Israel launched a major pre-emptive strike on Iran, declaring a nationwide emergency as sirens sounded across the region and tensions spiked amid fears of retaliation.
Katz declared a special state of emergency throughout Israel, invoking civil defense laws to ready the nation for an expected counterattack. (Photo: AFP)
In a dramatic escalation early Saturday, Israel launched what it called a pre-emptive military strike against Iran, marking one of the most serious developments in their long-running conflict. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the attack was aimed “to remove threats,” though he did not immediately clarify specific targets or whether any Iranian leaders were affected.
Explosions echoed in central Tehran, with smoke visible from key parts of the city after a blast reportedly near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian state television confirmed the explosion but offered no details on its cause or casualties.
At home, sirens blared across Israel as the military issued a “proactive alert to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward the state of Israel.” Authorities warned civilians to seek protected spaces and brace for potential retaliatory strikes by missiles or drones.
Katz declared a special state of emergency throughout Israel, invoking civil defense laws to ready the nation for an expected counterattack. Residents received mobile alerts urging them to stay close to shelters and limit movement outside protected areas.
The Israeli military emphasized that precautions were meant to safeguard civilians as the volatile situation unfolded. The government also temporarily closed Israeli airspace, and some international airlines suspended flights to and from the region amid the uncertainty.
While officials framed the strike as a defensive measure, precise motivations remain under scrutiny. The attack comes amid already high tensions between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s nuclear program, which has been a focal point of international pressure and diplomacy.
At the time of reporting, Iran had not issued an official response, though regional watchers and global leaders warned that retaliatory action could ignite a broader conflict. The world remains closely attuned to updates as events develop.
