As reported, in the first phase dozens of fighter jets attacked military targets located in various areas of Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that these were pre-emptive attacks, with the aim of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons that would threaten Israel's existence.

‘A moment ago, Operation Rising Lion was launched with the aim of stopping the Iranian threat to the existence of the State of Israel,’ Netanyahu said in a message delivered after the air strikes began. He added that the aim was to strike Iran's nuclear infrastructure, ballistic missile factories and other military installations, and that the operation would continue for as long as necessary.

Iranian media reported that there were several powerful explosions in the Iranian capital, Tehran. Israeli rockets have also fallen on residential areas in Tehran, among others, and there are fatalities, including children.

Israel is preparing for Iran's retaliation. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has declared a state of emergency in the country, saying that Israel could be attacked with rockets and drones ‘in the near future’.

Israel closed its airspace. Iran has also done so, as well as neighbouring Iraq.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Israel had taken unilateral action against Iran and that the US was not involved in the attacks.