February 28, 2026 – Israel carried out what it described as a "preemptive" or "preventative" strike against Iran early Saturday morning, escalating tensions in the Middle East to a critical level and prompting immediate defensive measures across Israel.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the operation in a statement, declaring:
"The State of Israel has launched a preemptive strike against Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel."
He simultaneously declared an immediate state of emergency throughout the country, citing expectations of imminent Iranian retaliation involving missiles, drones, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).Air raid sirens sounded across Israel as a precautionary measure to prepare civilians for potential incoming attacks.
Israel's military closed its airspace to civilian flights, and the public was urged to remain near protected areas.Reports from Tehran indicated multiple explosions in the Iranian capital, including in downtown areas, near University Street, the Jomhouri area, and locations close to key government and military sites.
Smoke plumes were visible rising over parts of the city, according to witnesses and local media. Iranian state television acknowledged explosions but provided limited details on damage or casualties.
Iran has not yet issued an official response regarding casualties, the extent of damage, or planned retaliation, though state media acknowledged the attacks. Global oil markets reacted sharply to the news, with Brent crude futures expected to rise significantly amid fears of disruption to energy supplies from the Persian Gulf.
The strikes mark a major escalation in the long-running shadow war between Israel and Iran, dimming prospects for diplomatic resolution to Tehran's nuclear ambitions and raising the risk of a wider regional conflict.This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available from Israeli, Iranian, and international sources.
