The Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz stated that the country carried out strikes on Iran to eliminate potential threats. According to him, these are preventive measures, and retaliatory attacks can be expected soon, including the use of missiles and drones.
In connection with the escalation of the situation, a state of emergency has been declared in Israel. Citizens are urged to follow the instructions of security services and remain in shelters.
The Israeli authorities announced a transition to a "special regime," in which only vital services will operate, according to information from the IDF.
According to the statement, educational institutions are being closed, mass events are canceled, and many businesses are suspending their activities. Only services responsible for life support will continue to operate.
A decision has also been made to close the airspace over Israel.
Israeli media, including N12, report that the military actions may be part of a joint operation with the U.S., during which numerous targets associated with the Iranian regime have already been attacked.
There is information about a possible assassination attempt on Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian; however, there has been no official confirmation of this information yet.
The missile strikes targeted University Street and the Jamhuri area in Tehran, according to reports from Iranian sources.
According to Israeli journalists, about 30 sites across Iran have been attacked, including the president's residence and the intelligence headquarters.
The Iranian newspaper Shargh reports thick smoke rising over the area of Tehran where Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei resides. Local residents also confirm the visibility of smoke in this area, which houses the presidential palace and the National Security Council.
Donald Trump, commenting on the situation, noted that he is not concerned about a potential rise in oil prices in the event of conflict in Iran. "I'm not worried about that. I'm concerned about human lives and the long-term well-being of our country," he added.
According to a representative of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, the attack on Iran was carefully planned and coordinated with the American side over several months.
Reports of explosions have been received from the Iranian parliament, as well as from the cities of Qom, Isfahan, and Khorramabad.
A U.S. representative stated that the airstrikes are aimed at destroying Iran's security apparatus, and further expansion of the attack can be expected.
The operation, named "Shield of Yehuda," was prepared over several months, and its start was planned several weeks ago, as noted by a representative of the Israeli Ministry of Defense.
According to Reuters, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been evacuated from Tehran to a "safe place."
A U.S. representative confirmed in an interview with Al Jazeera that the strikes are aimed at destroying the Iranian security apparatus, covering cities such as Qom, Khorramabad, Isfahan (where one of the nuclear facilities is located), and Tehran itself.
