Israel has launched a daytime attack on Tehran, with explosions and smoke reported near key government sites, including areas close to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s offices. The strikes are part of a wider U.S.–Israeli military operation against Iran following stalled nuclear talks and weeks of warnings from US President Donald Trump about a major escalation.
Residents in Tehran and other cities such as Isfahan and Karaj have reported blasts, while air-raid sirens and emergency alerts have sounded across Israel amid fears of Iranian retaliation. U.S. officials said the operation could last several days and may be broader than previous limited strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Trump has called the ongoing “major combat operations” and called for Iranian government forces to lay down their arms.
OPERATION EPIC FURY
— Department of War
(@DeptofWar) February 28, 2026
Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz said the country has launched a “preemptive attack” against Iran, with explosions heard across the country. This comes after weeks of pitfalls and accommodations over Iran’s nuclear programme.
What we know so far
Shortly after 0930 Tehran time (0600 GMT), Iranian media reported explosions in the capital. Explosions were also reportedly heard in multiple other metropolises accountry, including Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. The extent of any casualties or injuries are not clear at this time.
Iran’s airspace has been closed since the attacks, Tasnim News Agency said.
Trump has described the US-Israel attack on Iran as “massive and ongoing.”
The US president posted a video clip on Truth Social attesting US involvement.
“A short time ago, the US military began major combat operations in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime,” he said. Trump added that Washington’s aim is to “ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon.”
He asked the Iranian people to remain in shelter and not leave their homes.
“When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations,” he added.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also urged Iranians “to cast off the yoke of tyranny” and work toward a free, peaceful Iran. He thanked Trump and repeated his stance that Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons that could endanger all of humanity. He added that their joint operation is intended to create conditions that would enable “the brave Iranian people” to take control of their own destiny. Netanyahu further called on Israeli citizens to strictly follow official safety instructions.
Earlier in the day, Israel’s defense minister announced a “special and permanent state of emergency” across the country.
On Iran’s response, the Israeli military said it has detected missiles fired toward Israel from Iran and is attempting to intercept and neutralize any threats as needed. Explosions have been reported in Haifa and other parts of Israel, though it is not yet clear whether these were caused by direct hits or interception activity.
Elsewhere, Bahrain’s state news agency said the U.S. Navy 5th Fleet’s service center in Bahrain was “subjected to a missile attack.” Before that, Bahrain’s interior ministry reported that emergency sirens had sounded and urged people to stay calm and move to the nearest safe location.
In Israel, people have been advised to avoid gatherings and not to go to school or work unless “absolutely necessary.” Authorities said these precautions will remain in place until Monday at 20:00. Israeli media also report that the country’s airspace has been closed to civilian air traffic.