The Middle East situation has escalated sharply after Israel announced it had begun attacks on Iran, while Iranian media reported multiple explosions in Tehran, the country's capital.
Israel's Defense Minister, Benny Gantz, stated that Israel has launched a preventive operation to eliminate threats to the state of Israel, and declared a special and permanent state of emergency nationwide.
Reports indicate that sirens sounded across Israel at approximately 08:15 local time to warn of potential missile attacks.
Iran's Fars News Agency reported hearing at least three explosions in central Tehran, and that several missiles targeted the Republic area of the capital.
Initial photos released by the BBC showed smoke rising over Jomhuri Square and Hassan Abad Square, with further reports of new explosions in northern and eastern parts of Tehran.
These attacks come amid diplomatic efforts between US and Iranian officials to reach an agreement limiting Iran's nuclear program and avoid war, with negotiations scheduled to continue next week.
However, US President Donald Trump, who had previously threatened attacks on Iran to pressure acceptance of a deal, expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of talks and ordered the largest US troop buildup in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq invasion.
Previously, in June last year, Israel launched attacks on Iran leading to a 12-day war, during which the US participated in strikes against targets linked to Iran's nuclear program.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had warned of threats from Iran's long-range missiles and opposed agreements limiting only the nuclear program without addressing missile development and support for proxy groups in the region.
Iran rejected demands to limit its missile program and cease support for allied groups in the region, declaring it would respond to attacks with force.
The situation continues to evolve amid concerns the crisis may escalate into a widespread conflict across the Middle East.
:BBC
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