By Blessing Nweke
Explosions were heard across Tehran early this morning, according to Iran’s semi-official FARS News Agency, as Israel confirmed it had carried out what it described as a preemptive military strike against Iran.
Thick smoke was seen rising from an apparent blast site in downtown Tehran, Iran’s capital. Iranian state television acknowledged that an explosion had occurred but did not immediately provide details about the cause, casualties or the extent of the damage.
The announcement of the strike came from Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, who said Israel had acted to counter threats posed by Iran.
“The State of Israel has launched a preemptive strike against Iran to remove threats against the State of Israel,” a spokesperson for the defense minister said in a statement.
At roughly the same time explosions were reported in Tehran, sirens sounded across Israel. The Israeli military said the alarms were a “proactive alert to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward the state of Israel.”
Israeli officials warned that retaliation from Iran could be imminent. “As a result, a missile and UAV attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate time frame,” the spokesperson said.
The developments mark a sharp escalation in tensions between the two longtime regional adversaries, raising fears of a broader confrontation that could destabilize the Middle East.
There was no immediate comment from senior Iranian military officials beyond the brief acknowledgment on state television. International leaders are expected to closely monitor the situation as both sides brace for potential further military action.
Original article
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