Israel strikes Tehran nuclear sites in operation 'Rising Lion' - bombing expected to last DAYS
Multiple smoke plumes have been seen over Tehran, Iran's capital, at around 3.30am local time. Described as a 'preemptive, precise, combined offensive', the operation struck dozens of targets across multiple areas of Iran, according to the Israeli military.
A U.S. official told CNN that the United States had no involvement or assistance in the Israeli strikes, which Israel announced would likely last for several days.
Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to his nation via a seven minute television address in the early hours of Friday morning, shortly after sirens sounded to wake the country.
He said: "This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat. For decades the tyrants of Tehran have brazenly, openly called for Israel's destruction.
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"They have backed up their genocidal rhetoric with a program to develop nuclear weapons. In recent years Iran has produced enough highly enriched uranium for nine atom bombs.
"In recent months Iran has taken steps it has never taken before, steps to weaponise this enriched uranium.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcing the launch of a targeted military operation against Iran
"If not stopped Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in a very short time." he added, "This is a clear and present danger to Israel's very survival.
"This is a clear and present danger to Israel's very survival. 80 years ago the Jewish people were the victims of a holocaust perpetrated by the Nazi regime. Today, the Jewish state refuses to be a victim of a nuclear holocaust, perpetrated by the Iranian regime."
Israel's Minister of Defense Israel Katz declared a special state of emergency throughout the entirety of the country in the wake of the IDF missile barrage.
"Following the State of Israel's pre-emptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future", Katz said.
Explosions reported from across Iran.
Local reports indicate that dozens of targets across Iran related to its nuclear program were targeted, alongside other military facilities. The operation is reportedly dubbed "Strength of a Lion."
In a statement from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X, it was confirmed that Israel's action was carried out unilaterally, without the assistance of the US.
'Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.
A huge building collapsed in Teheran
"Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense. President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners.
"Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.'
In the wake of the attack, Israel has sounded sirens across the country as a pre-emptive warning to citizens of a retaliatory strike from Iran.
Iran's state-run Nour News has confirmed explosions have been witnessed in Tehran and flights to and from Iran's capitial have been suspended.
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