UPDATE: Tension as U.S., Israel, Launch Missiles at Iran

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Israel has launched a pre-emptive strike against Iran, according to statements from Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on Saturday morning, escalating tensions in the Middle East to a critical level.

In an official announcement, Katz described the operation as necessary “to remove threats to the State of Israel.”

He immediately declared a special state of emergency across the entire country, citing expectations of imminent retaliatory missile and drone attacks from Iran targeting Israeli civilians.

An Israeli source told the CNN that the strike on Iran on Saturday morning was coordinated with the United States and Israel.

The last time the United States struck Iranian soil was June 2025 when President Donald Trump ordered warplanes to drop massive bombs on three nuclear sites inside Iran.

With that strike, he became the first American president to authorize an attack on Iran after nearly half a century of animosity with the Islamic Republic.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) activated nationwide alerts shortly after the announcement. Sirens wailed across Israel, accompanied by direct mobile notifications urging the public to remain in close proximity to protected spaces or bomb shelters.

The Home Front Command shifted the country to “Essential Activity” status, prohibiting educational activities, public gatherings, and non-essential workplace operations.

Only critical sectors are permitted to function, with full guidelines available via official channels, including the National Emergency Portal and the Home Front Command app.

The IDF described the alert as proactive, aimed at preparing civilians for potential incoming missiles.

In Tehran, the Iranian capital, reports emerged of three explosions heard in downtown areas, particularly around the Republic district.

Iranian media, including the Fars News Agency, cited reports of several missiles striking the city.

Additional blasts were mentioned in some accounts, though details on targets, damage, or casualties remained limited and unconfirmed at the time of reporting.

Iranian state television acknowledged explosions without providing further specifics or attributing them officially.