Israel launched preemptive strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities early Friday morning, with explosions heard across Tehran as the long-threatened military action finally materialized following the collapse of diplomatic negotiations.

Axios reported that "The Israeli Air Force conducted a strike in Iran on Thursday, according to two sources with knowledge of the operation. It's not yet clear what Israel is targeting, but explosions were reported in Tehran."

More from Axios:

Why it matters: Israel is directly attacking its biggest and best-armed adversary, without clear backing from the U.S.

• President Trump publicly opposed an Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear sites on Thursday, saying he still believed a nuclear deal was possible.

Yes, but: It's not clear whether Israel has ordered strikes on Iran's nuclear program, or whether the U.S. opposed this specific operation.

Driving the news: Sirens sounded across Israel on Thursday night. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a special state of emergency across the entire country.

• "Following the State of Israel's preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the state of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future," Katz said.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz immediately declared a special state of emergency throughout Israel, warning citizens to remain in protected areas as the country braces for an expected retaliatory missile and drone attack from Iran, according to our sister site, Townhall.com:

Defense Minister Israel Katz immediately declares a special state of emergency in the home front throughout the entire State of Israel*

Following the State of Israel's preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future.

Therefore, and in accordance with his authority under the Civil Defense Law, Defense Minister Israel Katz has now signed a special order, according to which a special state of emergency will be imposed in the home front throughout the entire State of Israel.

You must obey the instructions of the Home Front Command and the authorities and remain in the protected areas.

Strike Details and Targets

The Israeli Defense Ministry confirmed the operation is designed to "remove the Iranian threat," specifically targeting Iran's nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities. People in Tehran awoke to the sound of blasts, with state television acknowledging the explosions.

Initial reports indicate smoke could be seen rising from Chitgar, a neighborhood in western Tehran, though it wasn't immediately clear what specific facilities had been hit.

The strikes represent the culmination of years of Israeli warnings that it would not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons, with the attacks coming just hours after diplomatic efforts appeared to collapse.

The State of Negotiations

President Trump confirmed Thursday that Israeli strikes "might very well happen" while expressing his desire to avoid conflict. However, Trump emphasized that preventing military action would require concessions that Iran has been unwilling to make.

White House envoy Steve Witkoff had previously been preparing for a sixth round of nuclear talks with Iran on Sunday, meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Oman. The talks could determine whether diplomatic efforts continue or military operations begin. Trump told reporters he is "less confident" about reaching a deal than he was months ago, though he stressed his preference for diplomacy over military action.

U.S. envoy Witkoff recently warned Senate Republicans in a closed-door briefing that Iran's retaliation could involve hundreds of ballistic missiles, potentially overwhelming Israel's air defenses and causing mass casualties. The U.S. has expressed concern that such an attack could result in significantly more damage than Iran's previous missile strikes against Israel.

This is a developing story. RedState is working to continue collecting information and will update as necessary.