In a significant escalation of Middle Eastern tensions, Israeli forces conducted a daylight military operation against targets in Iran’s capital Tehran on Saturday, with confirmed participation from United States military assets. The coordinated strike, which occurred on February 28, 2026, sent plumes of smoke rising from the downtown area near Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s offices, though Iranian authorities had previously relocated the leader to a secured location.
According to verified reports from Fars News Agency, multiple missiles struck University Street and the Jomhouri district, prompting Iran to immediately close its national airspace. The operation followed the substantial buildup of US fighter jets and warships in the region, previously characterized as diplomatic pressure regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz characterized the action as “a preemptive strike against Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel,” while emergency sirens activated across Israel and civilians received instructions to seek shelter. The Pentagon confirmed US involvement through anonymous officials speaking to Associated Press, with Reuters obtaining additional confirmation from Israeli defense sources regarding the coordinated nature of the operation.
Regional security immediately heightened as the US Embassy in Qatar implemented shelter-in-place protocols for personnel and citizens, reflecting concerns about potential retaliation. Iranian officials had previously warned that US military personnel and bases throughout the region would become primary targets in any retaliatory action, though Tehran’s immediate response remained unclear at the time of reporting.