The Israeli Defense Minister, Benny Gantz, confirmed that the country has carried out strikes on Iran aimed at eliminating threats to national security. These actions are classified as preventive.
In response, missile and drone attacks from Iran are expected.
A state of emergency has been declared in the country, and citizens are strongly urged to follow the instructions of civil defense services and remain in shelters.
The IDF has announced a transition to a "special mode," in which only vital services will operate.
Due to the ongoing events, educational institutions have been closed, mass events have been canceled, and many businesses have suspended their operations. Only services ensuring the population's livelihood are functioning.
Israel has also closed its airspace.
According to Israeli media, including N12, the attack may be the result of joint actions by Israel and the United States, resulting in numerous targets related to the Iranian regime being hit.
There are reports of a possible assassination attempt on Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, but this information has not yet been officially confirmed.
Iranian sources report missile strikes that hit University Street and the Jamhoori area in Tehran.
The total number of targeted sites in Iran is about 30, including the president's residence and the intelligence headquarters, according to various Israeli sources.
Tehran is engulfed in thick smoke in areas where Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei resides, according to information from the Iranian newspaper Shargh. Local residents also confirm the presence of smoke over this part of the city, where the presidential palace and the National Security Council are located.
Donald Trump, commenting on the situation, stated that he is not concerned about a possible rise in oil prices caused by military actions in Iran. "I don't care about that. I am concerned about human lives and the long-term welfare of our country," he noted.
A representative of the Israeli Defense Ministry stated that the operation was coordinated with the U.S. and had been prepared for several months. The start of the attacks was planned several weeks ago.
The operation is called "Shield of Yehuda." At the same time, Reuters reports that Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been evacuated from Tehran to a safe location.
A U.S. representative in an interview with Al Jazeera noted that the goal of the airstrikes is to destroy the Iranian security system. The strikes targeted Qom, Khorramabad, Isfahan (where one of the nuclear facilities is located), and Tehran.
