Key Points Summary
- Israel executed a pre-emptive military operation against Iran on February 28, 2026, working in coordination with the United States
- President Trump announced that “major combat operations” have commenced in Iran
- Tehran closed its airspace nationwide and announced plans for a “crushing” retaliation
- Supreme Leader Khamenei relocated from Tehran to a secure facility
- Washington designated Iran as a “state sponsor of wrongful detention” on the same date
On February 28, 2026, Israel executed a pre-emptive military operation against Iran. An Israeli defence official speaking to Reuters confirmed the action was undertaken in coordination with the United States.
President Donald Trump announced that the United States had initiated “major combat operations” within Iran. CNN’s reporting indicated the strikes concentrated on military installations.
According to the Israeli defence official, months of planning preceded the operation. Decision-makers finalized the launch date several weeks before execution.
Israel Katz, serving as Israel’s Defence Minister, publicly announced the strike while simultaneously declaring a nationwide state of emergency. Officials framed this measure as preparation for expected retaliatory action from Tehran.
Warning sirens activated throughout Israel around 08:15 local time. Israeli residents received mobile phone alerts characterizing the threat level as “extremely serious.”
AFP journalists stationed in Tehran reported hearing two distinct loud explosions. Observers witnessed two columns of dense smoke rising over central and eastern sections of the Iranian capital.
According to Iran’s Fars news agency, the “type of explosions suggests a missile attack.” Iranian authorities have yet to provide comprehensive damage assessments.
Tehran ordered the closure of Iranian airspace throughout the entire nation following the explosions. The Civil Aviation Organisation issued the closure directive “until further notice.”
Tehran’s Response and Leadership Movement
A senior Iranian official informed Reuters that the government is organizing a “crushing” retaliation. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, departed Tehran for a protected location.
These strikes come after a 12-day aerial conflict between Israel and Iran during June 2025. Washington and Jerusalem had issued multiple warnings about potential military action should Iran advance its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities.
Washington’s Designation of Iran Regarding Wrongful Detention
Concurrent with the military operation, the United States formally designated Iran as a “state sponsor of wrongful detention.” Iran becomes the inaugural nation added to this blacklist, established through a Trump executive order issued in September 2025.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanded the release of all American citizens detained in Iran. Rubio indicated that future measures could include invalidating US passports for travel to Iranian territory.
Trump declared his position that Iran should maintain zero uranium enrichment capacity, including programs designated for civilian applications. This statement followed indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran held in Geneva one day earlier, where both parties characterized the discussions as productive.
Oman’s Foreign Minister reported that Iran committed during these discussions to permanently avoid stockpiling enriched uranium. The diplomat characterized this agreement as a significant breakthrough with potential to avert broader conflict.
Trump stated on Friday that he had yet to reach a “final decision” regarding military strikes. Operations commenced by Saturday morning.
