The Israeli Air Force launched Operation 'Rising Lion' targeting nuclear-related military facilities in Tehran, Iran, early on the 13th (local time).
According to the Israeli media Times of Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that "brave Israeli Air Force pilots struck Iranian nuclear enrichment facilities, nuclear weaponization facilities, and ballistic missile factories," adding, "We will continue airstrikes if necessary."
Foreign media, including AP, reported that "explosions reverberated throughout Tehran," noting, "Tehran residents woke up to the sounds of explosions, and state-run Iranian television also urgently reported the incidents."
Thick black smoke rose across the western region of Chitgar in Tehran. AP reported that loud explosions were also heard in the northeast. Experts added that there were no publicly known nuclear facilities in that area.
Iran suspended flights at Imam Khomeini International Airport on the outskirts of Tehran. The Iranian military raised air defense alerts to the highest level.
This attack occurred amid heightened tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear development.
Israel has warned for years that it will not allow Iran to manufacture nuclear weapons.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant noted in a statement regarding the airstrikes that, "After Israel's preemptive attack on Iran, immediate Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and civilians are expected," and that he signed a special order declaring a state of emergency.
The Ministry of National Defense (IDF) also stated that "airstrikes targeting dozens of military objectives, including several nuclear-related facilities in Iran, will continue for several days," and that "by the end of the airstrikes, the nuclear threat will be eliminated."
International oil prices surged immediately following the attack news, with Brent crude rising by more than 5%.
The White House did not provide immediate commentary.
According to AP, at the time the explosions began in Tehran, President Donald Trump was conversing with congressional members on the White House lawn.
Following the reports of airstrikes, Trump immediately convened a cabinet meeting. It remains unclear whether the U.S. received prior notice from Israel regarding the airstrikes.
However, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with reporters and said, "The U.S. is not involved in the airstrikes," adding, "Iran should not target U.S. interests and troops."
Before the talks that day, Trump emphasized that he did not want to say that "Israel's attack on Iran is imminent, but the likelihood is very high," highlighting escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The U.S. allowed voluntary evacuations for military families in the Middle East prior to the airstrikes. The U.S. embassy in Iraq, neighboring Iran, has withdrawn its personnel.