Israel, US launch attacks against Iran

Israeli military states Iran has fired missiles into Israel in retaliation

Israel and the US conducted joint strikes against Iran on Saturday, pushing the Middle East into a renewed military confrontation and further dimming hopes for a diplomatic solution to the West's long-standing agenda to denuclearise Iran, despite Iran's repeated assertions that it will not pursue nuclear weapons.

According to the Fars news agency, explosions have been heard in Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. Explosions can also be heard in the Iranian city of Tabriz in the northwest.

According to the Israeli military, missiles have been launched from Iran towards Israel, and air defence systems are operating to intercept them.

Several ministries in the south have been targeted, an Iranian official told Reuters, and seven missiles hit the area near the presidential palace and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei's compound, according to the Tasnim news agency.

The Iranian health ministry stated that hospitals are on alert, as a US official tells Reuters that the US military is expected to carry out a multi-day operation against Iran.

BREAKING: War on Iran starts.

Israel has just hit Tehran. pic.twitter.com/ZUxiXLIBqN

— Sulaiman Ahmed (@ShaykhSulaiman) February 28, 2026

An official told Reuters that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei is not in Tehran and has been transferred to a secure location, and the news agency Mehr is reporting that Iran's President is "safe". The New York Times, citing a US official, reported that US strikes on Iran were underway.

US strikes are being launched by air and sea, a US official tells Reuters. Speaking to CNN, a US official claims that the strikes are only on military targets.

An Iranian official said that Tehran is preparing for retaliation, "The response will be crushing."

The sound of three explosions in central Tehran pic.twitter.com/LrxS3t9r0X

— Iran Military Monitor (@IRIran_Military) February 28, 2026

"The State of Israel launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel," Defence Minister Israel Katz said.

Israeli Defence officials state that this operation was planned months ago, with the launch date decided some weeks prior. They added that this attack was coordinated with the US.

Iranian state media says that mobile phone lines have been cut in parts of western and eastern Tehran, and internet connectivity has been weakened in some areas.

Explosions were heard in Tehran on Saturday, Iranian media reported, and sirens sounded across Israel around 08:15 local time in what the military said was a "proactive alert" to prepare the public for the possibility of an incoming missile strike.

The Israeli military announced the closure of schools and workplaces, with exceptions for essential sectors, and a ban on public airspace. Israel closed its airspace to civilian flights, and the airport authority asked the public not to go to any of the country's airports.

The attack comes after Israel and Iran engaged in a 12-day air war in June, following repeated US-Israeli threats that they would strike again if Iran pressed ahead with its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

The US and Iran renewed negotiations in February in a bid to resolve the decades-long dispute through diplomacy and avert the threat of a military confrontation that could destabilise the region.

Israel, however, insisted that any US deal with Iran must include the dismantling of Tehran's nuclear infrastructure, not just stopping the enrichment process, and lobbied Washington to include restrictions on Iran's missile programme in the talks.

Iran has repeatedly said that it has never sought nuclear weapons.

Always pleased to engage with President Erdoğan and FM Fidan on Iran-Turkiye bilateral relations and regional issues of common concern.

In our conversations, I reiterated that Iran has never sought nuclear weapons and is ready to embrace a fair and equitable nuclear deal that… pic.twitter.com/YLEHYpUkgm

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) January 31, 2026

Iran said it was prepared to discuss curbs on its nuclear programme in exchange for lifting sanctions, but ruled out linking the issue to missiles.

Tehran also said it would defend itself against any attack.

It warned neighbouring countries hosting US troops that it would retaliate against American bases if Washington struck Iran.

In June, the US joined an Israeli military campaign against Iranian nuclear installations, in the most direct American military action ever against the Islamic Republic.

Tehran retaliated by launching missiles toward the US Al Udeid air base in Qatar, the largest in the Middle East.

Western powers have warned that Iran's ballistic missile project threatens regional stability and could deliver nuclear weapons if developed. Tehran denies seeking atomic bombs.

Trump's statement

US President Donald Trump, in a video address, said the US is carrying out "major operations" in Iran.

pic.twitter.com/BZuJDudLej

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 28, 2026

"Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating immediate threats from the Iranian regime."

He added that Iran can "never have a nuclear weapon," claiming that they tried to rebuild their nuclear program despite repeated Iranian assertions to the contrary.

He said they are developing "long-range missiles" that "threaten the US."

"We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground...we're going to annihilate their navy... Americans may be lost and we may have casualties."

Trump addressed the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, telling them to "lay down their arms...You will be treated fairly with total immunity, or you will face certain death."

Pakistani and international reactions

Spokesperson of the Jafaria Alliance, Allama Baqir Zaidi, released a statement condemning Israel’s attack on Iran.

"Israel has initiated war and put the region at risk," he said. "The people of Pakistan stand with the Iranian people."

Pakistan’s air traffic controllers have been directed to maintain strict monitoring of the country’s airspace. Air traffic controllers have also been instructed to closely monitor the Iran-Afghanistan region and adjoining airspace.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released a travel advisory for Pakistani nationals regarding Iran, advising against all non-mandatory travel. 

🔊PR No.5️⃣7️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣

Travel Advisory for Pakistani Nationals Regarding Iranhttps://t.co/ON0V0mPmlM
🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Z2bIessIfP

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) February 28, 2026

Pakistani airlines have been ordered not to use Iranian airspace

Iraq has closed its airspace, according to its state news agency.

The Russian transport ministry has stated that due to airspace closures, alternate flight plans have been worked out in advance, but that flight times will increase due to distance.

The US Embassy in Qatar said it had implemented a shelter-in-place order for all personnel, urging American citizens in the country to take similar precautions, as the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran.

In a message posted on X, the embassy said it was recommending that all U.S. nationals in Qatar shelter in place until further notice.

Message for U.S. Citizens:

The U.S. Embassy in Qatar is implementing a shelter-in-place for all personnel. We recommend all Americans do the same until further notice. 

Actions to Take:

- Find a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of… pic.twitter.com/ENogjpfK5r

— U.S. Embassy in Qatar (@USEmbassyDoha) February 28, 2026

The embassy advised Americans to find a secure location within their residence or another safe building and to ensure they had adequate supplies of food, water, medication and other essential items.

It also urged citizens to avoid demonstrations, keep a low profile and remain aware of their surroundings. Americans were told to monitor local media for breaking developments and to be prepared to adjust their plans.

The embassy further advised US nationals to keep their mobile phones charged and to maintain communication with family and friends to update them on their status.

This is a developing story and will be updated accordingly

With input from Web Desk