TEHRAN — Explosions were heard in Tehran early Saturday, with thick smoke rising over parts of the Iranian capital, after Israel announced it had launched a “preemptive” strike against Iran, escalating tensions across the Middle East.Israel declared a “special and immediate” state of emergency nationwide, suspending educational activities, public gatherings and most workplace operations except for essential sectors.Air raid sirens later sounded across the country as missiles were reportedly launched from Iran toward Israeli territory.Israeli media reported that the United States and Israel carried out the attack jointly. US President Donald Trump later confirmed that American forces had launched what he described as “major combat operations” in Iran.“A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime,” Trump said in a video statement.He vowed to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities and prevent Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, describing the operation as necessary to protect US troops, bases and allies.The Israeli strikes reportedly targeted multiple locations beyond Tehran, including Qom, Isfahan, Kermanshah and Lorestan. Iran’s ISNA news agency reported that several members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were killed or wounded, including key operational personnel. Israeli media said senior Iranian officials were also targeted.Iranian state television said the country was preparing a “harsh response,” while Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s parliament National Security Committee, warned that Israel had “started down a path whose end is no longer in your control.”Tehran hospitals declared emergency status following the explosions, according to Iran’s official IRNA news agency. The Health Ministry said emergency protocols were activated in affected areas of the capital.Cyberattacks also hit multiple Iranian news websites and local applications. Internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported that Iran experienced a near-total internet blackout, with national connectivity dropping to around 4 percent.Missile launches from Iran triggered air raid sirens and explosions in northern Israel, including in the Haifa area, according to Israeli media. Sirens were also reported in Jordan and Bahrain, where authorities urged residents to seek shelter and limit movement.The escalation comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts over Iran’s nuclear program. Talks mediated by Oman had recently taken place between US and Iranian officials, with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi meeting US Vice President JD Vance on Friday. A new round of talks in Geneva ended Thursday.Trump cited past attacks attributed to Iran and its proxies, including the 1979 US Embassy takeover in Tehran, the 1983 Beirut Marine barracks bombing and the 2000 USS Cole attack, as justification for the operation. He reiterated that it has long been US policy that Iran “can never have a nuclear weapon.”He also addressed the Iranian public directly, urging them to stay indoors and calling on Iran’s armed forces and security institutions to lay down their arms.Israel said the operation was launched under the name “Lion’s Roar,” while the US Department of War referred to its action as “Operation Epic Fury.”The latest strikes mark one of the most significant escalations between Israel, the United States and Iran since last year’s 12-day Israel-Iran war, raising fears of broader regional confrontation.
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