Smoke rises from an explosion after Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel had launched a pre-emptive strike on Iran, in Tehran, Iran, on February 28, 2026, in this screenshot from a video. WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS | Photo credit: WANA
The United States is participating, although the full extent of its involvement was not immediately clear, according to a U.S. official and a person familiar with the operation, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military operations.
It was not immediately clear whether the 86-year-old Khamenei had been in his office at the time. He has not been seen in public for days as tensions with the United States have increased. But the attack comes as the United States has amassed a massive fleet of fighter jets and warships in the region to try to pressure Iran into a deal on its nuclear program.
Trump had wanted a deal to curb Iran’s nuclear program, and he sees an opportunity as the country grapples with growing discontent at home following nationwide protests. Iran had hoped to avoid war, but continues to insist it has the right to enrich uranium and will not discuss other issues, such as its long-range missile program or support for armed groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
It was not immediately clear whether Iran would immediately retaliate, but the country had warned that US military personnel and bases across the region would be targeted for possible retaliation.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the attack as “to remove threats.” He did not immediately elaborate on it.
In Tehran, witnesses heard the first explosion from Khamenei’s office. Iranian state television later reported on the explosion, without specifying a cause.
At the same time, sirens sounded throughout Israel. The Israeli military said it had issued a “proactive warning to prepare the public for the possibility of rockets being launched towards the State of Israel.” More explosions hit Iran’s capital after Israel said it was attacking the country. Authorities have not provided any information about victims of the strikes.
Meanwhile, Iran closed its airspace after Israel launched an attack on the country.
The warning to the pilots came as explosions sounded in Tehran, the Iranian capital.
The US military declined to immediately comment on the attack.
Published on February 28, 2026
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