Israel’s Ministry of Defense announced that it had launched a preemptive strike against Iran in order to eliminate threats directed at the country. Shortly afterward, President Donald Trump stated that a major operation had been initiated against Iran and that regime change was among the objectives.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense declared a nationwide state of emergency.
Israel closed its airspace to all flights. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz called on the public to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command and remain in secure areas.
Meanwhile, several explosions were reported in Iran’s capital, Tehran. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising into the sky.
Explosions occurred in central Tehran, including near the building housing Iran’s Ministry of Interior, where dense smoke was observed. The sound of warplanes was also heard across many parts of northeastern and eastern Tehran.
Majid Akhwan, spokesperson for Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization, told local media that, according to a published NOTAM, the country’s entire airspace had been closed for six hours.
Ebrahim Azizi, Chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security Commission, announced that Iran would retaliate against the Israeli strike carried out in the early morning hours.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that the United States had joined Israel’s attack on Iran. In a video message addressing the public, Trump said, “We have just launched a major operation against Iran. Our goal is to eliminate threats stemming from the Iranian regime and to defend the American people.”