The US and Israel have launched an attack on Iran.
US president Donald Trump has described ongoing “major combat operations” and called for Iranian government forces to lay down their arms.
Trump posted a video on Truth Social confirming US involvement.
“A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran,” he said.
“Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime,” he said, adding that Washington’s aim is to “ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon”.
He also told the Iranian people to remain in shelter and not leave their homes.
“When we are finished, take over your government,” he said. “It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu similarly called on all Iranian people “to throw off the yoke of tyranny and bring about a free and peaceful Iran”.
Thanking Trump, he reiterated his message that Iran “must not be armed with nuclear weapons that would allow it to threaten all of humanity”.
“Our joint action will create the conditions for the courageous Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands.”
He also advised Israeli citizens to follow guidance from authorities.
Earlier, Israel’s defence minister declared a “special and permanent state of emergency” across Israel.
The Saturday attack is coming after weeks of threats and negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.
According to reports, the attacks started shortly after 09:30 Tehran time (06:00 GMT), with the Iranian media reporting explosions in the capital. With smoke over the city’s Jomhouri Square and Hassan Abad Square.
Explosions were also reportedly heard in multiple other cities across the country, including: Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. The extent of any casualties or injuries are unknown at this point.
Iran’s airspace has been closed since the attacks, Tasnim News Agency said.
Trump has described the operation as “massive and ongoing”.
Several verified videos show plumes of smoke rising across Tehran.
BBC Verify has located one video within a kilometre of Leadership House, the office of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It is not clear from the video angle if it was a direct hit on the building.
Another verified photo from the same area shows thick, dark columns of smoke rising above residential buildings and small grocery shops. There are also reports of strikes elsewhere in the country.
