Israel and US launch ‘pre-emptive attack’ on Iran, Tel Aviv declares state of emergency

Explosions have been reported in central Tehran after Israel announced it had launched what it described as a “pre-emptive attack” against Iran.

US President Donald Trump has confirmed American involvement in the attack, posting an eight-minute video on Truth Social stating that the United States took part in the military operation against Iran.

According to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency, three explosions were heard in downtown Tehran. The agency said it had received reports that several missiles struck the Republic (Jomhouri) area of the Iranian capital.


Shortly afterward, the BBC reported it had obtained images showing smoke rising above Jomhouri Square and Hassan Abad Square, two prominent locations in central Tehran. The scale of the damage and whether there are casualties remain unclear, with no immediate official confirmation from Iranian authorities.

The US embassy in Qatar has implemented a shelter-in-place order for all personnel and is recommending that US citizens in the country do the same until further notice.

Cellphone communications have been disrupted across several areas of Tehran, with calls currently not possible. There are concerns that internet services may soon be disrupted as well.

Israel declares nationwide emergency

Earlier, at approximately 11:56, Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Israel had launched what he called a “pre-emptive attack” on Iran. In a statement, Katz declared a “special and permanent state of emergency” across Israel.

The developments mark a significant escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran, long-time regional adversaries. International reaction is expected as the situation unfolds, with concerns growing over the risk of further military exchanges in the region.

Israel has closed its airspace to civilian flights following the strike, according to Israeli media reports.

Iran’s airspace has also been closed, according to the Tasnim News Agency.