Israel launched a retaliatory missile attack against Iran on Saturday. Civilians have been advised to take shelter as the IDF said sirens were sounded across the country as a precautionary warning against the possibility of missiles being fired towards the country.
TPS further reported that Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the preemptive strikes against Iran were carried out to address threats to the country.
The Israeli Defense Forces called on the public to stay away from protected areas.
According to the Jerusalem Post, a security source confirmed to Walla that the United States is also involved in these attacks.
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is not in Tehran and has been transferred to a “safe location,” according to the Jerusalem Post, an Iranian official confirmed to Reuters.
On Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces also said that after assessing the situation, it has been decided to make immediate changes to the guidelines of the Home Front Command. Under this, all the areas of the country will be placed in the category of essential activation with complete activation. These guidelines include restrictions on educational activities, gatherings and workplaces except in essential areas.
Iranian state media also reported explosions in the capital Tehran.
According to TPS, Israeli Defense Minister Katz has declared an immediate nationwide special emergency under Israel’s civil defense law, and warned that missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory and its civilian population are likely in the near future.
According to Iranian media reports, mobile phone lines have been cut in parts of eastern and western Tehran and internet connectivity has been weakened in some areas.
It comes as US President Donald Trump on Friday described Iran as “very difficult” and “very dangerous”, as the United States considers its next steps in nuclear talks, stressing its preference for a peaceful resolution despite ongoing military tensions in the Middle East.
The third round of talks between Iran and the United States took place in Geneva on Thursday and another round of talks will be held today.
Addressing a rally in Texas, Trump said, “We have to make a big decision. You know. It’s not easy. We have to make a very big decision. Our country has been blowing people’s legs, arms and faces off for the last 47 years. They’re destroying ships, killing people. Not just Americans, but a lot of people.”
Trump said the United States has to make a “big decision” in talks with Iran, adding that any deal with Tehran must be “meaningful.”
