Israel strikes Iran as blasts hit Tehran
Explosions rock capital amid fears of wider regional escalation
Multiple explosions were reported across Tehran after Israel confirmed it had launched what it described as a pre‑emptive military strike on Iranian territory, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions. Israeli officials said the operation targeted threats to the state, and witnesses in Tehran reported blasts and plumes of smoke near central and government areas. Sirens also sounded across Israeli cities as authorities declared heightened readiness and ordered emergency measures, including airspace closures and instructions for civilians to seek shelter.
Israeli statements framed the strikes as necessary to neutralize perceived threats tied to Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities. Iranian authorities acknowledged explosions and mobilized emergency services, with initial reports describing hits near strategic and urban sites; full details on damage and casualties remained unclear. International media and monitoring sources described widespread disruption to daily life in both countries as residents reacted to air‑raid alerts.
Global leaders and regional actors voiced concern over the potential for the confrontation to widen. Analysts warned that direct strikes risk drawing in other regional powers and complicating ongoing diplomatic efforts, including parallel talks related to Iran’s nuclear program. Reports emerged suggesting U.S. involvement in the operation, but official accounts of external participation were limited and contested.
Both nations moved quickly to elevate military readiness: Israel declared a state of emergency and deployed home‑front protections, while Iran closed airspace over affected areas. Governments and international organizations called for restraint even as military and civil‑defence forces remained on high alert. Diplomatic channels were expected to be active as officials assessed the evolving situation and sought to prevent further escalation.
The attacks represent one of the most serious direct confrontations between Israel and Iran in recent years, reviving fears of a wider regional conflict.
