Defence Minister Israel Katz announced the strike, saying Israel expected Iran to respond with drones and ballistic missiles.
Three massive explosions were heard in central Tehran, according to Iran’s Fars news agency. The extent of the damage and possible casualties were not immediately clear.
The Israeli government declared the emergency as a precaution against potential counterstrikes.
Was the U.S. aware of it?
The strike came a day after the United States authorized some diplomatic staff and their families to leave Israel, citing unspecified “safety risks.”
In a February 27 advisory, the U.S. State Department allowed the departure of non-emergency government personnel and family members from its mission in Israel, saying the security situation could change rapidly.
“Persons may wish to consider leaving Israel while commercial flights are available,” the advisory said, noting that travel restrictions on U.S. personnel could be imposed without notice.
The U.S. government did not directly link the move to a possible Israeli strike on Iran, but the guidance warned of “increased regional tensions” and potential security incidents.
The evacuation authorization also came as Washington and Tehran were engaged in indirect talks over Iran’s nuclear program.
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened military action if negotiations fail to produce a deal limiting Iran’s enrichment activities.
