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US and Israel launch attack on Iran

Israel has launched a "preemptive strike" against Iran, and the US is participating in the "massive attacks."(Bild: Krone KREATIV/APA/AFP/UNKNOWN/UGC, APA/AHMAD GHARABLI)

According to its own statements, Israel has launched a preemptive strike against Iran. The US has joined the "massive attack." A conflagration is spreading in the Middle East. Read about the latest events in our live ticker here.

"The State of Israel has launched a preemptive strike against Iran to eliminate threats to the State of Israel," Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced shortly after 7 a.m. CET on Saturday. 

According to Iranian state media, three explosions of unknown origin were heard in the center of Tehran. Thick smoke rose into the air. Shortly thereafter, it became known that the US was participating in the military strike. 

The most important facts in brief:

• Israel has launched a "preemptive strike" against Iran, according to its own statements. Explosions were heard in central Tehran, but also in Qom, Lorestan, Kermanshah, Karaj, and Tabriz. TheUS is participating in the "massive attacks" against targets in Iran.

• Trump addressed the Iranian people in an eight-minute video message and called on them to overthrow their government: "The hour of yourfreedom has come. When we are done, take over your government."

• Israel reports Iranian missile attacks— shortly before 9:30 a.m. CET, air raid sirens were sounded. The population had already been warned and civilian air traffic had been halted . Flights to and from Israel were canceled.

• Explosions were also reported from Kuwait, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and Abu Dhabi ( UAE) until 11 a.m. Pro-Iranian groups inIraq are also said to have been"bombed ." Among the targets were military bases in Qatar and  Bahrain.

• The Iranian armed forces responded to the attacks by Israel and the US by attacking aUS military facility. Three more bases followed in the late morning.

• An internet blackout was imposed in Iran. There are reports of massive cyberattacks.

Read the latest developments in our live ticker here:

Wildfire in the Middle East
According to Israeli defense circles, the attack was coordinated with the US and had been in preparation for months. The date of the attack is also said to have been set weeks ago. Explosions were also reported in Kuwait, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Bahrain, and Abu Dhabi. Pro-Iranian groups in Iraq are said to have been "bombed."

Current images from Iran:

Attack in the midst of negotiations
The attacks took place in the midst of new negotiations between the US and Iran. Washington and Tehran had already negotiated over Iran's controversial nuclear program last year before Israel attacked Iran. The US joined the air strikes and bombed key nuclear facilities. Iranian air forces then fired ballistic missiles at Israel.

"All-out war"
Iran's leadership recently emphasized its willingness to reach an agreement as well as to escalate militarily. President Masoud Pezeshkian threatened"all-out war" if Khamenei were to be attacked. Khamenei himself warned the US in early February: "The Americans should know that if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war." Iran does not want war and will not start one.