Iran launched ballistic missiles toward Israel on Saturday, prompting the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to urge citizens to immediately move into safe rooms and other protected areas.
The IDF said it had detected missile launches from Iran targeting Israeli territory, with sirens expected to sound in multiple areas within minutes. Residents receiving alerts were instructed to enter designated protected spaces without delay.
In a post on X, the IDF said, "A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat. In the past few minutes, the Home Front Command has sent a precautionary directive directly to mobile phones in the relevant areas."
The military stressed the importance of strictly following official guidance.
"The public is asked to act responsibly and follow the instructions — they save lives. Upon receiving an alert, the public is instructed to enter a protected space and remain there until further notice. Leaving a protected space is permitted only after receiving explicit instructions. The public is requested to continue acting in accordance with the Home Front Command's guidelines," the statement added.
The Israeli military said its air defence systems were actively intercepting incoming missiles.
"At this time, the Israeli Air Force is operating to intercept and strike threats where necessary to remove the threat," it said.
The missile launches came hours after Israel carried out what it described as "preventive" strikes against Iran, targeting multiple sites in Tehran, including areas near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to media reports.
Israel's Defence Ministry said the operation, named "Shield of Judah," was launched "to remove threats to Israel." Air raid sirens were sounded across Israel amid fears of retaliatory missile attacks, and authorities urged citizens to remain alert.
According to The Times of Israel, an unnamed security source said the operation had been jointly planned for months, adding that Israel was going "all out" in the campaign and that the United States was "on the same page." The report stated that the initial phase of the joint attack is expected to last four days. The timing of the first wave of strikes, carried out in the morning, was reportedly intended to catch Iran off guard.
There was no immediate confirmation from Iranian authorities regarding the extent of the damage near Ayatollah Khamenei's offices.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump confirmed that the United States had initiated "major combat operations in Iran," marking a dramatic escalation in hostilities and heightening fears of a broader regional conflict in a strategically and economically sensitive region.
Trump recently expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of negotiations with Iran, saying he was "not happy" with recent talks. He reiterated that Iran cannot be allowed to possess nuclear weapons or maintain uranium enrichment capabilities, adding a day earlier that "sometimes you have to" use force.
The situation remains fluid, with regional and global observers closely monitoring for further retaliation and escalation.
(With inputs from IANS)
