TRANSCRIPT
Explosions ringing out across Tehran, as Israel attacked Iran's capital in the early hours of the morning [[13 June local time]].
Israel says it has launched dozens of strikes on military targets in what it's called 'Operation Rising Lion'.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claiming it's a response to a rising nuclear threat from Iran.
"This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove the threat. For decades, the tyrants of Tehran have brazenly, openly called for the destruction of Israel. They've backed up their genocidal rhetoric with a program to develop nuclear weapons. In recent years, Iran has produced enough highly enriched uranium for nine atom bombs. Nine."
Tension between Israel and Iran has been increasing for some time.
But after a UN agency found Iran was breaching its nuclear non-proliferation obligations, Iran said overnight it would establish a third uranium enrichment facility.
Mr Netanyahu, says as far as he's concerned, Iran has reached a tipping point in its nuclear weapons program - and that's a danger to Israel's very survival.
"Israel will never allow those who call for our annihilation to develop the means to achieve that goal. Tonight, Israel back those words with action."
An Israeli defence official says the strikes likely killed members of Iran's general staff, including the chief of staff and several senior nuclear scientists.
Iranian state television confirmed the head of its Revolutionary Guard, General Hossein Salami, is among those killed in the strike.
Iran has promised to retaliate against Israel, with a military spokesperson saying in a statement that Israel "will pay a heavy price and should await strong response from the Iranian armed forces".
Air traffic has been stopped at Tehran's main airport, with neighbouring Iraq closing its airspace entirely.
Israel has declared a state of emergency, also shutting down its airspace.
The US had been preparing for further tension in the region, and had withdrawn some diplomats from Iraq.
In the 24 hours before the attacks, President Donald Trump warned Israel could soon strike Iran's nuclear sites.
US secretary of state Marco Rubio says the US was not involved in the attack.
In a statement, UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres says he condemns any military escalation in the Middle East, and is concerned by Israel's attacks whilst talks between Iran and the US about the Iranian nuclear program are underway.
Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong says she's alarmed by the development.
"We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that would further exacerbate tensions. We all understand the need, the threat of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program. It represents a threat to international peace and security. And we urge the parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy."
