Israel Launches Strikes on Tehran Military Sites

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — The Israel Defense Forces announced early Friday that it has launched a new wave of strikes across Tehran targeting government and military sites belonging to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The announcement came at approximately 12:42 a.m. local time, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. Israeli officials stated the operation focused on specific infrastructure linked to Iran's military apparatus within the capital city. No immediate details were provided regarding the extent of damage or specific targets struck during the initial phase of the campaign.

Iranian state media reported hearing explosions in several districts of Tehran shortly after the Israeli announcement. Civil defense sirens were activated across the capital, prompting residents to seek shelter. Emergency services were dispatched to multiple locations, though official casualty figures have not yet been released by Iranian authorities. The Iranian military has not publicly commented on the nature or scale of the incoming attacks.

The strikes represent a direct military engagement between the two nations on Iranian soil, departing from previous shadow warfare conducted through proxies and cyber operations. Regional analysts note that such an overt action could trigger a broader conflict, though the specific strategic objectives behind the timing of the operation remain unclear. Neither side has issued a formal statement explaining the rationale or immediate triggers for the escalation.

Diplomatic channels are reportedly active as neighboring countries and international powers monitor the situation. The United Nations Security Council is expected to convene an emergency session later today to address the developing crisis. U.S. officials have urged restraint, calling for de-escalation to prevent a wider war in the Middle East.

As of early Friday morning, the status of key Iranian government facilities remains uncertain. Some reports indicate smoke rising from buildings in the northern districts of Tehran, while others suggest the strikes were concentrated in military zones. The Israeli military has not confirmed whether additional waves of attacks are planned or if the operation is ongoing.

Questions remain regarding the full scope of the damage and the potential for retaliatory measures from Tehran. Iranian leadership has historically vowed severe responses to attacks on its territory, but no official declaration of retaliation has been made. The international community awaits further developments as the situation continues to evolve rapidly.