Strikes on Iran suggest Israel may have heeded US warnings

Israel's attack on Iran has been anticipated since the latter launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles on Israel almost a month ago.

In a statement announcing that the operation was under way on Saturday, Israel's military spokesman said Israel had the "right and duty" to respond and that its defensive and offensive capabilities were fully mobilised.

Iranian state media has confirmed that explosions have been heard in the west of Tehran.

But there's no clarity as yet in precisely what the targets have been and whether they have been successfully hit by Israel.