Israel says it conducted 'preventive strike' on Iran

Israel's defense minister announced that the country has carried out a preventive strike on Iran, explaining the action was taken to remove a threat to the state. A preventive strike is launched against a perceived future threat, whereas a preemptive strike is a response to an imminent one. According to Reuters, explosions were heard in Iran's capital, Tehran, with reports of a strike near the office of the Supreme Leader. In Israel, air raid sirens were activated in Tel Aviv, and the defense minister has declared a nationwide state of emergency. Israel's Channel 12 television reported the operation was a joint attack against Iran conducted with the U.S.