An apparent strike in Iran’s capital Saturday happened near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
It wasn’t immediately clear whether the 86-year-old Khamenei had been in his offices at the time. He hasn’t been seen publicly in days as tensions with the United States have grown.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the attack as being done “to remove threats.” He did not immediately elaborate.
In Tehran, witnesses heard the blast. Iranian state television later reported on the explosion, without offering a cause.
Sirens 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.”
US confirms involvement in strikes
US President Donald Trump confirms US has launched “major combat operations” in Iran.
Trump says ‘we tried to make a deal’
More now from Trump: “we sought repeatedly to make a deal. We tried.”
He adds that “we are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally … obliterated.”
He said Tehran’s “menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world”.
“For 47 years,” Trump adds, “the Iranian regime has chanted ‘Death to America’ and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed.”
He references the US embassy crisis from 1979 and 1981, where 66 hostages were held for 444 days.
“It’s been mass terror, and we’re not going to take it any longer”, he adds, before claiming that Iran attempted to rebuild its nuclear programme and was developing long-range missiles.
Trump then says “we are going to destroy their missiles” and “annihilate their navy”, and adds that while steps have been taken to avoid casualties, “Americans may be lost”.
He tells the Islamic Revolutionary Guard to “lay down their arms” or “face certain death”.
Addressing the people of Iran, Trump says “the hour of your freedom is at hand” and warns them “bombs will dropping everywhere”.
“When we are finished, take over your government, it will be yours to take”, he adds.
“This will be, probably, your only chance for generations. For many years, you have asked for America’s help, but you never got it.
“No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight.”
Katz has also announced a state of emergency in Israel in anticipation of retaliatory strikes
Tehran preparing to retaliate – Reports
Iran is preparing to retaliate after this morning’s strikes, a Tehran official has told the Reuters news agency.
The official told the agency the response is set to be “crushing”.
It is unclear what that means or where Iran will target.
Long life to President Dinald Trump.!
Long life to Israel. !!
Long life to the United States of America!!!
While wishing and hoping that our resolve to have our independence as BIAFRANS will be accomplished during your tenure Sir? To God be the glory.