to NDTV said that there were at least three to four strikes in Tehran.
Visuals showed thick smoke rising from buildings in Iran.
There is no clarity on casualties so far.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the attack as being done "to remove threats."
Sirens in Israel
Simultaneously, sirens were sounded in Tel Aviv as Israel warned of the "possibility of missiles".
NDTV's Aditya Raj Kaul was reporting live from Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport when the air raid warnings began blaring across the city. "We don't know if this is for some kind of missile attack or a rocket that has been spotted, but this is the latest that we are picking up," he said on air. He immediately sought shelter inside the airport. The sirens stopped shortly after.
Video: Thick Smoke, Panic On Streets In Tehran After Israeli Strikes
"In the last few minutes, sirens were sounded all throughout Israel, with an advance instruction alert directly to cellular devices to stay within proximity to protected spaces. This is a proactive alert to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward the State of Israel. The IDF emphasizes that the public is requested to stay in proximity to protected spaces," the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said in a statement.
Iran and Israel have shut their airspace after the attack.
Trump announces 'major combat ops' in Iran
US President Donald Trump announced "major combat operations" in Iran shortly after Israel, with the help of the US, launched strikes on Tehran. According to the Republican leader, the objective is to "defend the American people by removing imminent threats from Iran".
Calling Iran the world's "number one state sponsor of terror", Trump said, "For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted, Death to America, and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder, targeting the United States, our troops, and the innocent people in many, many countries. The regime's proxies have continued to launch countless attacks against American forces stationed in the Middle East in recent years, as well as US naval and commercial vessels in international shipping lanes."
"It was Iran's proxy, Hamas, that launched the monstrous October 7th attacks on Israel, slaughtering more than 1,000 innocent people, including 46 Americans, while taking 12 of our citizens hostage. It was brutal, something like the world has never seen before," he added.
In a message to the people of Iran, Trump urged them not to leave their homes. "It's very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take," he said.
"This will probably be your only chance for generations. For many years, you have asked for America's help, but you never got it. No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. Now you have a president who is giving you what you want, so let's see how you respond. America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force," he added.
Earlier, Trump had said he was "not happy" with the latest talks over Iran's nuclear program. However, he had indicated that he would give negotiators more time to reach a deal to avert another war in the Middle East.
"I'm not happy with the fact that they're not willing to give us what we have to have. I'm not thrilled with that. We'll see what happens. We're talking later. We're not exactly happy with the way they're negotiating. They cannot have nuclear weapons," Trump had said.
When asked how close he was to deciding on whether to launch a military strike, Trump said, "I'd rather not tell you."
Iran-Israel, US tensions
The explosion came as tensions ran high between Iran and the United States over Tehran's nuclear program. The US and Israel have repeatedly warned that they would strike again if Iran pressed ahead with its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.
Earlier this month, the US and Iran renewed negotiations in a bid to resolve the decades-long dispute through diplomacy. Israel, however, insisted that any US deal with Iran must include the dismantling of Tehran's nuclear infrastructure and lobbied Washington to include restrictions on Iran's missile programme in the talks. Iran had said it was prepared to discuss curbs on its nuclear programme in exchange for lifting sanctions, but ruled out linking the issue to missiles.
Several hospitals in Israel also launched their emergency protocols, including moving patients and surgeries to underground facilities.
Tehran had also said it would defend itself against any attack.
India issues advisory
The Indian Embassy advised its nationals to strictly adhere to the safety guidelines and instructions issued by the Israeli authorities and the Home Front Command. It also urged them to remain in close proximity to designated shelters and familiarise themselves with the nearest protected spaces in their area of residence or work.
"Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential and unnecessary travel within Israel until further notice. Citizens are encouraged to monitor local news, official announcements, and emergency alerts regularly," it added.
An emergency helpline number has also been issued for Indians in Israel: +972-54-7520711, E-mail: cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in.
