Israel and U.S. Launch Preemptive Strikes on Iran; Supreme Leader Khamenei to Address Nation

Israel's defense ministry announced on Saturday the initiation of a "preemptive strike" on Iran, coinciding with sirens sounding in Jerusalem and nationwide alerts about an "extremely serious" threat. Sources informed the Associated Press that the United States is participating in these strikes. An Iranian official, speaking to Reuters, indicated that Tehran is preparing a "crushing" retaliation. Israel has cautioned about the "possibility of missiles being launched toward the State of Israel." Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been relocated to a secure location outside Tehran, according to a Reuters report. U.S. President Donald Trump addressed members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard, urging them to lay down their weapons with a promise of immunity, warning that the alternative is "certain death." Both Israel and Iran have closed their airspace following the attacks. The Indian Embassy has advised its nationals in Israel to "exercise utmost caution and remain vigilant at all times."