Israel on Saturday launched a pre-emptive military strike against Iran, the country’s defence minister announced. The strike reportedly took place near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
There was no immediate response from the Iranian government regarding the reported blast. (Representational image) (AP)
The US later said these are joint strikes carried out by the Israeli and American military.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
"The State of Israel has launched a preemptive strike against Iran. Defence Minister Israel Katz has declared a special and immediate state of emergency throughout the country," read a statement from Israel's defence ministry.
The development comes at a time of heightened strain between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
There was no immediate response from the Iranian government regarding the reported blast.
Sirens sound across Israel
Sirens were sounded across Israel at the same time. The Israeli military said that it had issued a “proactive alert to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward the state of Israel,” news agency AP reported.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the attack as being done “to remove threats.”
{{/usCountry}}
{{#usCountry}}
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the attack as being done “to remove threats.”
{{/usCountry}}
In Tehran, witnesses heard the blast. Iranian state television later reported on the explosion, without offering a cause.
Schools across Israel closed
Schools across Israel have been closed as a precautionary measure, and authorities have advised the public to work from home and banned all public gatherings across the country.
Airspace closed amid security concerns
The Israel Airports Authority said the Transport Minister has ordered the closure of Israeli airspace to all civilian flights.
The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure.
What happens to talks?
The US and Iran renewed negotiations this month in a bid to resolve the decades-long dispute through diplomacy and avert the threat of a military confrontation that could destabilise the region. The talks are probably stalled now.
Shivya Kanojia is a journalist at Hindustan Times, where she works in the fast-paced digital news ecosystem with a strong sense of editorial judgement and a clear understanding of what makes a story both important and traffic-driven. An alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Shivya brings a thoughtful balance of news value and audience relevance to her work, ensuring stories resonate beyond the immediate headline. Over the course of her three-year journey in the digital news space, Shivya has worked across a wide range of beats, including politics, civic issues, human-interest features and trending news. This diverse exposure has shaped her ability to approach stories with nuance, adaptability and context, whether she is breaking down complex developments or spotlighting everyday narratives that often go unnoticed. She is particularly drawn to human-interest stories, interviews and explainers that offer depth and clarity, aiming to move past surface-level reporting to explore the people, emotions and circumstances behind the news. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Shivya worked with Firstpost and Times Now, where she covered a broad spectrum of topics and honed her skills in digital journalism . Outside the newsroom, Shivya enjoys discovering new cafés, drawn to good coffee, cosy spaces and unhurried conversations. Shopping is another pastime she cherishes, not always out of necessity, but often guided by instinct and the simple joy of stumbling upon unexpected finds. Above all, she treasures time spent with loved ones, finding meaning in shared laughter, simple moments and memories that linger long after.
Get the latest headlines from US news and global updates from Pakistan, Nepal, UK, Bangladesh, Russia and US Iran war Live, get all the latest headlines in one place on Hindustan Times.
Get the latest headlines from US news and global updates from Pakistan, Nepal, UK, Bangladesh, Russia and US Iran war Live, get all the latest headlines in one place on Hindustan Times.
