The United States of America and Israel have launched an attack on Iran, with President Donald Trump confirming that “major combat operations” are underway.
The Israeli Minister of Defence, Israel Katz, said the attack launched on Iran was a “pre-emptive” one, with Iran retaliating.
Photographs from Iran showed smoke rising in Tehran, with explosions heard in across five Iranian cities.
According to Iranian Fars news agency, explosions were heard in Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah, as well as Tehran, the capital.
Trump said on Friday he was “not happy” with Iran’s negotiating position during nuclear talks.
He claimed that Iran “attempted to rebuild their nuclear programme and to continue developing long range missiles that can now threaten our very good friends and allies in Europe, our troops stationed overseas and could soon reach the American homeland”.
He said the US is undertaking a “massive” operation to “prevent this very wicked radical dictatorship from threatening America”.
President Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement: “My brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel, a short time ago, Israel and the United States embarked on an operation to remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran.
“I thank our great friend, President Donald Trump, for his historic leadership. For 47 years, the Ayatollah regime has been shouting ‘Death to Israel,’ ‘Death to America.’
“It has spilled our blood, murdered many Americans, and massacred its own people. This murderous terrorist regime must not be armed with nuclear weapons that would allow it to threaten all of humanity. Our joint action will create the conditions for the courageous Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands.
“The time has come for all segments of the Iranian people – the Persians, the Kurds, the Azeris, the Baluchis, and the Ahwazis – to throw off the yoke of tyranny and bring about a free and peaceful Iran.
“I appeal to you, the citizens of Israel, to listen to the instructions of the Home Front Command. In the coming days, in Operation ‘The Roar of the Lion,’ we will all be required to have endurance and fortitude.
“Together we will stand, together we will fight, and together we will ensure the eternity of Israel.”
The Israeli Defense Forces, which says Iran has fired retaliatory strikes against Israel, also said in a statement: “A short while ago, sirens were sounded in several areas across the country following the identification of missiles launched from Iran toward the State of Israel.
“The public is requested to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command.
“At this time, the Israeli Air Force is operating to intercept and strike threats where necessary to remove the threat.
“The defense is not hermetic, and therefore it is essential that the public continue to adhere to the Home Front Command’s guidelines.
“The public is requested to continue to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command.”
