By Tarek Chouiref
ISTANBUL (AA) - Explosions were heard in Tehran on Saturday, with thick smoke seen rising over parts of the city, as the Israeli defense minister said Israel launched a "preemptive" strike against Iran.
Sirens also sounded across Israel, which declared a “special and immediate” state of emergency across the country that includes a prohibition on educational activities, gatherings, and workplaces, except for essential sectors.
Israel's Channel 12 said the US and Israel launched the attack jointly.
The strikes come amid diplomatic efforts between US and Iranian officials for a deal on Iran’s nuclear program.
Badr Albusaidi, Oman's foreign minister, who mediated the talks, met US Vice President JD Vance on Friday. “I am grateful for their engagement and look forward to further and decisive progress in the coming days. Peace is within our reach,” he wrote on US social media company X after the meeting.