Israel has launched what it describes as a “pre-emptive” strike on Iran, with multiple explosions reported in Tehran and smoke seen rising over parts of the Iranian capital, according to the BBC and Iranian state media.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Israel had initiated the attack, calling it a necessary move to “remove threats against the State of Israel.”

He also declared a nationwide state of emergency, warning that retaliatory missile and drone strikes from Iran could follow. Air raid sirens were heard across Israel earlier in the morning, alerting residents to a possible incoming attack.

The BBC has received images showing thick plumes of smoke over Tehran’s Jomhouri Square and Hassan Abad Square.

Iranian state television confirmed that strikes had taken place on 28 February, reporting explosions in the north and east of the capital.

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The state-affiliated Fars news agency said at least three explosions were heard in downtown Tehran, with reports that missiles struck the Republic area.

According to the BBC, Iran’s rolling news channel IRINN briefly experienced an audio interruption before resuming broadcasts, displaying captions about smoke and explosions in parts of Tehran.

The channel later aired pre-recorded footage of pro-government rallies along with archive remarks from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging unity against “enemies.”

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International news organisations, including the BBC, often face restrictions in Iran, which can limit their ability to independently verify developments inside the country.

As a result, much of the information currently available is based on official statements and local media reports.

Reports in US and Israeli media, cited by the BBC, suggest that the attack may have been coordinated with the United States, although American officials have not publicly confirmed this.

The escalation comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between US and Iranian officials aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear programme. Talks were expected to continue next week, but tensions have been rising in recent days.

The latest strike follows last year’s 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, during which the US joined Israel in targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly warned about what he describes as the growing threat from Iran’s ballistic missile programme. Iran, for its part, has rejected any discussion of limiting its missile capabilities or regional alliances, calling such demands a violation of its sovereignty.