Israel carried out a surprise preemptive strike on Iran early Saturday morning, triggering explosions in Tehran and prompting a nationwide state of emergency in Israel. Sirens sounded across Israeli cities as both nations braced for further escalation.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched the operation at dawn on Saturday. Iranian state media reported explosions in Tehran, while Reuters confirmed that clouds of smoke were seen rising from the Iranian capital.
US strikes against Iran are being carried out by air and sea, a US official told Reuters on Saturday.
NOW: Tehran, Iran. pic.twitter.com/QI7kSmZw0Y
— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 28, 2026
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the operation was intended to remove threats to the state of Israel.
“The State of Israel has launched a preemptive strike against Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel,” Katz stated. He also declared an “immediate state of emergency throughout the entire country.”
Israeli officials stated that the attack had been planned several months ago, and the specific date for the operation was set weeks in advance. They also said the Israeli attack on Iran had US support.
The Israeli military announced the closure of schools and workplaces, with exceptions for essential sectors, and a ban on public airspace. Israel closed its airspace to civilian flights, and the airports authority asked the public not to go to any of the country's airports.
US officials said the current actions against Iran will be tougher than last year’s attacks. According to The New York Times, planes took off from bases in the Middle East to carry out strikes on Iran. Fighter jets from the US fleet are also participating in the attacks.
US officials confirmed that the strikes on Iran are joint operations, news agencies reported.
Nationwide emergency, public safety measures
Following the strike, sirens sounded across Israeli cities, according to Reuters. They are continuing to sound in Tel Aviv and occupied Jerusalem. The IDF Home Front Command issued a national warning instructing civilians to remain close to protected spaces and bomb shelters.
“This is a proactive alert to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward the State of Israel,” the IDF said.
Authorities instructed cities to move to safe shelters. All educational institutions across Israel were closed, and Israeli airspace was shut down to all flights, according to news agency reports.
Katz declared a nationwide special state of emergency and urged citizens to follow Home Front Command instructions, remain in protected areas, and stay vigilant.
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The army clarified that, as of now, there is no need to enter shelters. Currently, no missiles have been launched toward Israel. However, officials warned that a missile and drone attack on Israel is expected in the immediate timeframe.
Israeli officials stated that the operation against Iran could last several days. US officials said that only military targets are being struck in the attacks.
Meanwhile, Iraq has closed its airspace to all flights, according to news agency reports.
Explosions, strikes across Iran
In Iran, the situation rapidly escalated. Iranian state media reported explosions in Tehran shortly after the Israeli strike began. Two additional explosions were heard in Tehran’s Sayed Khandane area, according to a news agency. Reuters also reported that multiple missiles fell on University Street and the Republic area in Tehran.
In Tehran, several ministry buildings were targeted, Iranian officials told Reuters. Explosions were reported in the northern Iranian city of Tabriz, according to Iranian media. The Fars news agency reports that explosions were heard in the cities of Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah.
In Tehran, citizens rushed to gas stations as tensions escalated. News agencies reported that many people are attempting to leave the Iranian capital. Educational institutions have reportedly been closed in Iran, as per local media, and all classes will be held online.
Mehrabad Airport in Tehran was among the targets, news agency reports said. Clouds of smoke were seen rising over parts of the capital as the impact of the strikes became visible across the city.
Seven missiles struck areas near the presidential palace and the residence of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iranian media reported. Iranian news agency Mehr reports that Iranian President Pezeshkian is "in full health".
The New York Times, citing a US official, reported that US strikes on Iran were underway. A source told Reuters that Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was not in Tehran and had been transferred to a secure location.
Tehran preparing to retaliate
Iran is preparing for retaliation after Israel and the US launched an attack, an Iranian official told Reuters. The official said the response is set to be crushing. Iranian officials told Reuters that the country is preparing for counterattacks. They warned that Iran’s response will be “very tough and decisive.”
Also Read: Trump announces US-Israeli strikes on Iran to protect Americans
All hospitals across Iran have been placed on high alert, according to the Iranian Health Ministry. The ministry said details regarding casualties will be released once they are officially confirmed.
Communications disrupted in Iran
Amid the escalating crisis, mobile services were suspended in Iran, according to a news agency. Internet connection speeds across the country also slowed significantly.
The communications disruptions added to the uncertainty on the ground as residents in Tehran reported hearing repeated explosions.
ISRAEL LAUNCH ‘PRE-EMPTIVE STRIKE’ ON TEHRAN — RT EXCLUSIVE FOOTAGE pic.twitter.com/UOmD66Mk1Q
— RT (@RT_com) February 28, 2026
US Embassy issues emergency advisory
The ripple effects extended beyond Israel and Iran. The US Embassy in Qatar instructed its staff and all Americans to move to safe shelters until further notice.
The advisory came as fears mounted of a broader regional escalation following the Israeli strike.
Israeli officials stressed that the preemptive strikes were carried out due to threats facing Israel. Citizens were urged to remain close to bomb shelters, avoid non-essential travel, and monitor official updates due to the evolving security situation.
While no missiles have yet been launched toward Israel, authorities continue to prepare for possible retaliatory missile and drone attacks.
Attack comes after US-Iran negotiations
The US and Iran renewed negotiations in February in a bid to resolve the decades-long dispute through diplomacy and avert the threat of a military confrontation that could destabilise the region.
Israel, however, insisted that any US deal with Iran must include the dismantling of Tehran's nuclear infrastructure, not just stopping the enrichment process, and lobbied Washington to include restrictions on Iran's missile programme in the talks.
Iran said it was prepared to discuss curbs on its nuclear programme in exchange for lifting sanctions but ruled out linking the issue to missiles.
Tehran also said it would defend itself against any attack.
It warned neighbouring countries hosting US troops that it would retaliate against American bases if Washington struck Iran.
