JERUSALEM — Israel launched preemptive airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and military sites, triggering a nationwide emergency and fears of retaliation. Iran’s capital was rocked by explosions, with air defences fully activated.

The move came after former US President Trump warned of a looming regional conflict. Oil prices surged 6% amid the escalating tension. Trump said a nuclear deal with Iran was close but could be derailed by Israel’s actions, though he denied direct US involvement.

The US has started reducing embassy staff in Iraq, while Israel, citing Iran as a major threat, renewed calls for global action following the IAEA’s accusation that Iran breached its nuclear obligations.

Iran dismissed the UN resolution as Israeli-driven and pledged to build a new uranium enrichment facility and upgrade to more advanced centrifuges, enriching uranium well beyond the 2015 nuclear deal limits.