Israel attacks Iran: Explosions heard in central Tehran, sirens sounded in Tel Aviv – what we know so far

Israel launched a “pre-emptive strike” against Iran on Saturday, with Defense Minister Israel Katz declaring a national state of emergency.“The State of Israel launched a pre-emptive strike against Iran. Defense Secretary Israel Katz has declared a special and immediate national emergency,” a Defense Department statement said.According to reports, an explosion occurred near the office of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran.It was unclear whether the 86-year-old leader was present at the time. Khamenei has not made any public appearances in recent days amid rising tensions with the United States.Thick smoke rose from the center of Tehran, and witnesses reported hearing strong explosions. Iranian state television acknowledged the explosion but gave no further details.

Israeli sirens; Iranian airspace closed

As the attack unfolded, sirens were sounded across Israel and citizens received phone alerts warning of an “extremely serious” threat.The Israeli military said the move was “a proactive alert designed to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched into Israel”.Iran closed its airspace after the attack and issued warnings to pilots as explosions echoed over the capital.The Associated Press quoted sources as saying that the United States is participating in Israeli attacks on Iran.Earlier, the United States deployed a large number of fighter jets and warships to the region, increasing pressure on Tehran’s nuclear program.On Friday, the U.S. State Department authorized non-emergency personnel and their families to leave Israel, citing unspecified “security risks,” CBS News reported.The latest advisory comes as Washington and Tehran continue talks on a potential nuclear deal. The third round of talks takes place in Geneva on Thursday.

Trump ‘not happy’ with Iran

US President Donald Trump has previously warned that Iran could face military action if it does not agree to curb its nuclear ambitions.Speaking at an event in Texas on Friday, Trump said he was “not satisfied” with the progress of the talks and stressed that Iran must commit not to develop nuclear weapons.“Now we have a big decision to make. You know, it’s not easy. We have a very big decision to make. For 47 years, our country has been breaking people’s legs, arms, faces. They’ve crashed ships, killed a lot of people. Well, not just Americans, but a lot of people. It’s horrific. 32,000 people have been killed in the protests over the last two or three months,” Trump said.“32,000 people. That’s a lot of people. They want a deal, but you have to make a meaningful deal. I talked to Ted Cruz, John, all of them on the way here. I said you have to make a meaningful deal. We hit them hard, as you know, recently with those beautiful B-2 bombers that destroyed their nuclear capabilities. But I’d rather do it in a peaceful way. But they are very difficult people to deal with. I want to tell you that. They are very dangerous people, very difficult people to deal with,” he added.