The Israel Defense Forces, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), have confirmed the launch of airstrikes on the Iranian capital, Tehran, and the Lebanese capital, Beirut.
In an official statement, the IDF announced that it was carrying out "targeted attacks against military targets" in both cities, marking a sharp escalation of the situation in the region.
The attacks in Beirut come about an hour after the IDF issued an "urgent warning" to residents of the city's southern suburbs and dozens of surrounding villages, calling for immediate evacuation.
According to the Israeli military, the targets of the attacks are command centers and weapons depots belonging to Hezbollah.
IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee stated that a "wide wave of airstrikes" is currently underway.
The strikes in Tehran and Beirut signal a direct expansion of military operations, sharply increasing tensions in the Middle East and fears of a wider regional clash.
