Israel has launched an attack on Iran, striking targets in Tehran.
A U.S. official has confirmed to TWZ that the U.S. is attacking Iran. Including strikes from air and sea, the official said. See updates down below.
Details remain extremely limited at this time, but what we know is that Israel struck targets as part of what it is calling a preemptive strike. Images from the capital show smoke plumes rising in urban areas. In addition, we have seen video from Iraq showing what appear to be low flying cruise missiles or possibly fighter aircraft. Iraq has been the primary access point for the Israeli Air Force in past strikes on Iran.
Some of the ground are saying the strikes targeted Iranian leadership installations in the city, particularly those used by Supreme Leader Khamenei, although we cannot confirm that at this time. Geolocation info will soon be coming that should shed light on the target set.
The IDF posted the following on X, stating:
The State of Israel has launched a preemptive attack against Iran. Israel’s Minister of Defense, Israel Katz, declares a special and immediate state of emergency throughout the state The State of Israel has initiated a preemptive attack against Iran to remove threats directed against the State of Israel. As a result, missile and drone launches against the State of Israel and its civilian population are expected in the very near term. Therefore, pursuant to his authority under the Civil Defense Law, Minister of Defense Israel Katz has now signed a special order mandating the imposition of a special state of emergency in the Home Front throughout the State of Israel, effective immediately. The instructions of the Home Front Command and the authorities must be followed, and individuals must remain in protected areas.
U.S. Central Command has declined to comment on the strikes in response to our direct inquiry to them.
This is a rapidly developing situation and we are going into rolling coverage on it below. Newest updates will be posted on top.
UPDATE: 2:27AM EST—
Israel’s N12 is reporting that the operation name is “Roar Of The Lion.”
N12 also claims a source said the Supreme Leader is in a secure hideout. Reuters also reported this.
Strikes are occurring at sites throughout Iran. While these could be targeting time sensitive targets, many of these strikes would be used to prepare the battlefield for aircraft operations over Iran. In other words, degrading and destroying what’s left of Iran’s air defenses so strike aircraft can more safely operate over the country. These operations would likely occur tonight under the cover of darkness, where direct attacks on targets can be made.
UPDATE: 2:15AM EST—
A U.S. official has confirmed to TWZ that the U.S. is attacking Iran.
Meanwhile the Mossad is asking Iranians to “return Iran to its glorious days.”
We are getting unconfirmed reports that Israel has assassinated Iran’s defense minister.
UPDATE: 1:55AM EST—
Israel is preparing for a reprisal strike:
In the last few minutes, sirens were sounded all throughout Israel, with an advance instruction alert directly to cellular devices to stay within proximity to protected spaces. This is a proactive alert to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward the State of Israel. The IDF emphasizes that the public is requested to stay in proximity to protected spaces.
Flights are currently diverting away from the region and Iran has closed its airspace.
It appears the USAF transport aircraft are trying to leave the ground prior to any kind of reprisal strikes. One ACARS message told a C-17 crew to remain on the ground in Jordan for as little time as possible not long before the strikes.
The daytime nature of the attacks would point to time sensitive targets being hit.
CNN is reporting that the U.S. was at least in coordination with Israel on the strikes, but that is not surprising at all even if Israel acted unilaterally in the kinetic action itself. There has been reports that the Trump administration favors Israel striking first so that it can then jump in once Iran responds with its own strikes.
A shelter in place order has been broadcasted in Qatar, home to the U.S. military’s largest installation in the region and what is presumed (and previously demonstrated) as the top U.S. target of Iran.
An Israel KC-707 was seen departing today, likely to support the strike operation. Minister of Defense Gallant posted simply “Good luck” with U.S. and Israeli flags on his X account along with an image of an IAF F-15D and him talking to crews.