Tehran/IBNS, Feb. 28 -- Israel Defence Minister Israel Katz said the country launched a "pre-emptive strike" on Iran early Saturday morning, media reports said.

Iran's state-run news agency IRNA confirmed explosions in the capital, Tehran, reporting thick smoke rising from central parts of the city.

According to IRNA, the explosions were heard at two separate locations in Tehran.

Some media reports claimed it was a joint attack by Israel and the United States.

The situation marks a sharp escalation in tensions between the two regional rivals, raising fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East.

Pre-emptive strike: Israel said it attacked to prevent an imminent threat from Iran.

Nuclear threat fears: Israel believes Iran is moving c...