Newsroom
Smoke rose over Tehran’s skyline early Saturday after Israel launched what it described as a “pre-emptive” strike on Iran, according to Israeli officials and media reports that said the United States also participated.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the attack was carried out “to remove threats,” adding that Israel had declared a “special and permanent state of emergency” nationwide. Initial reports indicated the first strike occurred near offices associated with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The strikes come as tensions have surged in the region amid ongoing efforts by Washington and Tehran to negotiate an agreement limiting Iran’s nuclear activities. In recent days, the United States has assembled a large force of fighter jets and warships in the region in an apparent effort to pressure Iran toward a deal.
Iran warns of retaliation
An Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran is preparing a response to the strikes, warning it would be “crushing.” The official was not named.
Iranian state and semi-official media reported explosions in multiple locations across the country, including the capital Tehran as well as Isfahan, Qom, Karaj and Kermanshah.
Airspace closures
Israel closed its airspace to civilian flights following the strikes and the sounding of sirens in Jerusalem. Transportation Minister Miri Regev ordered the Israel Civil Aviation Authority to shut the country’s airspace “following the security developments.”
Iran also announced it had closed its airspace until further notice after multiple blasts were reported.
Officials in both countries have not yet released detailed information on casualties or damage.
