By David Gritten & Dr. Kivumbi Earnest Benjamin, L.H.D (Hon)

Summary

• US and Israel launch an attack on Iran, as President Donald Trump confirms “major combat operations” are under way
• The Israel Defense Forces says retaliatory strikes have been launched by Iran
• Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz says his country launched a “pre-emptive” attack on Tehran, as the Israeli military say Iran has fired retaliatory missiles – here’s the statement in full
• Images show smoke rising in Tehran, as explosions have been heard in five cities across Iran
• Washington has been ramping up the pressure on Tehran to agree to a new deal on its nuclear programme. Trump said on Friday he was “not happy” with Iran’s negotiating position during nuclear talks
• Memories are still fresh in Israel of the 12-Day War with Iran last June, which severely depleted Iranian air defence, our Middle East correspondent in Tel Aviv writes
• International news organisations are often refused visas to Iran which severely limits their ability to gather information about what’s going on inside the country

Trump urges Iranians: ‘Take over your government’

In his earlier video statement, President Trump urged Iranians to use their large-scale attacks on Iran to overthrow the country’s clerical establishment.

“When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations,” he declared.

He also told members of the Iranian security forces that they would be given “immunity” if they laid down their arms, or else “face certain death”.

In early January, Trump threatened to bomb Iran as security forces cracked down on nationwide anti-government protests, killing at least 6,480 people, according to human rights activists. He warned that those responsible would “pay a big price” and told protesters that “help is on its way”. 

But the president said days later that he had received assurances from Iran’s government that the “killing has stopped” and his focus turned to the country’s nuclear programme, which has been at the centre of a long-running dispute with the West.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has just issued a statement.

“My brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel, a short time ago, Israel and the United States embarked on an operation to remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran. 

“I thank our great friend, President Donald Trump, for his historic leadership. For 47 years, the Ayatollah regime has been shouting ‘Death to Israel,’ ‘Death to America.’ 

“It has spilled our blood, murdered many Americans, and massacred its own people. This murderous terrorist regime must not be armed with nuclear weapons that would allow it to threaten all of humanity. Our joint action will create the conditions for the courageous Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands. 

“The time has come for all segments of the Iranian people – the Persians, the Kurds, the Azeris, the Baluchis, and the Ahwazis – to throw off the yoke of tyranny and bring about a free and peaceful Iran. 

“I appeal to you, the citizens of Israel, to listen to the instructions of the Home Front Command. In the coming days, in Operation ‘The Roar of the Lion,’ we will all be required to have endurance and fortitude. 

“Together we will stand, together we will fight, and together we will ensure the eternity of Israel.”