DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Israel carried out daylight attacks Saturday iran capitala plume of smoke rose from the city center. The first apparent strike occurred near the office of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iranian media reported attacks across the country.
The United States is participating in the attack, according to a U.S. official and a person familiar with the operation who spoke on condition of anonymity to detail the sensitive military operation. The full extent of U.S. involvement is unclear. The White House declined immediate comment.
It was unclear whether Khamenei, 86, was in the office at the time. He has not been seen in public for several days amid rising tensions with the United States. The attack comes as the United States has amassed a massive fleet of fighter jets and warships in the region in an attempt to force Iran to reach a deal over its nuclear program.
Authorities blocked roads leading to Khamenei’s residence in central Tehran as other bombings occurred across the capital. Neighboring Iraq closed its airspace, according to the Ministry of Transport.
The Israeli operation targeted Iranian military, government symbols and intelligence targets, according to an official briefed on the operation. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss non-public information about the attack.
Trump, who wants a deal to limit Iran’s nuclear program, sees an opportunity while Iran is struggling at home amid growing dissent following nationwide protests. Iran had hoped to avoid war but insisted it had the right to enrich uranium and did not want to discuss other issues such as its long-range missile program or its support for armed groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
It was unclear whether Iran would immediately strike back, but it warned that U.S. military personnel and bases throughout the region would be targets of any retaliation.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the attack was to “eliminate the threat.” He did not immediately elaborate.
Several hospitals in Israel have activated emergency protocols, including moving patients and surgeries to underground facilities.
In Tehran, witnesses heard the first blast from Khamenei’s office. Iranian state television later reported the explosion but did not explain the cause.
Sirens blared as Israel closed its airspace. The Israeli military said it had issued an “active alert to prepare the public for possible missile launches into Israel.”
More explosions rocked the Iranian capital after Israel said it was attacking Iran. Authorities did not provide information on casualties from the strike.
Meanwhile, Iran has closed its airspace and mobile phone service has been cut off.
A warning has been issued to pilots as explosions rock the Iranian capital Tehran.
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Tolopin reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Melanie Lidman and Sam Mednick in Tel Aviv, Israel, contributed to this report.
