Israel Launches Daylight Strike Near Khamenei’s Office in Tehran
Witnesses Report Multiple Explosions in Tehran After Israeli Strikes
DUBAI, Feb 28: Israel carried out a daytime strike in the heart of Iran’s capital on Saturday, sending plumes of smoke over central Tehran and sharply escalating regional tensions.
The apparent target of the Israel attack on Tehran was an area close to the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It was not immediately known whether the 86 year old cleric was present at the time. He has not appeared publicly in recent days amid rising friction with the United States over Iran’s nuclear program.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed military action, stating the operation was intended “to remove threats,” though he did not provide further operational details.
Residents reported hearing a powerful blast, while Iranian state television acknowledged the explosion without specifying its cause. Soon after the initial strike, additional detonations were reported in the capital. Authorities have not released information regarding casualties or damage.
Simultaneously, air raid sirens sounded across Israel. The Israeli military said it had issued a precautionary alert to prepare civilians for the possibility of incoming missile fire.
In response to the developments, Iran closed its airspace, issuing warnings to pilots as the situation unfolded. The U.S. military declined immediate comment on the incident.
The strike comes as Washington has deployed fighter aircraft and naval assets across the region in an effort to pressure Tehran into negotiations concerning its nuclear activities, adding another layer of volatility to an already tense standoff.
