Iran and Israel traded missiles on Saturday morning after Tel Aviv, with the help of the US, launched a preemptive attack on Tehran - pushing the Middle East into a renewed military confrontation and further dimming hopes for a diplomatic solution. The Pentagon dubbed the strikes on Tehran as "Operation Epic Fury" - in a flashback to 2025's "Midnight Hammer".
Mohammad Pakpour, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was killed in the joint strikes, claimed Israel.
In retaliation to the attack, Iran launched a "barrage of missiles" towards Israel, the Israeli military said.
"The Aerial Defense Array is currently identifying and intercepting threats. 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," it said in a post on X.
Israel says it launched a 'preventive strike' against Iran, declares a state of emergency
Israel launched an attack on Iran on Saturday, with the country's defence minister declaring a state of emergency across the country. Israel Katz made the announcement as thick smoke rose from an explosion in downtown Tehran, Iran's capital. Iranian state television acknowledged the blast, without providing more details. Sirens sounded across Israel at the same time. The Israeli military said that the “proactive alert to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward the state of Israel.”