JERUSALEM: Israel attacked Iran’s capital early Friday in strikes that targeted the country’s nuclear program and raised the potential for an all-out war between the two bitter Middle East adversaries. It appeared to be the most significant attack Iran has faced since its 1980s war with Iraq. Multiple sites around the country were hit, and black smoke was seen rising from the nation’s main nuclear enrichment facility.

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

US officials tell news agencies that Israel has started attacking sites in Iran as blasts reported in Tehran.