Hot: Israel airstrikes Iran, killing Iran's Chief of Staff and many nuclear scientists?

Previously, Reuters also reported that in the early morning of June 13 (local time), Israel confirmed that it had conducted a large-scale military attack on Iran's nuclear targets, missile facilities and military command.

According to the news agency, media and witnesses in Iran recorded many loud explosions, including in the area near the important Natanz uranium enrichment facility.

In a pre-recorded message, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared: "We are at a decisive moment in Israel's history."

He affirmed that the operation, codenamed "Rising Lion", is aimed at preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapons and will continue for many days to come.

Israel said specific targets included scientists working on nuclear bombs, its ballistic missile program and the Natanz facility.

An Israeli military official said the country was striking "dozens" of targets and accused Iran of having enough material to build 15 nuclear bombs within days.

Immediately after the attack, Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency in preparation for a large-scale retaliation with missiles and drones from Iran.

"A missile and UAV attack against the state of Israel and its civilians is expected in the near future," Defense Minister Israel Katz said.

In Iran, a senior official confirmed to Reuters that the country's leadership was holding an emergency security meeting. Iranian state television reported multiple explosions in the capital Tehran and said air defenses were on maximum alert.

Washington immediately asserted that it had nothing to do with the military operation. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated: "Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We did not participate in the attacks and our top priority is to protect US forces in the region."

He also warned Iran against targeting US interests or personnel.

CNN reported that US President Donald Trump is convening a cabinet meeting. Earlier, US intelligence had assessed that Israel was preparing for an attack and unnamed officials said military action could take place in the next few days.

The attack had an immediate impact on global markets, with crude oil prices jumping more than $3 a barrel on fears of supply disruptions from the Middle East.

The development comes ahead of the sixth round of talks between the US and Iran on Tehran's nuclear programme, scheduled to take place in Oman on June 15, but the talks have already reached a deadlock.