Tel Aviv / Tehran | February 28, 2026
The United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes on Iranian targets Saturday, triggering a rapid escalation across the Middle East. Iranian authorities later confirmed retaliatory ballistic missile launches toward Israel as multiple nations closed their airspace amid rising regional tensions.
Israeli defense officials confirmed the initial wave of attacks, stating that Israeli forces targeted several Iranian military and intelligence facilities. Shortly afterward, US defense sources acknowledged American air operations in support of the strikes.
Sirens sounded across Israel around 11:45 a.m. local time, with the Israeli military urging civilians via mobile alerts to remain near protected shelters due to the possibility of missile retaliation.
Where Did the Strikes Occur?
According to reports cited by international media outlets including The New York Times, the primary focus of the strikes was the Iranian capital, Tehran, and surrounding areas.
Explosions were reported near key government and security locations, including areas close to the residence of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian media also reported blasts near the presidential compound and the National Security Council office in Tehran.
Additional strikes were reported in the cities of:
Qom
Isfahan
Kermanshah
Karaj
Lorestan province
Iran’s paramilitary force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reportedly saw damage to its intelligence directorate facilities.
Israeli and Iranian Immediate Actions
Israel’s Response Measures
Following the strikes, Israel declared a national emergency and closed its airspace, suspending all commercial flights. Military officials warned citizens of potential incoming missile attacks and activated nationwide defense protocols.
Iran’s Countermove
Iran also shut down its airspace. According to reports, Ayatollah Khamenei was relocated to a secure location outside central Tehran as a precautionary measure.
Iranian authorities confirmed ballistic missile launches toward Israeli territory. Israeli defense systems reportedly detected incoming missiles, and localized explosions were heard in parts of Israel. The scale of damage remains under assessment.
Regional Fallout: Middle East Airspace Disruptions
Regional tensions spread quickly.
According to reports from Al Jazeera, Iran allegedly launched ballistic missiles toward US military facilities in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
The US Embassy in Qatar issued a security advisory instructing personnel to move to secure areas.
Iraq also closed its airspace, joining several Gulf nations that implemented emergency aviation restrictions.
Political Reactions
Donald Trump’s Statement
US President Donald Trump addressed the situation via his social media platform, Truth Social.
In a video message, Trump said the objective of the strikes was to “neutralize threats posed by the Iranian regime and protect American citizens.” He stated that Iranian activities present direct risks to US forces and allied partners worldwide.
Reports also suggest that Trump acknowledged limited US losses in the operation. According to media accounts, senior military officials had previously warned about potential casualties in the event of escalation.
Diplomatic Context Before the Strikes
Just days before the military action, US envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner met Iranian officials in Geneva for discussions related to Iran’s nuclear program. The talks reportedly concluded without a breakthrough.
Earlier Friday, President Trump stated that he had not yet made a final decision regarding military action but expressed dissatisfaction with the status of negotiations.
On Saturday morning, the US designated Iran as a country involved in “wrongful detention” practices.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is reportedly expected to visit Israel next week.
India Issues Advisory
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not issued an official response to the strikes. However, the Embassy of India in Israel released a safety advisory urging Indian nationals to remain vigilant and strictly follow security guidance issued by Israeli authorities and the Home Front Command.
