Israel strikes Iran: explosions in Tehran, state of emergency declared in the country
Israel launched strikes on the territory of Iran, and explosions were heard in Tehran. Against this background, Defence Minister Israel Katz declared a state of emergency in Israel and called on citizens to immediately follow civil defence instructions.
The situation is rapidly escalating - air raid sirens are already sounding throughout Israel.
Event details
According to media reports, the strikes targeted facilities in Iran, in particular in the Tehran area, where eyewitnesses reported explosions.
The Israeli Minister of Defence announced a state of emergency across the country. Citizens were advised to stay near shelters and follow the instructions of the Home Front Command.
Waiting for Iran's response
Warning systems have been activated in Israeli cities, with sirens sounding throughout the country. According to military estimates, a massive retaliatory missile and drone attack by Iran or its allies is likely in the near future.
Official Tehran did not comment in detail on the scale of the incident at the time of publication.
Context.
Tensions between Israel and Iran have risen sharply following a series of mutual accusations and regional incidents. Israel has repeatedly stated that it will not allow the strengthening of Iran's military presence and the development of Tehran's nuclear programme.
Experts warn that further escalation could draw the wider Middle East region into the conflict.
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