Israel launches preemptive strike against Iran, defense minister says

What happened

Early Saturday, Israel launched a preemptive strike against Iran and announced a special, immediate state of emergency across the entire country. The operation was characterized as aimed at removing threats to the state.

Details about specific targets, damage and casualties remain limited as the situation continues to develop.

What we know now

Information is still coming in and the picture is incomplete. More updates are likely as events unfold and as responses from other governments emerge.

Conditions in the region may shift quickly; anyone following the situation should stay alert for new information as it becomes available.