On February 28, Israel launched a significant military operation targeting Tehran, the capital of Iran, with reports indicating smoke rising near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The United States has expressed support for Israel’s actions, although official military channels have not commented on the strike.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the operation as necessary to eliminate threats, though he did not provide specific details. In response to the attack, Iran has closed its airspace, heightening security measures across the region.
Following the strikes, Israel issued air raid alerts, preparing its citizens for potential missile attacks from Iran. This escalation comes as U.S. President Donald Trump accused Iran of funding militant groups in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine, emphasizing the need to dismantle Iran’s missile capabilities and prevent regional destabilization.
“Our goal is to protect the American people by eliminating immediate threats from the Iranian regime—a brutal group of very dangerous individuals. Their activities directly threaten the United States, our military, overseas bases, and allies worldwide,” Trump stated.
Trump also urged members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to surrender, promising them immunity if they comply, while warning of severe consequences if they refuse.
Reports from Al Jazeera indicate explosions occurred in several Iranian cities, including Kermanshah, Lorestan, Tabriz, Isfahan, and Karaj. Israel reportedly targeted an airport and the area surrounding the presidential palace in Tehran, with casualties reported and individuals being evacuated to hospitals.
Following the attacks, Iran retaliated by launching missiles toward Israel. The Israeli air defense systems were activated in response to these threats. The Israeli Airports Authority announced a complete closure of the country’s airspace due to the escalating situation.
The ongoing tensions between Iran and the U.S. have seen little progress in indirect negotiations, primarily due to U.S. demands for Iran to cease its uranium enrichment activities. Iran has consistently denied intentions to develop nuclear weapons.
Recent reports from CBS News indicated that Trump convened a national security meeting to discuss potential military action against Iran. He warned that “very bad things could happen” if Iran does not agree to a deal regarding its nuclear program.
On February 3, U.S. forces shot down an Iranian drone that approached the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea. On the same day, Iranian naval vessels threatened to seize an American tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.
On February 6, the U.S. government urged its citizens to leave Iran immediately due to deteriorating security conditions. Tehran has warned the United Nations that it will strike American bases if the U.S. conducts further attacks.
Israel's recent military strike on Tehran marks a significant escalation in tensions with Iran, prompting retaliatory actions and raising concerns about regional stability. The U.S. has expressed support for Israel, while Iran prepares to respond to the attacks.
Source: Associated Press