Israel has launched a preemptive strike against Iran “to remove threats to the State of Israel,” Israeli officials said.

Eyewitness in Tehran have told ABC News that they heard two blasts in the Iranian capital.

This comes as tensions escalate between the U.S. and Iran have peaked following a major U.S. military buildup in the Middle East and ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program.

Israel Defense Minister Yisrael Katz signed a special order calling for a state of emergency to be imposed throughout Israel.

“You must obey the instructions of the Home Front Command and the authorities and remain in the protected areas,” the statement read.