Israel attacks Iran and declares state of emergency: Here’s everything we know so far

After reports that Israel was preparing to attack Iran as soon as Sunday, they’ve now launched what they’re calling “preemptive strikes”. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz, said the country has declared a state of emergency.

IRNA, an Iranian state media outlet, reported hearing multiple explosions in Tehran. Israel has closed its airspace.

“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 in a statement.

What’s going on between Israel and Iran

Israel threatened to attack if Tehran rejected a U.S. proposal to limit its nuclear program. They said they would strike unless Iran agreed to halt production of fissile material used to make an atomic bomb.

Read more: The origin of the conflict between Iran and Israel explained

On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump about the possibility of strikes on Iran. A U.S. official said that the U.S. was not involved in the strikes carried out on Thursday.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a statement after the strike confirming the U.S. was not involved.

“Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran,” said Rubio. “We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.”

The strikes come just days before the U.S. and Iran were set to have nuclear talks. The timing intensified the regional tensions as the U.S. maintains its push for a diplomatic resolution. Trump said that they would continue negotiations but urged Iran to fully abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian defiantly vowed to continue uranium enrichment and rebuild any facilities that might be destroyed. Speaking from western Iran, Pezeshkian declared, “We will go our own way,” signaling no intention to back down amid rising pressure.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, during a congressional hearing, acknowledged Israel’s right to act in its own interest and said the U.S. is “positioned properly in the region” for any potential contingency. He added that the Trump administration remains focused on “creating the conditions for peace,” despite the escalating situation.

This is a developing story and we will keep this updated as we receive more information.

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