Israel Launches Preemptive Strikes on Iran

Israel launched a preemptive missile attack on Iran early Saturday morning, February 28, 2026, triggering explosions in downtown Tehran and prompting a nationwide state of emergency declaration by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz. The strikes, described by Katz as necessary to remove threats to Israel, occurred amid escalating tensions over Iran's nuclear program, with sirens sounding across Israel in anticipation of possible retaliatory missile launches.

Witnesses in Tehran reported hearing loud blasts and seeing thick smoke rising from the city center, including near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian state television confirmed the explosions but provided no further details on the targets, casualties, or damage. It remained unclear whether Khamenei, who has not appeared publicly in recent days, was present at the site. The Israeli Defense Forces issued a national warning, stating, "This is a proactive alert to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward the State of Israel." In response to the heightened alert, Israel suspended educational activities, public gatherings, and most workplaces, limiting operations to...