2 hours ago
Last Updated:February 28, 2026, 13:04 IST
The United States and Israel launched strikes on Tehran, targeting areas near Iran’s Supreme Leader’s offices, after which he was moved to a secure location.
A plume of smoke rises following a reported explosion in Tehran (Photo: AFP)
The United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran’s capital, Tehran, on Saturday, marking a dramatic escalation in regional tensions, with explosions reported near key government sites, including offices linked to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to the Associated Press.
Khamenei was later reported to be moved to a different, secure location, multiple media reports claimed.
A cloud of smoke was seen rising over downtown Tehran following what appeared to be the first strike of the day.
Witnesses reported hearing a powerful blast near Khamenei’s offices, while Iranian state television later confirmed the explosion without providing details on the cause or reporting casualties.
The attack represents one of the most direct military actions against Iran’s capital in recent years and comes amid intensifying pressure over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
US ROLE AND MILITARY BUILD-UP
The United States participated in the operation, although the full scope of Washington’s involvement was not immediately clear, AP reported, citing a US official and another person familiar with the operation who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the mission.
The strikes follow a significant American military build-up in the region, including fighter jets and warships deployed to pressure Iran into reaching an agreement limiting its nuclear activities.
Donald Trump had sought a deal to constrain Iran’s nuclear programme, viewing the moment as an opportunity, as Iran faces internal strain following nationwide protests.
Iran, however, has maintained that it has the right to enrich uranium and has resisted negotiations on broader issues such as its long-range missile programme and support for armed groups, including Hamas and Hezbollah.
SUPREME LEADER MOVED TO A SECURE LOCATION
Amid the unfolding developments, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was moved out of Tehran to a secure location, according to an official cited in reporting referenced by AP developments surrounding the strike.
It remained unclear whether the 86-year-old leader had been present at his offices at the time of the attack. Khamenei has not been seen publicly for several days as tensions with the United States escalated.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the operation as being carried out “to remove threats," though he did not elaborate on operational details, AP reported.
AIRSPACE CLOSED, ALERTS ISSUED
Following the strikes, Iran shut down its airspace as explosions continued to be reported across Tehran.
Mobile phone services were also disrupted in several parts of the capital, raising concerns about broader communications restrictions.
At the same time, sirens sounded across Israel, which also closed its airspace.
The Israeli military said it issued a “proactive alert" warning the public to prepare for the possibility of missiles being launched toward Israeli territory.
Authorities in Iran have not released casualty figures or damage assessments.
Iran had previously warned that any attack involving the United States would trigger retaliation targeting American personnel and military bases across the region.
First Published:
February 28, 2026, 12:47 IST
News world US, Israel Launch Joint Strikes On Iran; Khamenei Moved To Secure Location
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Read More
