Israel launches major strike on Iran

Israeli military says it launched a wave of strikes against Iranian military and nuclear sites in a major escalation against Tehran.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the military operation will continue as long as necessary.

Iranian authorities suspend flights at Tehran’s international air port, as news outlets report that residential buildings have been struck in the Iranian capital.

US Secretary of State says the United States is “not involved” in the strikes, warning Iran against attacking American bases in the region.

The strikes in Iran have come shortly after US President Donald Trump said Washington was committed to diplomacy with Tehran.

Israel announced that it struck Iranian nuclear targets to block Tehran from developing nuclear weapons, adding tthat Iranian commanders and missile factories were hit.

Iranian media and witnesses reported explosions across the Iranian capital with reports of deaths, including children.

Iran’s Press TV said that the country’s Natanz nuclear facility has been targeted by Israel.

Iran’s Tasnim news agency said authorities have suspended flights at the Imam Khomeini International Airport, but the facility has not been directly affected by the Israeli attacks.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the strike against Iran in a recorded message, declaring the action as a “decisive moment” in the country’s history. Israel is calling the operation against Israel “Rising Lion”.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Israel’s strikes against Iran is a “unilateral action” and said Washington was not involved while also urging Tehran not to target US interests or personnel in the region. (AlJazeera)