The IDF launched a surprise attack on Iran on Saturday morning, with Iranian state media reporting explosions have been heard in Tehran.
At the time of the attack, the IDF sent a national warning to all citizens to stay near protected spaces.
“This is a proactive alert to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward the State of Israel,” the IDF said.
A security source confirmed to Walla that the United States is involved in the strikes.
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is not in Tehran and has been transferred to a “secure location,” an Iranian official confirmed to Reuters.
Iranian media reported strikes targeting the IRGC Intelligence Directorate, as well as hits in central Tehran. The country has closed its airspace in response to the strikes.
An Israeli security official tells Reuters that the operation was planned for months and its timing was set several weeks ago.
Sources in the defense establishment stated one of the objectives of the strikes will be to “remove threats to the Israeli home front, with an emphasis on missile launchers and unmanned aerial vehicle bases.”
Currently, no missiles have been launched towards Israel, but security officials assess that an Iranian response could occur within several hours.
This is a developing story.