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UPDATE: ISRAEL BOMBING IRAN’S NUCLEAR SITES; Explosions Heard in Tehran; Israel Defense Minister Says Israel Conducting “Preemptive Strike Against Iran”

UPDATE via The Times of Israel: “The IDF confirms it has launched an aerial campaign against Iran’s nuclear program. Dozens of targets across Iran related to the nuclear program and other military facilities are being struck by the Israeli Air Force, it says. The operation is dubbed “Strength of a Lion.” The IDF says Iran has enough enriched uranium to build several bombs within days, and it needs to act against this “imminent threat.” Sirens that sounded across Israel a short while ago were a preemptive warning issued by the IDF, ahead of a possible reaction by Iran.”

Statement by the Israel Defense Forces: , , ‘ . Dozens of IAF jets completed the first stage that included strikes on dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in different areas of Iran. 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 to the wider world. The State of Israel has no choice but to fulfill 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.”

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel is conducting a “preemptive strike against Iran” against Iran Thursday night (early Friday Iran time.) It is not certain if Iran’s nuclear sites are being targeted in this attack.

Israel’s strike on Iran has been expected, with the Trump administration drawing down dependents and non-essential personnel in several Middle East embassies and bases. The U.S. reportedly is not involved in this attack.

Numerous reports of explosions are being reported in Tehran.

Unverified images of purported air strikes in Tehran:

Israel is warning its citizens to prepare for missile and drone attacks.

Excerpt from Axios report:

Sirens sounded across Israel on Thursday night. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a special state of emergency across the entire country.

“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.

Behind the scenes: The U.S. notified several of its allies in private on Thursday that Israeli strikes were imminent and made clear it was not involved, one of the sources said.

ILTV News reporter Emily Schrader reports on Tehran attacks: “At least 15 explosions heard in Tehran as Israel begins preemptive strike on Iran.Reports state the IRGC Aerospace Command Center in Tehran was the target.”

Developing…article will be updated as needed.

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