Israel has executed what it describes as a preemptive strike against targets in Iran, as confirmed by Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz. Reports from the Iranian capital, Tehran, indicate that loud explosions were heard, with eyewitnesses noting smoke rising from various locations, including the regions of Pasteur Street and Seyyed Khandan in northern Tehran. The Iranian news agency IRNA corroborated the accounts of thick smoke engulfing the city, suggesting significant damage from the strikes.

In a particularly alarming development, one explosion reportedly occurred near the office of Iran's highest religious leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. While his office was targeted, it has been reported by Reuters that Khamenei is not in Tehran and has been moved to an undisclosed location for security reasons. This escalation raises concerns about the potential for further conflict in the region as U.S. strikes are also reported to be occurring concurrently, according to the Financial Times.

In response to these developments, Israel has implemented security measures including siren alerts in Tel Aviv due to the potential threat of missile attacks. Israeli schools have been closed, and citizens have been advised to remain indoors as public gatherings are banned amid the rising tensions. The government has declared a state of emergency, indicating the seriousness of the situation and the potential for further military action in the region.