Smoke rises into the sky after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.
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TEL AVIV, Israel – Israel and the United States have launched what they describe as a preemptive military strike against Iran, amid weeks of tensions and an increased U.S. military presence in the region.
A person briefed on the operation told NPR that the attack was being conducted jointly with the United States. There was no immediate US comment about the attack.
Iranian state media reported rocket attacks on parts of the capital, Tehran. State television broadcast footage showing smoke rising from the explosion in the city. The extent of damage and possible casualties have not yet been confirmed.
At around 8:15 a.m. local time, air raid sirens were sounded across Israel, warning civilians to prepare to enter bomb shelters.
In an official statement, Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz described the operation as a preemptive action aimed at neutralizing threats against Israel.
“As a result, there is a possibility of missile and drone attacks against the State of Israel and its civilian population in the immediate future.”
He said there was an immediate threat of missile and drone attacks from Iran. A 48-hour emergency has been declared across the country.
Israel has closed its airspace to all passenger flights, and civil defense protocols have been activated. Regional military forces are on high alert.
The attack comes after weeks of speculation about possible military action against Iran, especially amid a significant US military buildup in the Middle East.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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