JERUSALEM: Israel launched what it described as preemptive airstrikes against Iran early Saturday, with multiple explosions reported across the Iranian Capital, Tehran, sharply escalating tensions between the two regional rivals.

The Israeli Defense Forces said the strikes targeted what it called strategic military assets linked to security threats against Israel. Loud blasts were heard in several districts of Tehran, and local media reported plumes of smoke rising over parts of the city. Immediate casualty figures were not confirmed.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz publicly acknowledged the operation, saying the action was taken to neutralize imminent threats. Israeli authorities also activated nationwide security protocols, including air defense alerts and temporary airspace restrictions, amid concerns over possible retaliation.

Iranian officials have not yet issued a comprehensive response, though state media confirmed explosions in the capital. There has been no formal declaration of war from either side, but the developments mark one of the most direct confrontations between the longtime adversaries in recent years.

International observers warned that further escalation could destabilize the broader Middle East region.