The Israeli Air Force (IAF) conducted strikes on Iran on Friday, June 13 (today ), multiple media reported.
Explosions were heard northeast of Tehran early on Friday, the state-run Nour News said, with videos shared online showing explosions in the capital.
Earlier on Thursday, U.S and European officials were told that Israel was fully ready to launch a pre-emptive strike targeting Iran’s nuclear programme, even if Washington does not provide direct support.
Israel for years had warned it will not allow Iran to build a nuclear weapon, something Tehran insists it doesn’t want.
The Trump administration had privately told Israel that it would not participate in a strike, according to Axios .
The White House did not have an immediate comment Thursday night.
As the explosions in Tehran started, president Donald Trump was on the lawn of the White House mingling with members of Congress. It was unclear if he had been informed but the president continued shaking hands and posing for pictures for several minutes.
Iranian Media Report Fatalities In Tehran
Iran’s Press TV reports there have been a number of fatalities from Israel’s attack on Tehran.
Iran’s state TV has said several explosions were heard in Tehran and the country’s air defence system are on full alert.
Operation will “continue as long as necessary”, Netanyahu Says In Nationwide Address
“Until we complete the mission of repelling the threat of annihilation that hovers over our heads.
“I salute from the bottom of my heart the commanders of the IDF and its soldiers, the Air Force, the Intelligence Branch, and the Mossad, for the bold planning of the operation and the determined and powerful execution,”Israeli leader Netanyahu said in a broadcast to the nation.
Israel Claims Iran Has Enough Material To Make 15 Nuclear Bombs Within Days
In announcing the operation against Iran, the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) has claimed that Iran has enough enriched uranium to build several bombs, and it needs to act against this “imminent threat.”
An Israeli military official said Israel was striking “dozens” of nuclear and military targets. The official said Iran had enough material to make 15 nuclear bombs within days.
On Thursday, the International Atomic Energy Agency issued its strongest condemnation of Iran in 20 years as it said the country had continued to enrich uranium to near weapons-grade levels and had failed to comply with its nuclear nonproliferation obligations.
Iran immediately announced it would establish a third enrichment site in the country and swap out some centrifuges for more-advanced ones.
An Israeli military official told Reuters that the Air Force is striking “dozens” of targets across Iran, including military and nuclear sites.
The official has called the Iranian nuclear programme an existential threat to Israel.
Speaking to i24 diplomatic correspondent, Amichai Stein, an Israeli military official said that the country was preparing for “days of battle” with Iran.
Iran State TV Says Air Defences On ‘Full Alert’
State TV in Iran has said air defences are on full alert amid reports of explosion in Tehran.
Holly Dagres from the Washington Institute has said that reports of strikes are concentrated around north Tehran.
