Photo: Chinese Embassy in Iran

The Chinese Embassy in Iran has issued a safety alert following Israel's military strike on Iran in the early hours of Friday. Chinese nationals and enterprises in Iran are advised to stay vigilant, avoid sensitive areas and crowded places, and enhance personal security, according to a post issued by the embassy. 

Israel said early on Friday it had struck Iranian nuclear targets to block Tehran from developing atomic weapons, and Iranian media and witnesses reported explosions including at the country's main uranium enrichment facility, Reuters reported on Friday. 

Calling the offensive "Rising Lion," Israel said it was also targeting Iranian commanders and missile factories, and declared a state of emergency in anticipation of retaliatory missile and drone strikes by Tehran, Reuters said. 

The current security situation in Iran is severe and complex, the Chinese embassy said, advising Chinese citizens and enterprises in Iran to closely monitor developments, raise their safety awareness, take effective precautions, avoid sensitive areas and crowded places, and ensure the safety of their persons and property. In case of emergency, please report to the local police promptly and contact the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Iran for assistance, the embassy said. 

Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a state of emergency shortly after the strikes began, and warned people that "a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future," CNBC reported. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the nation, "this operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat," according to CNBC. 

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Israel took "unilateral action against Iran," warning Iran not to target US forces in retaliation, AP News reported. 

In recent days, the US began pulling some diplomats from Iraq's capital and offering voluntary evacuations for the families of US troops in the wider Middle East, according to AP News. 

Revolutionary Guards headquarters in Tehran has been hit by Israel, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Friday, citing Iran state television. 

Global Times