The US and Israel have launched an attack on Iran, according to US President Donald Trump and Israel's defence minister.
Trump described the operation as "major combat operations" and called for Iranian government forces to lay down their arms. Israel's defence minister said Israel had launched a "pre-emptive attack" against Iran, with explosions heard across the country.
Explosions were reported in multiple cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. The extent of any casualties or injuries is unknown at this point.
Timeline of Events
Shortly after 09:30 Tehran time (06:00 GMT), Iranian media reported explosions in the capital. Pictures show smoke over the city's Jomhouri Square and Hassan Abad Square.
Iran's airspace has been closed since the attacks, according to Tasnim News Agency. Trump has described the operation as "massive and ongoing".
International Response
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on all Iranian people "to throw off the yoke of tyranny and bring about a free and peaceful Iran".
The United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has called for "restraint and implore all parties to see reason, to de-escalate, and for a return to the 'negotiating table'".
The European Union's top diplomat Kaja Kallas called the latest developments "perilous". A UK government spokesperson said they do not want to see "further escalation into a wider regional conflict".
Air Travel Disruptions
Some global airlines have suspended flights across parts of the Middle East. German airline Lufthansa has suspended flights to-and-from Dubai, as well as the capital cities of Israel, Lebanon, and Oman until 7 March.
Kuwait's aviation authority said it was halting all flights to Iran until further notice. The UAE said it has "partially and temporarily" closed its airspace as a precaution.
