Israel has carried out strikes on Iran, with blasts heard in the capital, Tehran

The strikes were announced by Israeli defence minister Israel Katz, who also declared a “special state of emergency” in Israel since they expect retaliation.

According to BBC News, an Israeli official has stated that the strikes targeted “Iran’s nuclear program and other military targets”.

Yeaterday, US officials were told that Israel was ready to launch an operation into Iran.

This prompted officials to advise some Americans to leave the region.

The US however is warning Iran against targeting US bases in the region, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that Washington is not taking part in the Israeli strikes.