Follow the latest news after Israel launched strikes at Iran, a dramatic escalation in long-running tensions between the two countries.

Explosions reported in capital Tehran as Israeli Defence Minister announces "pre-emptive strikes" and announces state of emergency

Israel has launched what it is calling a "preemptive strike" against Iran and declared a state of emergency, according to Defense Minister Israel Katz.

Israel has reportedly carried out a pre-emptive strike targeting sites in Iran, according to Israeli media outlet Channel 12. The attack comes amid heightened regional tensions, with Al Jazeera reporting loud explosions in Tehran shortly after the strike. Axios also confirmed that air raid sirens were heard across multiple locations in Israel.

Israel has launched what it called were “preemptive strikes” against Iran and a state of emergency has been declared in Israel, according to Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz.

The Israeli Air Force conducted a strike in Iran on Thursday, according to two sources with knowledge of the operation. It's not yet clear what Israel is targeting. Why it matters: Israel is directly attacking its biggest and best-armed adversary,