ISRAEL has launched strikes against Iran in a dramatic escalation risking all-out war in the Middle East.
Explosions rung out and plumes of smoke rose above the capital Tehran after a volley of “preemptive strikes” as part of Operation Rising Lion.
APSmoke rises above Tehran after an attack by Israel[/caption] APExplosions rung out and plumes of smoke rose above the capital[/caption] APIsrael claims the attack targeted nuclear and military sites[/caption]The attack comes after tensions flared following Iran’s advancing nuclear programme, with Donald Trump warning of a “massive conflict” between the enemy nations.
Iran has been stockpiling uranium and it is feared they are close to having enough weapons-grade fusion material for as many as 15 nuclear bombs.
The US has already declared it had no involvement in the strikes, which Israel claimed targeted nuclear and military sites.
They said Op “Rising Lion” targeted a nuclear enrichment facility in Natanz and top nuclear scientists.
Fearing a reprisal, Israel has already declared a “special state of emergency”, closing schools and public gatherings and sounding air-raid sirens.
Defence Minister Israel Katz said: “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.”
The orders have been imposed across the entire state, with emergency messages sent to mobile phones ordering Israelis to stay close to shelters and limit movement in open areas.
Speaking after the blitz, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was a “decisive moment in Israel’s history”.
On Thursday, the UN’s nuclear watchdog the International Atomic Energy Agency censured Iran for failing to work with its inspectors.
Israel has already declared a state of emergency Smoke was seen rising from Tehran Explosions rung out and plumes of black smoke rose above the capitalIran’s nuclear chief, Mohammad Eslami, slammed the resolution as “extremist” and blamed Israeli influence.
Trump, whose administration is in talks with Iran in a bid to hammer out a deal over its nuclear programme, said he had urged ally Israel to hold off as he stressed his commitment to a diplomatic solution.
“I don’t want to say imminent, but it looks like it’s something that could very well happen,” Trump told reporters at the White House when asked if an Israeli attack loomed.
Trump said he believed a “pretty good” deal on Iran’s nuclear program was “fairly close,” but said that an Israeli attack on its arch foe could wreck the chances of an agreement.
The US has already pulled some diplomats from Tehran and offered evacuations for troops and families stationed in the Middle East.
US and Iranian officials were due to hold a sixth round of talks on the nuclear programme in Oman on Sunday until the negotiations reached a stalemate.
Iran's breaching nuclear rules
IRAN has been declared as in breach of its nuclear rules for the first time in two decades.
The UN’s atomic watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, passed a resolution on Wednesday condemning Tehran’s “lack of co-operation”.
It is the culmination of several stand-offs between the Vienna-based IAEA and Iran since Trump pulled the US out of a nuclear deal between Tehran and major powers in 2018 during his first term, after which that accord unravelled.
Tehran said it “has no choice but to respond to this political resolution”, and said it would launch a new enrichment site “in a secure location”.
The state said: “Other measures are also being planned and will be announced subsequently.”
An IAEA official said Iran had given no further details such as the location of the site.
It comes as US and Iranian officials are due to hold a sixth round of talks on Tehran’s accelerating uranium enrichment programme in Oman on Sunday.
The Trump administration has been trying to secure a deal with Tehran aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear programme.
Donald Trump is said to be in advanced talks with Iran over a preliminary agreement that could include provisions on uranium enrichment – terms Israel finds unacceptable.
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