Key Highlights
- Israel launched a synchronized military strike against Iranian targets on February 28, 2026, coordinating directly with American forces
- US President Trump declared “major combat operations” were underway inside Iran
- Iran responded by closing its entire airspace and promising a “crushing” military response
- Ayatollah Khamenei was relocated from Tehran to a secure location outside the capital
- The US concurrently designated Iran as a “state sponsor of wrongful detention”
Israel launched a pre-emptive coordinated military strike against Iranian installations on February 28, 2026. Senior Israeli defense sources confirmed to Reuters that the operation was synchronized with United States military forces.
President Donald Trump publicly confirmed American participation, announcing that the United States had begun “major combat operations” inside Iranian territory. CNN’s coverage revealed that the attacks focused primarily on military facilities throughout Iran.
Israeli defense sources disclosed that operational preparations spanned multiple months. The final timing for execution was determined several weeks prior to launch.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz publicly announced the strike operation while activating nationwide emergency procedures across Israel. Authorities justified these measures by anticipating retaliatory attacks from Iran.
At approximately 08:15 local time, emergency alert systems were triggered across Israel. Mobile emergency broadcasts warned citizens of an “extremely serious” security situation.
AFP correspondents based in Tehran reported hearing two significant explosions. Large plumes of smoke were visible rising from central and eastern districts of Iran’s capital.
Iran’s Fars news agency reported that the “type of explosions suggests a missile attack.” Iranian authorities have not yet provided complete damage reports.
Immediately after the explosions, Iranian aviation regulators imposed a total closure of national airspace. The Civil Aviation Organisation announced the closure would remain in effect “until further notice.”
Iran’s Response and Leadership Movement
A high-ranking Iranian official told Reuters that Iran is preparing a “crushing” retaliatory response. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was evacuated from Tehran to an undisclosed secure facility.
The strikes occurred roughly eight months following a 12-day exchange of aerial attacks between Iran and Israel in June 2025. Both American and Israeli governments had repeatedly warned of potential military action if Iran continued its nuclear enrichment programs and ballistic missile development.
US Adds Iran to Detention Blacklist
Simultaneously with the military operations, Washington officially designated Iran as a “state sponsor of wrongful detention.” Iran became the first country added to this sanctions framework, created through a Trump executive directive signed in September 2025.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly called for Iran to free all detained Americans. He suggested potential measures could include revoking US passport validity for travel to Iran.
Trump also announced his intention to eliminate all uranium enrichment operations in Iran, including civilian nuclear programs. This announcement came after indirect negotiations between American and Iranian officials in Geneva, where both sides reported meaningful progress.
Oman’s Foreign Minister disclosed that Iranian negotiators agreed during Geneva discussions to permanently stop accumulating enriched uranium. He described this pledge as a major diplomatic breakthrough that could prevent wider conflict.
On Friday, Trump indicated he had not made a “final decision” on military action. By Saturday morning, strikes had already begun.
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