Israel defense minister says US-Iran alliance boon to 'free world'

US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer hit out at President Donald Trump's attack on Iran, asking him to “provide the American people and Congress clear answers on the actions taken tonight and their implications for the safety of Americans.”

“No president should be allowed to unilaterally march this nation into something as consequential as war with erratic threats and no strategy,”

Former Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell, however, said the attack was logical citing Iran's hostile stance.

"Seizing this opportunity is not an escalation toward war — it is a prudent response to the warmongers in Tehran."

The Israeli military says it has detected the launch of ballistic missiles from Iran.

Sirens are expected to sound in the coming minutes, according to Israeli media.

Iran’s mission to the United Nations has formally requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council following US airstrikes on its nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

In a letter addressed to the Council, Iran condemned what it described as a "blatant and unlawful act of aggression" and urged the Security Council to respond immediately.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran urgently demands that the Security Council convene without delay to address this clear act of aggression, condemn it in the strongest possible terms, and take all necessary measures within its mandate under the UN Charter to ensure the perpetrators are held fully accountable and do not escape punishment,” the letter said.

"In accordance with the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defense, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people," Iran's foreign minister said in reaction to US attacks.

"The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran's peaceful nuclear installations. The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences," Abbas Araghchi said.

"Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior."

It is too early to know exactly what the results of the US strike in Iran are, but “what is certain is that Iran’s nuclear program has been set back by years," Axios reported citing a senior Israeli official.

Following the US strikes, if a good agreement is reached with Iran, it would be “the end of the story” for Iran’s nuclear program, the official was quoted as saying.

If no nuclear agreement is reached and if Iran tries to rebuild its nuclear facilities, Israel will strike again, Axios added citing the official.