Quick Summary
- On February 28, 2026, Israel executed a “pre-emptive strike” against Iran in coordination with the United States
- President Donald Trump announced “major combat operations” are taking place in Iran
- Tehran has shut down its entire airspace and vowed a “crushing” counter-attack
- Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was evacuated to a secure facility outside the Iranian capital
- Washington designated Iran a “state sponsor of wrongful detention” hours before the strikes
On February 28, 2026, Israel executed a pre-emptive military operation against Iran. According to a senior Israeli defense official speaking to Reuters, the assault was carried out in full coordination with the United States.
President Donald Trump publicly acknowledged that the United States initiated “major combat operations” inside Iranian territory. CNN sources indicated the strikes specifically targeted military installations.
The military action had been in development for several months. Israeli defense officials revealed that the exact timing was finalized weeks before execution.
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz publicly announced the operation and immediately declared a nationwide state of emergency. The emergency measures were implemented in anticipation of Iranian retaliation.
Emergency sirens blared throughout Israel beginning around 08:15 local time. Israeli citizens received urgent mobile phone notifications warning of an “extremely serious” security threat.
Journalists from AFP in Tehran reported hearing two significant explosions. Witnesses observed two large columns of dense smoke rising from central and eastern sections of the Iranian capital.
According to Iran’s Fars news agency, the “type of explosions suggests a missile attack.” Iranian authorities have not yet released comprehensive damage assessments.
Tehran ordered the immediate closure of Iranian airspace nationwide following the explosions. The country’s Civil Aviation Organisation stated the shutdown would remain in effect “until further notice.”
Tehran’s Counter-Strike Plans and Leadership Security
An Iranian government official confirmed to Reuters that the nation is organizing a “crushing” response to the attacks. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was transported from Tehran to an undisclosed secure compound.
The military operation comes after a 12-day aerial conflict between the two nations in June 2025. Both Washington and Jerusalem had issued repeated warnings that military action would follow if Iran persisted with its nuclear enrichment and ballistic missile development.
Washington Places Iran on Detention Blacklist
Coinciding with the strikes, the United States formally designated Iran a “state sponsor of wrongful detention.” Iran becomes the inaugural nation added to this sanctions list, which was established through a Trump executive order issued in September 2025.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanded Iran immediately free all American citizens in its custody. He cautioned that US passport validity for travel to Iran could be revoked in the future.
Trump additionally demanded complete cessation of uranium enrichment in Iran, including programs designated for civilian energy purposes. This declaration came just 24 hours after indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran in Geneva, where both delegations reported constructive progress.
Oman’s Foreign Minister disclosed that Iran committed during Geneva discussions to permanently halt stockpiling of enriched uranium. He characterized the agreement as a major diplomatic achievement that could avert broader military conflict.
On Friday, Trump stated he had not reached a “final decision” regarding military strikes. Less than 24 hours later, the operations commenced.
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