Smoke has been seen rising over parts of Tehran after Israel said it launched a “pre-emptive” attack on Iran, marking a dramatic escalation in tensions between the two regional powers.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel had initiated the strikes and declared a “special and permanent state of emergency” across the country, warning of possible retaliatory missile and drone attacks.
Iranian state media reported multiple explosions in the east and north of Tehran, including around central areas such as Jomhouri Square and Hassan Abad Square. The BBC has received images showing plumes of smoke rising above the capital.
What we know so far
- Israel says it launched a “pre-emptive attack” targeting threats from Iran.
- Iranian state television confirmed explosions in Tehran.
- Sirens sounded across Israel, warning of potential incoming attacks.
- Both Israel and Iran have reportedly closed their airspace.
- Israeli and US media reports suggest coordination between Israel and the United States, though US officials have not publicly confirmed this.
- Iran has previously vowed to respond forcefully to any direct attack.
International news organisations are often refused visas to Iran, limiting independent verification of events inside the country.
Context: Rising tensions and recent conflict
This is the second time in less than a year that Israel and Iran have been directly at war. In June 2025, the two countries fought what became known as the 12-Day War, during which Iranian ballistic missiles struck Israeli cities, and Israel targeted Iranian military and nuclear sites.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly warned that Iran’s ballistic missile programme poses an existential threat to Israel. Israel has also opposed any international deal that focuses solely on curbing Iran’s nuclear programme without addressing missile capabilities and Tehran’s support for regional armed groups.
On the Iranian side, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has framed resistance to Israel and the US as a matter of national sovereignty, rejecting limits on Iran’s missile programme or regional alliances.
The reported strikes come amid diplomatic efforts between US and Iranian officials aimed at restraining Iran’s nuclear programme. US President Donald Trump had previously threatened military action while also pushing for negotiations, though he recently signalled dissatisfaction with the pace of talks.
Regional and global implications
A renewed direct conflict between Israel and Iran risks:
- Wider regional escalation involving proxy groups in Lebanon, Gaza, Iraq, and Yemen
- Disruption to global energy markets
- Increased US military involvement in the Middle East
- Civilian casualties in both countries
Israelis are reportedly bracing for retaliation, with public spaces quieter than usual and air defence systems on high alert.
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FAQs
Why did Israel call this a “pre-emptive” attack?
Israel says it acted to remove imminent threats, particularly relating to Iran’s missile and military capabilities. “Pre-emptive” suggests Israel believes an Iranian attack was being prepared.
Where were the explosions reported?
Iranian state media reported explosions in eastern and northern Tehran, including near central districts. Smoke was seen rising over parts of the capital.
Has the US confirmed involvement?
US and Israeli media reports suggest coordination, but US officials have not publicly confirmed direct involvement at this stage.
How might Iran respond?
Iran has previously promised to respond forcefully to direct attacks. This could include missile strikes on Israeli territory, cyber operations, or action via allied armed groups in the region.
Are civilian flights affected?
Both Israel and Iran have reportedly closed their airspace to civilian aircraft following the strikes.
Why is independent reporting from Iran limited?
Iran often restricts visas for foreign journalists and tightly controls domestic media, making independent verification of fast-moving events difficult.
Conclusion
Israel’s announcement of a “pre-emptive” strike on Iran and reports of explosions in Tehran mark a serious escalation in an already volatile relationship. With memories of the recent 12-Day War still fresh, both countries now face the risk of a rapid cycle of retaliation.
Much remains unclear — including the scale of the damage, the exact targets, and how Iran will respond. What is clear is that the coming hours and days will be critical, not only for Israel and Iran but for the wider Middle East and global stability.
