Blasts heard in Tehran as Israel defence minister announces strikes on Iran – live

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Some reaction is coming in from around the world.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said that the Israeli air strikes on Iran was a “really unwelcome development” and that the conflict raised serious concerns for the Middle East.

“That region does not need any more military action and the risk associated with that ... the last thing the region needs is more instability,” Luxon told reporters.

Australia’s foreign minister Penny Wong said Australia was “alarmed by the escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran” amid reports of explosions in Tehran. Wong said:

“This risks further destabilising a region that is already volatile. We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that would further exacerbate tensions.

We all understand the need, the threat of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program, it represents a threat to international peace and security and we urge the parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy.”

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP

Iran missile and drone attack on Israel expected in 'immediate timeframe' - defence minister

Israeli defence minister Israel Katz has said “following the preemptive strike by the State of Israel against Iran, a missile and UAV [drone] attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate timeframe.”

Therefore, and in accordance with his authority under the Civil Defense Law, Defence Minister Israel Katz has now signed a special order, according to which a special state of emergency will be imposed in the home front throughout the entire State of Israel.”

Iraq closes airspace, suspends flights at all airports: state media

Iraqi state media has reported that its airspace has been closed and flights at all airports have been suspended.

The US state department said on Wednesday it had ordered the departure of all non-essential personnel from the US embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, based on its commitment “to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad”.

The Israeli air force has said that dozens of air craft took part in an “opening strike” on various areas of Iran.

It says the strikes were launched based on “high-quality intelligence, with the aim of damaging the Iranian nuclear program and in response to the Iranian regime’s ongoing aggression against Israel.”

Israeli officials have issued a statement, warning of sirens are expected to sound in wide areas of Israel, after the IDF launched an operation against Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Every citizen must know what the best protected space is in their vicinity. When a warning is issued, one must enter protected spaces and remain there until an official announcement says it is safe to leave.”

Iranian media report a number of fatalities in Tehran

Iran’s Press TV reports there have been a number of fatalities from Israel’s attack on Tehran.

Iran’s state TV has said several explosions were heard in Tehran and the country’s air defence system are on full alert.

Netanyahu has said the operation will “continue as long as necessary”, in his address to the nation.

Until we complete the mission of repelling the threat of annihilation that hovers over our heads.

I salute from the bottom of my heart the commanders of the IDF and its soldiers, the Air Force, the Intelligence Branch, and the Mossad, for the bold planning of the operation and the determined and powerful execution.”

Rubio: US was not involved in strikes

US secretary of state Marco Rubio has said that Israel’s strikes on Iran were unilateral and that the US was not involved.

In a statement, he said: “Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense. President Trump and the administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners. Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel.”

Netanyahu has said Iran has “significant capabilities to harm us” in his address to the nation.

And so we have prepared for that as well. I ask for the cooperation of all of you, citizens of Israel. Close cooperation in the coming hours and days. I ask you to strictly adhere to the Home Front Command’s instructions. These instructions save lives.

Netanyahu says Iran’s main enrichment facility in Natanz had been targeted

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has addressed the nation, saying the IDF had targted Iran’s leading nuclear scientists working on the Iranian bomb.

He said that Iran’s main enrichment facility in Natanz had been targeted.

This operation will continue for as many days as it takes … We are at a decisive moment in Israel’s history.

Iranian media say several residential areas in Tehran have been hit, causing fire.

Iran has suspended all flights at its main Iman Khomeini airport, state TV says.

Smoke rises up after an explosion in Tehran, Iran. Photograph: Vahid Salemi/AP

Meanwhile, Israel has closed its airspace for arrivals and departures until further notice, the Transportation Ministry says.

The Israeli military says it has completed the first stage of strikes

The Israeli military has said it has completed the first stage of strikes that included attacks on dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in different areas of Iran.

Dozens of Air Force aircraft recently completed the opening strike, which included attacking dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in various areas of Iran.”

The IDF has been conducting a lengthy process of assessments and preparations for the campaign at the front and in the rear. Civilian resilience will be an important component of the campaign.”

In a statement, the IDF said “Weapons of mass destruction in the hands of the Iranian regime are a threat to the State of Israel and a significant threat to the entire world. The State of Israel will not allow a regime whose goal is the destruction of the State of Israel to possess weapons of mass destruction.”

Israel claims Iran has enough material to make 15 nuclear bombs within days

In announcing the operation against Iran, the IDF has claimed that Iran has enough enriched uranium to build several bombs, and it needs to act against this “imminent threat.”

An Israeli military official said Israel was striking “dozens” of nuclear and military targets. The official said Iran had enough material to make 15 nuclear bombs within days.

On Thursday, the International Atomic Energy Agency issued its strongest condemnation of Iran in 20 years as it said the country had continued to enrich uranium to near weapons-grade levels and had failed to comply with its nuclear nonproliferation obligations.

US senator Lindsey Graham, a Trump ally and supporter of Israel, has tweeted “Game on”.

Israel striking 'dozens' of sites across Iran, official tells Reuters

An Israeli military official has told Reuters that the air force is striking “dozens” of targets across Iran, including military and nuclear sites.

The official has called the Iranian nuclear programme is an existential threat to Israel.

Speaking to i24 diplomatic correspondent, Amichai Stein, an Israeli military official said that the country was preparing for “days of battle” with Iran.

Iran state TV says air defences are on 'full alert'

State TV in Iran has said air defences are on full alert amid reports of explosion in the capital Tehran.

Holly Dagres from the Washington Institute has said that reports of strikes are concentrated around north Tehran.

Donald Trump convening cabinet level meeting, CNN reports

CNN has reported that Donald Trump has convened a cabinet level meeting, as US official told multiple media that Israel has begun carrying out strikes on Iran.

The officials said there was no US assistance or involvement in the operation. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, declined to provide further information.

Israel carries out strikes on Iran

The Israeli Air Force conducted strikes on Iran on Friday, multiple media reported.

Explosions were heard northeast of Tehran early on Friday, the state-run Nour News said, with videos shared online showing explosions in the capital

Earlier on Thursday, US and European officials were told that Israel was fully ready to launch a pre-emptive strike targeting Iran’s nuclear programme, even if Washington does not provide direct support.

The Trump administration had privately told Israel that it would not participate in a strike, according to Axios.

Opening summary

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz has announced a “special situation” in Israel after the country launched strikes on Iran. Explosions have been heard northeast of Iran’s capital Tehran according to, the state-run Nour News.

We’ll bring you more information as it arrives.