Tehran/Jerusalem/Washington: In a sharp escalation of regional tensions, the United States and Israel carried out coordinated military strikes on Iran early Saturday, targeting what officials described as regime-linked and strategic military installations.
According to international media reports, American forces joined Israeli operations in what Israeli security sources called a “joint offensive action.” The strikes were reportedly launched in the early hours, catching several major Iranian cities off guard.
Explosions were heard in northern and eastern parts of Tehran, as well as in Isfahan, Karaj, and Kermanshah, Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency reported. Plumes of smoke were seen rising over parts of the capital, intensifying fears of a broader confrontation in the region.
Israel and the US launched joint pre-emptive strikes on Iran early today (Feb 28, 2026), codenamed Operation Shield of Judah. Explosions hit Tehran (downtown, near Khamenei offices, ministries, airport), Isfahan, Qom, Tabriz & more. Targets: nuclear & military sites to neutralize… pic.twitter.com/skAfzE0NcL
— Patriot (@_Patriot1776Q_) February 28, 2026
One of the reported targets was an area near the office complex of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It was not immediately clear whether the 86-year-old leader was present at the time of the strike. Iranian authorities have yet to release an official statement detailing the extent of the damage or casualties.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Israel had launched what he described as a “pre-emptive strike” aimed at neutralizing threats against the country. He also declared an immediate nationwide state of emergency in Israel, signaling preparedness for potential retaliation.
A senior US official was quoted as saying that American military operations against Iranian targets were underway in parallel with Israeli action, underscoring the scale and coordination of the assault.
The strikes come amid mounting friction over Iran’s military posture and regional activities, raising concerns of a wider military flare-up in an already volatile Middle East.
Further details are awaited as the situation develops.
