In a bold move, Israel carried out a daylight assault on the Iranian capital on Saturday, sending plumes of smoke into the skies above Tehran’s central areas.
This is a developing story. Please check back for more information as it becomes available.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged American involvement in these Israeli military actions through a post on his Truth Social account early Saturday.
Trump revealed that U.S. forces have initiated “major combat operations in Iran,” according to a video he shared on his social media platform.
The strikes reportedly targeted areas close to the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
There was no immediate confirmation on whether the 86-year-old Khamenei was present at his office during the attacks. His absence from the public eye in recent days has coincided with heightened tensions between Iran and the United States.
This comes as tensions escalate between the U.S. and Iran have peaked following a major U.S. military buildup in the Middle East and ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the attack as being done “to remove threats.” He did not immediately elaborate.
In Tehran, witnesses heard the blast. Iranian state television later reported on the explosion, without offering a cause.
Sirens sounded across Israel at the same time. The Israeli military said that it had issued a “proactive alert to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward the state of Israel.”
The U.S. embassy in Qatar has told Americans to shelter in place, saying “all embassy personnel [are] directed to shelter in place and all Americans in the country are encouraged to do the same.”
“The U.S. Embassy in Qatar is implementing a shelter-in-place for all personnel,” the statement said. “We recommend all Americans do the same until further notice.”
Officials said that Americans should “find a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.”
ABC News and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
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