Israeli forces, backed by the United States, launched coordinated military strikes against Iranian targets in the early hours of Saturday morning, prompting Israeli officials to declare a nationwide civilian emergency as they prepared for possible counter-attacks.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the military action was designed to eliminate threats against Israel and warned that Iran might respond with strikes targeting civilian areas. Katz utilized the Civil Defense Law to establish emergency protocols nationwide and authorized special emergency measures for the home front.
Reports from Iran indicated multiple strikes occurred in Tehran and surrounding areas, with witnesses observing smoke billowing over the capital city. Iranian state media confirmed explosions in several cities including Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. According to Al Arabiya, the attacks focused on locations near Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps facilities and Iranian intelligence operations in eastern Tehran.
Israeli military sources revealed the operation targeted Iran’s missile production capabilities, including underground facilities, as well as elements of Tehran’s air defense systems, with particular emphasis on short-range defensive equipment.
Warning sirens sounded throughout Israel immediately following the launch of strikes, while emergency alerts reached citizens’ mobile devices instructing them to remain near protective shelters. Military officials emphasized the warnings were precautionary and did not require people to stay inside protected areas.
Israeli Home Front Command instructed citizens to minimize unnecessary travel and locate their closest protective shelter.
Transportation Minister Miri Regev announced the closure of Israeli airspace to commercial aircraft due to the escalating situation. She advised travelers to avoid airports and stated that civilian flights would only resume when security conditions improved, requiring at least 24 hours advance notification.
A US military official confirmed to CNN that American forces were targeting military installations within Iran while Israeli forces simultaneously attacked sites connected to the Iranian regime. The source indicated the coordinated campaign was proceeding in multiple phases with ongoing strikes.
An Iranian government official speaking to Reuters indicated Tehran was preparing its response to the attacks, describing the planned retaliation as “crushing.” Israeli sources told Ynet that the military operation had been officially designated “Lion’s Roar,” replacing the previous codename “Shield of Judah.”
Israeli Defense Forces statements confirmed that both Israeli and US military units were striking Iranian government assets and military infrastructure across numerous locations. The Saberin News Agency, connected to pro-Iranian militia groups, reported explosions were detected in Tabriz in northwestern Iran, suggesting the strikes extended well beyond Tehran.
Intelligence reports from Tehran indicated the targeted facilities included installations belonging to Iran’s intelligence ministry, defense ministry, Atomic Energy Organization, and additional government offices. Security protocols throughout the city were enhanced following the attacks.
US officials speaking to The New York Times predicted the current military operation would surpass the scale of American strikes against Iranian nuclear sites conducted in June. A separate Reuters report cited an official source stating that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had been relocated from Tehran to a secure location.
The military action occurs just days ahead of the Jewish holiday of Purim.
Earlier Saturday, Israeli forces also struck Hezbollah launch positions and underground installations in southern Lebanon, claiming these sites were being prepared for attacks against Israel. Military officials stated these operations aimed to reduce Hezbollah’s capacity to monitor Israeli air operations and relay intelligence to Iran.
Security analysts warned the situation could escalate into a wider regional conflict, with assessments indicating Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen would likely participate, while Hezbollah had not yet decided whether to join the fighting.
