Israel Defence Forces launch missile attack on Tehran, Iran as state of emergency called
Israel has launched "pre-emptive strikes" on Iran as sirens blare in the Jewish state warning of an imminent counter attack.
Israel has launched "pre-emptive strikes" on Iran as it prepares for a counterattack, signalling a state of emergency.
An imminent attack is expected from Iran following Israel's strikes, according to Defence Minister Israel Katz.
"A missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future," Mr Katz said in a statement.
Iranian state media, IRNA, reported explosions could be heard in the capital of Iran.
Images on social media show at least one major explosion in central Tehran. — AF Post (@AFpost) June 13, 2025
President Donald Trump said on Thursday an Israeli strike on Iran "could very well happen", and a senior Israeli official told the Wall Street Journal it could occur as soon as Sunday unless Iran agrees to halt production of material for an atomic bomb.
US intelligence has indicated that Israel has been making preparations for a strike against Iran's nuclear facilities, and US officials have said on the condition of anonymity that Israel could attack in the coming days.
Trump on Thursday reiterated his hopes for a peaceful end to the tensions, and there was counter-speculation that the threat of an Israeli attack was a tactic intended to pressure Iran into concessions on its nuclear program at the negotiating table.
"We remain committed to a Diplomatic Resolution to the Iran Nuclear Issue!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
"My entire Administration has been directed to negotiate with Iran. They could be a Great Country, but they first must completely give up hopes of obtaining a Nuclear Weapon," he added.
This is a developing story. More to come.
-with Reuters
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The Advertiser
13 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Not too late for Iran to halt Israeli attacks: Trump
Israel has launched a huge wave of air strikes across Iran, blasting Iran's huge underground nuclear site, wiping out its entire top echelon of military commanders and killing nuclear scientists in the biggest ever direct attack between the foes. Iran said "the gates of hell will open" in retaliation while Israel said the strikes were only the start of its campaign. US President Donald Trump said it was not too late for Iran to halt the Israeli attacks by reaching a deal to curb its nuclear program. As evening fell on Friday, Iranian media reported a number of explosions in what appeared to be a second wave of strikes. "Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said early on Friday in a televised address that invoked the failure of the world to prevent the Holocaust in World War II. Israel's operation "will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat," he said. "Generations from now, history will record our generation stood its ground, acted in time and secured our common future." Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel had "unleashed its wicked and bloody" hand, and would suffer "a bitter fate". In a phone interview with Reuters, Trump said it was not clear if Iran's nuclear program had survived but it was not too late for Iran to make a deal to halt the Israeli assault. He said nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, scheduled for Sunday, were still on the agenda although he was not sure if they would take place. "I tried to save Iran humiliation and death," Trump said. Earlier, he posted on Truth Social: "Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left." Two regional sources said at least 20 Iranian military commanders were killed, a stunning decapitation reminiscent of Israeli attacks that swiftly wiped out the leadership of Lebanon's once-feared Hezbollah militia last year. Among the generals killed on Friday were the armed forces chief of staff, Major General Mohammad Bagheri and the Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami. Major General Mohammad Pakpour, swiftly promoted to replace Salami as Guards commander, vowed retaliation in a letter to the Supreme Leader read out on state television: "The gates of hell will open to the child-killing regime." Twenty people Reuters spoke to inside Iran described an atmosphere of fear and anger, with some people rushing to change money and others seeking a way out of the country to safety. "People on my street rushed out of their homes in panic, we were all terrified," said Marziyeh, 39, who was awakened by a huge blast in Natanz, a city that houses the huge underground facility where Iran purifies the uranium that Israel said could be used to make a nuclear bomb. Iranian media showed images of destroyed apartment blocks, and said nearly 80 civilians were killed in attacks that targeted nuclear scientists in their beds and wounded more than 300 people. Iran's main nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz suffered significant damage, Israeli military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said. Briefing journalists online, Defrin said 200 Israeli fighter jets took part in the strikes, hitting more than 100 targets, with others to work through, and that the operation might be lengthy. The United Nations Security Council was due to meet on Friday at Iran's request. Iran said in a letter to the Council that it would respond decisively and proportionally to Israel's "unlawful" and "cowardly" acts. An Israeli security source said Mossad commandos had been operating deep inside Iran before the attack, and the Israeli spy agency and military had mounted a series of covert operations against Iran's strategic missile array. Israel also established an attack-drone base near Tehran, the source added. The military said it had bombarded Iran's air defences, destroying "dozens of radars and surface-to-air missile launchers". Israeli officials said it may be some time before the extent is clear of damage to the underground nuclear site at Natanz, where Iran has refined uranium to levels some countries have long said are suitable for a bomb rather than civilian use. Iran has long insisted its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only. Israel remained on alert, shutting its embassies around the world and urging citizens via embassy websites to stay vigilant and avoid displaying Jewish or Israeli symbols in public. Israeli military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said tens of thousands of soldiers had been called up and "prepared across all borders". Oman, which is mediating in Iran-US nuclear talks, described Israel's attack as reckless and urged the international community to halt the "dangerous course of action". Israel has launched a huge wave of air strikes across Iran, blasting Iran's huge underground nuclear site, wiping out its entire top echelon of military commanders and killing nuclear scientists in the biggest ever direct attack between the foes. Iran said "the gates of hell will open" in retaliation while Israel said the strikes were only the start of its campaign. US President Donald Trump said it was not too late for Iran to halt the Israeli attacks by reaching a deal to curb its nuclear program. As evening fell on Friday, Iranian media reported a number of explosions in what appeared to be a second wave of strikes. "Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said early on Friday in a televised address that invoked the failure of the world to prevent the Holocaust in World War II. Israel's operation "will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat," he said. "Generations from now, history will record our generation stood its ground, acted in time and secured our common future." Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel had "unleashed its wicked and bloody" hand, and would suffer "a bitter fate". In a phone interview with Reuters, Trump said it was not clear if Iran's nuclear program had survived but it was not too late for Iran to make a deal to halt the Israeli assault. He said nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, scheduled for Sunday, were still on the agenda although he was not sure if they would take place. "I tried to save Iran humiliation and death," Trump said. Earlier, he posted on Truth Social: "Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left." Two regional sources said at least 20 Iranian military commanders were killed, a stunning decapitation reminiscent of Israeli attacks that swiftly wiped out the leadership of Lebanon's once-feared Hezbollah militia last year. Among the generals killed on Friday were the armed forces chief of staff, Major General Mohammad Bagheri and the Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami. Major General Mohammad Pakpour, swiftly promoted to replace Salami as Guards commander, vowed retaliation in a letter to the Supreme Leader read out on state television: "The gates of hell will open to the child-killing regime." Twenty people Reuters spoke to inside Iran described an atmosphere of fear and anger, with some people rushing to change money and others seeking a way out of the country to safety. "People on my street rushed out of their homes in panic, we were all terrified," said Marziyeh, 39, who was awakened by a huge blast in Natanz, a city that houses the huge underground facility where Iran purifies the uranium that Israel said could be used to make a nuclear bomb. Iranian media showed images of destroyed apartment blocks, and said nearly 80 civilians were killed in attacks that targeted nuclear scientists in their beds and wounded more than 300 people. Iran's main nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz suffered significant damage, Israeli military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said. Briefing journalists online, Defrin said 200 Israeli fighter jets took part in the strikes, hitting more than 100 targets, with others to work through, and that the operation might be lengthy. The United Nations Security Council was due to meet on Friday at Iran's request. Iran said in a letter to the Council that it would respond decisively and proportionally to Israel's "unlawful" and "cowardly" acts. An Israeli security source said Mossad commandos had been operating deep inside Iran before the attack, and the Israeli spy agency and military had mounted a series of covert operations against Iran's strategic missile array. Israel also established an attack-drone base near Tehran, the source added. The military said it had bombarded Iran's air defences, destroying "dozens of radars and surface-to-air missile launchers". Israeli officials said it may be some time before the extent is clear of damage to the underground nuclear site at Natanz, where Iran has refined uranium to levels some countries have long said are suitable for a bomb rather than civilian use. Iran has long insisted its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only. Israel remained on alert, shutting its embassies around the world and urging citizens via embassy websites to stay vigilant and avoid displaying Jewish or Israeli symbols in public. Israeli military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said tens of thousands of soldiers had been called up and "prepared across all borders". Oman, which is mediating in Iran-US nuclear talks, described Israel's attack as reckless and urged the international community to halt the "dangerous course of action". Israel has launched a huge wave of air strikes across Iran, blasting Iran's huge underground nuclear site, wiping out its entire top echelon of military commanders and killing nuclear scientists in the biggest ever direct attack between the foes. Iran said "the gates of hell will open" in retaliation while Israel said the strikes were only the start of its campaign. US President Donald Trump said it was not too late for Iran to halt the Israeli attacks by reaching a deal to curb its nuclear program. As evening fell on Friday, Iranian media reported a number of explosions in what appeared to be a second wave of strikes. "Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said early on Friday in a televised address that invoked the failure of the world to prevent the Holocaust in World War II. Israel's operation "will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat," he said. "Generations from now, history will record our generation stood its ground, acted in time and secured our common future." Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel had "unleashed its wicked and bloody" hand, and would suffer "a bitter fate". In a phone interview with Reuters, Trump said it was not clear if Iran's nuclear program had survived but it was not too late for Iran to make a deal to halt the Israeli assault. He said nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, scheduled for Sunday, were still on the agenda although he was not sure if they would take place. "I tried to save Iran humiliation and death," Trump said. Earlier, he posted on Truth Social: "Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left." Two regional sources said at least 20 Iranian military commanders were killed, a stunning decapitation reminiscent of Israeli attacks that swiftly wiped out the leadership of Lebanon's once-feared Hezbollah militia last year. Among the generals killed on Friday were the armed forces chief of staff, Major General Mohammad Bagheri and the Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami. Major General Mohammad Pakpour, swiftly promoted to replace Salami as Guards commander, vowed retaliation in a letter to the Supreme Leader read out on state television: "The gates of hell will open to the child-killing regime." Twenty people Reuters spoke to inside Iran described an atmosphere of fear and anger, with some people rushing to change money and others seeking a way out of the country to safety. "People on my street rushed out of their homes in panic, we were all terrified," said Marziyeh, 39, who was awakened by a huge blast in Natanz, a city that houses the huge underground facility where Iran purifies the uranium that Israel said could be used to make a nuclear bomb. Iranian media showed images of destroyed apartment blocks, and said nearly 80 civilians were killed in attacks that targeted nuclear scientists in their beds and wounded more than 300 people. Iran's main nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz suffered significant damage, Israeli military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said. Briefing journalists online, Defrin said 200 Israeli fighter jets took part in the strikes, hitting more than 100 targets, with others to work through, and that the operation might be lengthy. The United Nations Security Council was due to meet on Friday at Iran's request. Iran said in a letter to the Council that it would respond decisively and proportionally to Israel's "unlawful" and "cowardly" acts. An Israeli security source said Mossad commandos had been operating deep inside Iran before the attack, and the Israeli spy agency and military had mounted a series of covert operations against Iran's strategic missile array. Israel also established an attack-drone base near Tehran, the source added. The military said it had bombarded Iran's air defences, destroying "dozens of radars and surface-to-air missile launchers". Israeli officials said it may be some time before the extent is clear of damage to the underground nuclear site at Natanz, where Iran has refined uranium to levels some countries have long said are suitable for a bomb rather than civilian use. Iran has long insisted its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only. Israel remained on alert, shutting its embassies around the world and urging citizens via embassy websites to stay vigilant and avoid displaying Jewish or Israeli symbols in public. Israeli military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said tens of thousands of soldiers had been called up and "prepared across all borders". Oman, which is mediating in Iran-US nuclear talks, described Israel's attack as reckless and urged the international community to halt the "dangerous course of action". Israel has launched a huge wave of air strikes across Iran, blasting Iran's huge underground nuclear site, wiping out its entire top echelon of military commanders and killing nuclear scientists in the biggest ever direct attack between the foes. Iran said "the gates of hell will open" in retaliation while Israel said the strikes were only the start of its campaign. US President Donald Trump said it was not too late for Iran to halt the Israeli attacks by reaching a deal to curb its nuclear program. As evening fell on Friday, Iranian media reported a number of explosions in what appeared to be a second wave of strikes. "Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said early on Friday in a televised address that invoked the failure of the world to prevent the Holocaust in World War II. Israel's operation "will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat," he said. "Generations from now, history will record our generation stood its ground, acted in time and secured our common future." Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel had "unleashed its wicked and bloody" hand, and would suffer "a bitter fate". In a phone interview with Reuters, Trump said it was not clear if Iran's nuclear program had survived but it was not too late for Iran to make a deal to halt the Israeli assault. He said nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, scheduled for Sunday, were still on the agenda although he was not sure if they would take place. "I tried to save Iran humiliation and death," Trump said. Earlier, he posted on Truth Social: "Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left." Two regional sources said at least 20 Iranian military commanders were killed, a stunning decapitation reminiscent of Israeli attacks that swiftly wiped out the leadership of Lebanon's once-feared Hezbollah militia last year. Among the generals killed on Friday were the armed forces chief of staff, Major General Mohammad Bagheri and the Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami. Major General Mohammad Pakpour, swiftly promoted to replace Salami as Guards commander, vowed retaliation in a letter to the Supreme Leader read out on state television: "The gates of hell will open to the child-killing regime." Twenty people Reuters spoke to inside Iran described an atmosphere of fear and anger, with some people rushing to change money and others seeking a way out of the country to safety. "People on my street rushed out of their homes in panic, we were all terrified," said Marziyeh, 39, who was awakened by a huge blast in Natanz, a city that houses the huge underground facility where Iran purifies the uranium that Israel said could be used to make a nuclear bomb. Iranian media showed images of destroyed apartment blocks, and said nearly 80 civilians were killed in attacks that targeted nuclear scientists in their beds and wounded more than 300 people. Iran's main nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz suffered significant damage, Israeli military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said. Briefing journalists online, Defrin said 200 Israeli fighter jets took part in the strikes, hitting more than 100 targets, with others to work through, and that the operation might be lengthy. The United Nations Security Council was due to meet on Friday at Iran's request. Iran said in a letter to the Council that it would respond decisively and proportionally to Israel's "unlawful" and "cowardly" acts. An Israeli security source said Mossad commandos had been operating deep inside Iran before the attack, and the Israeli spy agency and military had mounted a series of covert operations against Iran's strategic missile array. Israel also established an attack-drone base near Tehran, the source added. The military said it had bombarded Iran's air defences, destroying "dozens of radars and surface-to-air missile launchers". Israeli officials said it may be some time before the extent is clear of damage to the underground nuclear site at Natanz, where Iran has refined uranium to levels some countries have long said are suitable for a bomb rather than civilian use. Iran has long insisted its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only. Israel remained on alert, shutting its embassies around the world and urging citizens via embassy websites to stay vigilant and avoid displaying Jewish or Israeli symbols in public. Israeli military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said tens of thousands of soldiers had been called up and "prepared across all borders". Oman, which is mediating in Iran-US nuclear talks, described Israel's attack as reckless and urged the international community to halt the "dangerous course of action".
Sydney Morning Herald
19 minutes ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Israel attacks Iran LIVE updates: Explosions rumble in Tel Aviv as Iranian missiles strike in retaliation for attacks on nuclear sites
Latest posts Latest posts 5.50am Watch: Benjamin Netanyahu makes video address By Lachlan Abbott Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just posted a video on social media in which he attempted to directly address the Iranian people. 'We are in the midst of one of the greatest military operations in history, Operation Rising Lion,' he said. 'The Islamic regime, which has oppressed you for almost 50 years, threatens to destroy my country, the State of Israel. 'The objective of Israel's operation is to thwart the Islamic regime's nuclear and ballistic missile threat to us. As we achieve our objective we are also clearing the path for your objective, which is freedom.' Netanyahu claimed Israel had 'taken out' Iran's most significant nuclear enrichment facility and a 'large portion' of its ballistic missiles. 'More is on the way,' he said. 'The regime does not know what hit them, or what will hit them.' 5.35am Iranian missiles hit Israel Air raid sirens have sounded across Israel as Iranian missiles struck the country in retaliation for deadly Israeli attacks on nuclear sites and military leaders. The rumble of explosions could be heard throughout Jerusalem on Friday, and Israeli TV stations showed plumes of smoke rising in Tel Aviv after an apparent missile strike. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Iran 'crossed red lines' by firing missiles at civilian population centres and vowed it would pay a 'very heavy price'. The US military helped shoot down missiles that were headed toward Israel, two American officials told Reuters. Reuters 5.25am Welcome to our live coverage By Lachlan Abbott Good morning. I'm Lachlan Abbott, and I'll be with you today as the world braces for the possibility of all-out war in the Middle East after Israel's major strike on Iran yesterday. Already, a lot has happened while Australia slept. It is now just past 10pm in Tel Aviv. Here is what we know so far: Iran has launched a barrage of missiles at Israel in retaliation for deadly Israeli attacks on nuclear sites and military leaders. Explosions have just been heard in Jerusalem and Israeli TV stations showed plumes of smoke rising in Tel Aviv. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a recorded message to the nation that Israel 'started the war' and the Islamic Republic would 'not allow them to escape safely from this great crime'. US President Donald Trump urged Iran to quickly reach an agreement on curbing its nuclear program, telling followers on social media he tried to make a deal earlier but Iranian leaders 'just couldn't get it done'. He added: 'They are all DEAD now, and it will only get worse!'
7NEWS
24 minutes ago
- 7NEWS
Iran launches wave of missiles at Israel as Donald Trump under pressure to solve escalating conflict between the foes
Iran has launched a wave of missiles at Israel in a revenge attack it vowed to inflict after some of its most powerful military and nuclear targets were destroyed. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had carried out attacks on 'dozens of targets, military centres and air bases' belonging to Israel. It said the operation was named 'True Promise 3' and that further details would be released. Iran's retaliatory strikes shook buildings in Israel and shut down streets in the city of Tel Aviv but Israel's Iron Dome managed to stop most of the missiles. Iran fired 'hundreds of various ballistic missiles' toward Israel, in what Tehran called the beginning of its 'crushing response' to Israeli attacks Friday morning, according to Iran's official news agency, IRNA. A day ago, Israel launched a huge wave of air strikes across Iran, blasting Iran's huge underground nuclear site, wiping out its entire top echelon of military commanders and killing nuclear scientists in the biggest ever direct attack between the foes. Iran said 'the gates of hell will open' in retaliation while Israel said the strikes were only the start of its campaign. Earlier, US President Donald Trump said it was not too late for Iran to halt the Israeli attacks by reaching a deal to curb its nuclear program. As evening fell on Friday, Iranian media reported a number of explosions in what appeared to be a second wave of strikes. 'Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival,' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said early on Friday in a televised address that invoked the failure of the world to prevent the Holocaust in World War II. Israel's operation 'will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat,' he said. On X, formerly Twitter, Netanyahu said Israel was working to secure its 'common future'. 'We are after a very successful opening strike. With G-d's help, we are going to have many more achievements,' he added. 'Generations from now, history will record our generation stood its ground, acted in time and secured our common future.' Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel had 'unleashed its wicked and bloody' hand, and would suffer 'a bitter fate'. In a phone interview with Reuters, Trump said it was not clear if Iran's nuclear program had survived but it was not too late for Iran to make a deal to halt the Israeli assault. He said nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, scheduled for Sunday, were still on the agenda although he was not sure if they would take place. 'I tried to save Iran humiliation and death,' Trump said. Earlier, he posted on Truth Social: 'Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left.' Two regional sources said at least 20 Iranian military commanders were killed, a stunning decapitation reminiscent of Israeli attacks that swiftly wiped out the leadership of Lebanon's once-feared Hezbollah militia last year. Among the generals killed on Friday were the armed forces chief of staff, Major General Mohammad Bagheri and the Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami. Major General Mohammad Pakpour, swiftly promoted to replace Salami as Guards commander, vowed retaliation in a letter to the Supreme Leader read out on state television: 'The gates of hell will open to the child-killing regime.' Twenty people Reuters spoke to inside Iran described an atmosphere of fear and anger, with some people rushing to change money and others seeking a way out of the country to safety. 'People on my street rushed out of their homes in panic, we were all terrified,' said Marziyeh, 39, who was awakened by a huge blast in Natanz, a city that houses the huge underground facility where Iran purifies the uranium that Israel said could be used to make a nuclear bomb. Iranian media showed images of destroyed apartment blocks, and said nearly 80 civilians were killed in attacks that targeted nuclear scientists in their beds and wounded more than 300 people. Iran's main nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz suffered significant damage, Israeli military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said. Briefing journalists online, Defrin said 200 Israeli fighter jets took part in the strikes, hitting more than 100 targets, with others to work through, and that the operation might be lengthy. The United Nations Security Council was due to meet on Friday at Iran's request. Iran said in a letter to the Council that it would respond decisively and proportionally to Israel's 'unlawful' and 'cowardly' acts. An Israeli security source said Mossad commandos had been operating deep inside Iran before the attack, and the Israeli spy agency and military had mounted a series of covert operations against Iran's strategic missile array. Israel also established an attack-drone base near Tehran, the source added. The military said it had bombarded Iran's air defences, destroying 'dozens of radars and surface-to-air missile launchers'. Israeli officials said it may be some time before the extent is clear of damage to the underground nuclear site at Natanz, where Iran has refined uranium to levels some countries have long said are suitable for a bomb rather than civilian use. Iran has long insisted its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only. Israel remained on alert, shutting its embassies around the world and urging citizens via embassy websites to stay vigilant and avoid displaying Jewish or Israeli symbols in public. Israeli military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said tens of thousands of soldiers had been called up and 'prepared across all borders'. Oman, which is mediating in Iran-US nuclear talks, described Israel's attack as reckless and urged the international community to halt the 'dangerous course of action'.
