Israel, US launch attack on Iran: Blasts reported near Khamenei's office, Trump responds | Here's what we know so far

The strike follows June’s 12-day aerial conflict between Israel and Iran

Israel on Saturday said it launched a “pre-emptive” strike against Iran, with clouds of smoke rising from the city’s downtown. The initial reported strike occurred near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, who hasn't been seen publicly in days.

The United States is involved in the operation, although the precise scope of its role was not immediately clear.

Israel, US attacking Iran: Here’s what we know so far

-Israel on Saturday launched an attack against Iran, plunging the Middle East into a renewed military confrontation and further reducing hopes for a diplomatic solution to Tehran's nuclear dispute with the West. The United States is also involved in the strikes.

- Soon after the operation, US President Donald Trump said that a short while ago, the US began major combat operations in Iran. “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating eminent threats from the Iranian regime…,” he said.

- The strike follows June’s 12-day aerial conflict between Israel and Iran and renewed US-Israeli warnings that military action would resume if Iran pushed ahead with its nuclear and missile development.

-Blasts were reported in Tehran on Saturday, according to Iranian media, as sirens sounded across Israel at about 8.15 am local time. The military said the alert was issued to prepare residents for the potential threat of missile fire.

- Authorities ordered the closure of schools and most workplaces, sparing only essential sectors, and imposed restrictions on public airspace. Israel also shut its skies to civilian aircraft, with the airports authority advising the public to avoid heading to airports.

- An Israeli defence official said the operation had been planned for months in coordination with Washington, and that the launch date was decided weeks ago, according to a Reuters report.

- Washington has massed an extensive fleet of combat aircraft and naval assets in the region to push Tehran toward an agreement on its nuclear ambitions. President Donald Trump aimed to secure a deal, seeing an opportunity as Iran grappled with mounting unrest following countrywide protests.

-After Israel said it was attacking the country, more explosions struck Iran’s capital. Authorities have so far offered no casualty information due to the strikes.

-Meanwhile, Iran shut down its airspace and mobile phone services were cut.

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-Following the attack, Israel said that it identified missiles launched from Iran towards it. "Sirens were sounded in several areas across the country following the identification of missiles launched from Iran toward Israel. At this time, the IAF is operating to intercept and strike threats where necessary to remove the threat," the Israel Defence Forces said on X.