The Times of Israel is liveblogging Saturday’s events as they happen.
White House reportedly given heads up shortly before Israel began striking Iran
WASHINGTON — The White House was notified shortly before Israel carried out airstrikes on Iran, Fox News reports.
IDF spokesman says no current changes to home front guidelines as Israel strikes Iran
In a brief video statement, IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari says there are no changes to instructions for civilians at this time, as strikes are being carried out in Iran.
“The IDF is fully prepared in attack and defense. We are following the developments from Iran and its proxies in the region,” he says.
“We are conducting a continuous assessment of the situation in the home front, and at this stage, there is no change in the instructions of the Home Front Command. You must continue to be alert and vigilant, and obey the guidelines of the Home Front Command,” Hagari adds.
He says further updates will be provided as needed.
IDF announces Israel carrying out ‘precise strikes’ on military targets in Iran
The IDF confirms launching strikes in Iran.
In a statement, the IDF says it is carrying out “precise strikes” on Iranian military targets, in response to “months of continuous attacks from the regime in Iran against the State of Israel.”
“The regime in Iran and its proxies in the region have been relentlessly attacking Israel since October 7th – on seven fronts – including direct attacks from Iranian soil,” the military says.
“Like every other sovereign country in the world, the State of Israel has the right and the duty to respond,” the statement continues.
The IDF says its “defensive and offensive capabilities are fully mobilized,” and that it “will do whatever necessary to defend the State of Israel and the people of Israel.”
Israeli sources confirm IDF has launched retaliatory strike on Iran
Israeli sources confirm that the IDF began its retaliatory strike on Iran.
The strike comes following Iran’s October 1 ballistic missile attack on Israel.
Iranian authorities have not yet blamed Israel for the blasts seen in the Tehran area.
Iranian media reports loud explosions in Tehran and nearby city of Karaj
Several loud explosions have been heard in Iran’s capital Tehran and the nearby city of Karaj city early Saturday, semi-official Iranian media says, adding that the cause is unknown.
The New York Times quotes Fars News, which is affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards, reporting multiple large explosions in Tehran. It says other Iranian media reporting explosions near or at Imam Khomeini international airport. Eyewitnesses say residents have poured into the streets, the Times says.
Syrian media reports blasts over Damascus and Homs
While explosions are reportedly heard in the Iranian capital of Tehran, Syrian media outlets also report blasts over Damascus and Homs in Syria.
At least 5 explosions reportedly heard near Tehran
At least five explosions are heard near the Iranian capital of Tehran, according to multiple reports on social media.
No further details are immediately available.
There is no official comment from Iranian authorities on the blasts.
The reports come amid repeated promises by Israeli leaders in recent days to respond to Iran’s firing of 200 ballistic missiles at Israel on October 1.