Israel has launched a major operation against Iran, reportedly named “Roar of the Lion,” with explosions reported in downtown Tehran and additional strikes in Qom, Isfahan, Kermanshah, and Karaj (Fars, Kan).
Airspace closure announced over Iran, Iraq, Jordan & Israel.
U.S. forces are also participating, with dozens of airstrikes launched from regional bases and an aircraft carrier, according to U.S. officials, and the operation is expected to be more extensive than last year’s Operation Midnight Hammer (NYT).
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz says the strikes are a “preemptive attack” to eliminate threats against Israel and has declared a nationwide emergency, with officials warning of several days of fighting (Times of Israel).
Reports indicate the strikes were jointly planned by Israel and the U.S. weeks in advance (Reuters; Ynet, N12, AP).
Israeli media says “regime sites, government buildings, military facilities, and senior Iranian leadership figures” are being targeted, with some high-ranking casualties still being verified (Kan, Israeli Army Radio).
Iran has previously said diplomacy is the answer and had not publicly threatened imminent action against Israel before this escalation.
Mike
