Israel’s defence minister says Israel carried out a ‘pre-emptive strike’, and expected retaliation from Iran

Israel said early on Friday that it struck Iran, and Iranian media said explosions were heard in Tehran as tensions mounted over US efforts to win Iran’s agreement to halt production of material for an atomic bomb.

Israel said it was declaring a state of emergency in anticipation of a missile and drone strike by Tehran.

An Israeli military official said Israel was striking “dozens” of nuclear and military targets. The official said Iran had enough material to make 15 nuclear bombs within days.

“Following the pre-emptive strike by the State of Israel against Iran, a missile and UAV (drone) attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate time frame,” Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a statement.