"Israel" launched a major attack on Iran in the early hours of Friday, targeting residential buildings, nuclear facilities, and military infrastructure across Iran.

The Israeli occupation military confirmed at dawn Friday the launch of a broad aerial offensive targeting Iran’s nuclear program. In an official statement, the occupation military said it carried out a “precise, preemptive strike” in Iran, “with the goal of damaging Iran’s nuclear program."

Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Iran reported hearing multiple explosions in the capital, Tehran. Footage circulating on social media documents severe damage to a number of residential buildings in the Iranian capital. 

The Israeli Air Force announced that it is currently striking dozens of sites across Iran, including facilities linked to its nuclear program and other military infrastructure, the military stated.

It dubbed the operation “Rising Lion.”

The Israeli military alleged that Iran currently possesses enough enriched uranium to assemble several nuclear bombs within days, presenting what the military described as an “imminent threat” that demands immediate action.

It added that the sirens heard across "Israel" earlier served as a preemptive warning in anticipation of a possible Iranian response.

It is worth mentioning that the attack came two days before a new round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the US.

Read more: Witkoff warns of Iranian retaliation to Israeli attack: Axios

Loud explosions in different locations in Iran

Iranian state TV reported "loud explosions" in different locations of the capital, Tehran, adding that the country's air defense system was on full alert.

State media noted that Iran suspended all flights at its main Imam Khomeini airport.

According to state media, loud explosions were also heard in Natanz city in Iran’s central province of Isfahan, where a key nuclear site is located.

Al Mayadeen's correspondent also mentioned that the Israeli aggression targeted the provinces of Tabriz, Kermanshah, Lorestan, and Hamadan.

Iranian state media reported that several people were killed after Israeli strikes targeted residential buildings in the Iranian capital.

IRGC chief Hossein Salami martyred in Israeli strike, Al Mayadeen sources confirm

“Several buildings in Tehran… have been targeted by attacks,” the official IRNA news agency said.

The Iranian television reported that the Israeli aggression targeted the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps' headquarters building in Tehran.

Al Mayadeen's sources confirmed the martyrdom of the Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC, Major General Hossein Salami.

Our correspondent also reported the martyrdom of nuclear scientists Fereydoon Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi as a result of the Israeli aggression.

Iranian media said that Ali Shamkhani, advisor to Iranian Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei, was injured in the Israeli attack and has been transferred to the hospital, and he is in a critical condition.

Additionally, Iranian television cited unofficial reports suggesting the targeting of Gholam Ali Rashid, commander of the IRGC's Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters.

Mehr News Agency also cited unofficial reports suggesting the targeting of Abdolhamid Manouchehr, Dean of the Nuclear Engineering Faculty at Shahid Beheshti University.

Netanyahu says 'Israel' at 'decisive point' in its history

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated the goal behind the operation is “to strike Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, Iran’s ballistic missile factories, and Iran’s military capabilities.”

In a video address, Netanyahu emphasized that the operation will persist as long as needed and until its mission is completed.

However, he warned that Iran “has significant capabilities to harm us," alleging that Tehran has enriched enough uranium for nine nuclear bombs.

He further alleged that Iran has built “a massive store” of ballistic missiles, which can "reach Israel from Iran within minutes. Each one carries a ton of explosives.”

"Israel" is at a “decisive point” in its history, the prime minister underscored.

IOF chief says 'we’d reached the point of no return'

Israeli military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said that the military attacked Iran’s nuclear program and military “because the time had come; we’d reached the point of no return.”

“We cannot wait for another time to act; we have no choice,” he said.

Zamir announced that the military is “mobilizing tens of thousands of soldiers and preparing across all borders.”

Rubio claims 'Israel' took 'unilateral action against Iran'

On his part, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed "Israel" took “unilateral action against Iran,” warning that Tehran should not target the US in response to the Israeli attack.

“Our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for [their] self-defense,” Rubio stated.

“President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners,” he added.

“Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel."

Read more: Iran says won't submit to US threats; prepared for confrontation

Katz declares state of emergency

Meanwhile, Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz declared a state of emergency in response to "Israel’s" strikes against Iran.

“Following the State of Israel’s preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future,” Katz said.

He stated that he signed a special order to impose a state of emergency alert across "Israel’s" home front.

“You must obey the instructions of the Home Front Command and the authorities and remain in the protected areas,” Katz emphasized, addressing Israeli settlers.

IOF warn 'Israel' could face 'a significant attack'

On its part, the Israeli military's so-called Home Front Command immediately updated its guidelines, suspending all educational activities, public gatherings, and non-essential workplaces.

Only essential sectors are permitted to remain operational.

Tzvika Tessler of the Home Front Command warned on Channel 12 that in the coming hours, "Israel" could face “a significant attack from the east,” potentially involving “heavy missiles" capable of striking anywhere in "Israel".

He added that “far-reaching warnings" will be provided.

At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his security cabinet as "Israel’s" airstrikes against Iran began.

'Israel' entered a new phase, the IOF say

The Home Front Command clarified that the sirens that sounded across "Israel" a few minutes ago were not a result of an incoming attack.

Instead, Tessler explained that they were deliberately activated to signal to the public that "Israel" has now entered “a new phase.”

In a further sign of impending escalation, "Israel" has completely shut down its airspace to both inbound and outbound flights at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport.