Israel Launches Preemptive Strike on Iran, Explosions Reported in Tehran

Israel carried out a preemptive military strike against Iran early Saturday, according to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, marking a sharp escalation in long-standing tensions between the two adversaries.

In a statement, Katz confirmed that the operation was launched “to remove threats to the State of Israel.” He declared a nationwide state of emergency, with restrictions on public gatherings, school closures, workplace shutdowns, and orders for citizens to remain near protected spaces.

The Israeli military activated air raid sirens across the country as a precautionary measure, warning of a potential retaliatory missile or drone attack from Iran “in the immediate future.”

Multiple explosions rocked central Tehran shortly after the announcement, with Iranian state media and residents reporting at least three blasts and plumes of smoke rising over the city. The full extent of damage, targets hit, or casualties remains unclear, as details continue to emerge.

This marks the first direct military confrontation between Israel and Iran in approximately eight months, following the intense 12-day war in June 2025, during which Israel, joined by U.S. forces, struck Iranian nuclear facilities, missile sites, and other targets. Iran responded with barrages of ballistic missiles at Israel.

The latest action comes amid heightened regional volatility, including ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva that ended without a breakthrough earlier this week. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened military action against Iran if diplomatic efforts fail to curb its nuclear program and regional activities.

Oil markets reacted immediately, with futures showing sharp gains in pre-market trading on fears of supply disruptions in the Middle East.

Iranian officials have not yet issued a formal response regarding retaliation, but past incidents suggest a swift counterstrike could involve missiles, drones, or proxy forces targeting Israel or U.S. interests in the region.

The situation remains fluid, with both sides on high alert. International leaders, including those from the U.S., Gulf states, and Europe, are monitoring developments closely amid concerns of a broader conflict.