Explosions were heard in Tehran early Saturday, with smoke rising over parts of the capital, after Israel announced it had launched what it described as a “preemptive” strike against Iran and declared a nationwide state of emergency.
Sirens sounded across Israel as authorities ordered the suspension of schools, public gatherings and non-essential work. Israeli Channel 12 reported that the strikes were carried out jointly with the United States.
The attacks came as diplomatic efforts to revive negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program were ongoing under Omani mediation. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said Friday he had met US Vice President JD Vance and expressed optimism about diplomatic progress.
Iranian state and semi-official media reported casualties among the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). ISNA news agency said several Guard members, including operational personnel, were killed or wounded. Mehr news agency reported further explosions in Qom, Isfahan, Kermanshah and Lorestan provinces, indicating the strikes extended beyond Tehran.
Israeli media said senior Iranian officials were among the targets. Channel 12 reported Israel was preparing for several days of intensive operations.
Iranian parliament National Security Committee head Ebrahim Azizi warned on X that the strikes had set Iran and its adversaries on “a path whose end is no longer under your control.” Tehran hospitals declared a state of emergency, according to Health Ministry spokesperson Hossein Kermanipour.
US President Donald Trump later confirmed American involvement, announcing that US forces had begun “major combat operations” in Iran.
“A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran,” Trump said in a video posted on Truth Social. “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.”
Trump said the operation aimed to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, neutralize its naval forces and prevent Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. He cited past attacks attributed to Iran or its allies, including the 1979 US embassy takeover and the 1983 Beirut Marine barracks bombing.
The US Department of War later referred to the campaign as “Operation Epic Fury” in a post on X.
Cyberattacks were also reported across Iran, with multiple news websites and local applications disrupted. State news agency IRNA said its website was inaccessible. Internet monitoring group NetBlocks said national connectivity had dropped to about 4%, indicating a near-total internet blackout.
Iranian state television said Tehran was preparing a “harsh response” to the attacks.
Later on Saturday, explosions were reported in northern Israel, including the Haifa area, after missiles were launched from Iran, according to Israeli outlet Ynet. The Israeli army said air defense systems were activated.
Sirens were also heard in Jordan and Bahrain following the launches. Bahrain’s Interior Ministry urged residents to seek shelter and limit travel to essential movement.
A new round of nuclear talks in Geneva ended on Thursday, days before the strikes. Last June, the United States carried out attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities following a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran.
