Breaking: Israel says it launched ‘preemptive strike’ on Iran

Israel launched a “preemptive strike” on Iran, the country’s defense minister said early Friday, after US President Donald Trump had warned that Israel could soon strike Iran’s nuclear sites.

“Following the State of Israel’s preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future,” Israel Katz said.

Two US officials told Reuters that Israel has begun carrying out strikes on Iran, adding that there was no US assistance or involvement in the operation.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, declined to provide further information.

Iranian state TV reported that explosions were heard Friday morning in the Iranian capital Tehran, but the reason behind the blasts was not immediately clear.

“Loud explosions being heard in different locations of the capital Tehran,” state TV reported without providing details.