Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement on Friday that Israel initiated a war and said it will not be allowed to do "hit and run" attacks without grave consequences.

Israel launched strikes on Iran’s capital early Friday, with explosions booming across Tehran as Israel said it targeted nuclear and military sites.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel “should expect severe punishment” for the attacks, which he said struck residential centers and killed several commanders and scientists. “The powerful hand of the armed forces of the Islamic Republic will not let them go unpunished,