Initial reports of missile launches by Iran towards Israel.

Statement by the Israel Defense Force about tonight’s strikes against Iran:

“A short while ago, following the directive of the political echelon, the IDF launched a preemptive, precise, combined offensive based on high-quality intelligence to strike Iran's nuclear program, and in response to the Iranian regime's ongoing aggression against Israel. A short while, dozens of IAF jets completed the first stage that included strikes on dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in different areas of Iran.

The public is requested to follow the instructions of the IDF Home Front Command, which will be updated as necessary, and act calmly and responsibly. The IDF and the relevant authorities are prepared for a wide range of scenarios in defense and offense that may be needed.

For years, the Iranian regime has been waging a direct and indirect campaign of terror against the State of Israel, by funding and directing terrorist activities via its proxies across the Middle East, while advancing toward obtaining a nuclear weapon. The Iranian regime is at the head of the axis responsible for all terrorist attacks against the State of Israel since the beginning of the "Swords of Iron" War, including by arming and funding the Hamas terror organization which was responsible for the October 7th Massacre. During the "Swords of Iron" War, Iran even directly attacked Israel twice, firing hundreds of missiles toward the State of Israel.

The Iranian regime has proclaimed that its objective is to destroy the State of Israel. Senior officials in the Iranian regime have publicly declared their intent to destroy Israel, and are operating to achieve this together with their proxies in the Middle East. Today, Iran is closer than ever to obtaining a nuclear weapon. Weapons of mass destruction in the hands of the Iranian regime are an existential threat to the State of Israel and a significant threat to the wider world. The State of Israel will not allow a regime whose objective is to destroy the State of Israel to obtain weapons of mass destruction.

The IDF has conducted a process of preparations for a campaign on the frontline and on the home front. The resilience of Israel's citizens will be an important factor of the campaign.

The IDF is ready to continue to act as required. The State of Israel has the obligation to act in defense of its citizens and will continue to do so everywhere it is required to do so, as we have done in the past.

The IDF is conducting an ongoing situational assessment and will update on any developments.”

Reports of explosions in Baghdad.

A statement from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio following tonight’s strikes by Israel against Iran, “Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran”

Explosions have been heard coming from the Natanz and Fordow nuclear sites in Central Iran.

One of the Israeli strikes earlier on the Iranian capital of Tehran reportedly targeted Iran’s Chief of General Staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri.

Iraq has closed its airspace, due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirms that the Israel Air Force targeted Iran’s primary uranium enrichment facility at Natanz.

Residents report hearing explosions in the Iranian cities of Isfahan, Arak and Kermanshah, which all house or are located near major military bases of the Iranian Armed Forces or the IRGC.

All flights have been suspended at Imam Khomeini International Airport in the Iranian capital of Tehran.

Axios reports that Israeli leaders have been transferred to “safe locations” following tonight’s strikes against Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu states that the military operation against Iran will continue for “as many days as needed.”

Full statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following tonight’s strikes against Iran:

Smoke and flames reportedly seen coming from Iran’s Natanz Nuclear Facility.

Additional footage claimed to show the results of Israeli strikes tonight against the Natanz Nuclear Facility in Central Iran.

The Israeli Air Force has reportedly begun a second wave of strikes now against Iran.

Smokes seen rising from near the border between Northern Iran and Iraq, following strikes by Israel.

According to Axios, an Israeli defense official said that the Iranian military General Staff, including the Iranian Chief of Staff and senior nuclear scientists were targeted in the Israeli strikes. “There is increasing likelihood that they were all eliminated”, the official said.

Search-and-rescue operations are underway across the Iranian capital of Tehran.