On Saturday. Feb. 28 the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in a video statement, said that the U.S. military had initiated a “major operational action” in Iran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu subsequently issued a statement saying that Israel is cooperating with the U.S. to eliminate threats to both countries.
The operation occurred after U.S.-Iran negotiations over preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Iran has consistently denied developing such weapons.
Regarding the attack, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran will take defensive actions and use all military means to protect national security.
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The United Kingdom said it did not participate in the U.S.-Israel joint strike.
Explosions reported in multiple areas; Israel declares emergency
According to the BBC, explosions were heard in multiple Iranian cities, including the capital Tehran, on Saturday morning local time. Iran’s state-operated news channel IRINN also reported on the attacks.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the operation as a “preemptive strike,” indicating that Israel believed Iran was planning to attack Israel first.
Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency and activated its alert system.
The Israeli military, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), stated that Iran fired missiles at Israel in response.
Meanwhile, neighboring countries Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates also reported explosions, believed to be linked to Iran’s attacks. All three countries are U.S. allies. Iran had previously warned that if attacked, U.S. bases in the region would become targets.
Smoke rises over Iranian Supreme Leader’s residence, Ali Khamenei confirmed dead
CNN obtained Airbus satellite images showing thick black smoke rising from the residence of Iran’s Supreme Leader in Tehran on Saturday. The images suggest several buildings in the area may have been hit following the U.S.-Israel strike.
Multiple news outlets have confirmed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been killed.
CNN confirmed the strike location by comparing the attacked site with multiple attack videos from Tehran and using triangulation. Explosions were also reported in other Iranian cities including Isfahan and Qom.
The Supreme Leader’s residence, known as “Beyt-e Rahbari,” has long been considered the core of Khamenei’s decades-long rule. Beyond being a building, it is regarded as the power center of Iran’s theocratic system, though the regime has lost some support among the Iranian public in recent years.
In a video posted on Truth Social, Trump addressed the Iranian military: “You must lay down your arms.”
He also warned Iranian civilians: “Please stay in shelters, do not leave your homes; it is very dangerous outside.”
Trump further told the Iranian people: “When we are finished, the takeover of your government will be in your hands.”
He added: “For years, you have asked for U.S. help… now you have a president giving you what you asked for. Let’s see how you respond.”
Background on Iran and Israel
Israel is located in the Middle East along the Mediterranean. It was established in 1948 as a homeland for the Jewish people following World War II and the Holocaust.
Iran is also in the Middle East, bordering several countries including Afghanistan to the east and Iraq to the west.
Most Iranians follow Shia Islam. As an Islamic Republic, religious leaders hold significant influence over governance.
Israel and Iran have long been adversaries. In recent years, tensions have escalated, leading to mutual military actions.
The U.S. has traditionally been a strong ally of Israel. Last year, the U.S. supported Israeli military action against Iran. Trump has previously ordered strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear development facilities.
Nuclear weapons back in focus
Nuclear weapons are extremely powerful explosives deriving energy from the splitting or fusion of atomic particles. A single nuclear bomb can destroy a large city.
The five legally recognized nuclear states are the U.K., France, the U.S., China, and Russia, most of which developed nuclear weapons after World War II. China gained nuclear capability in the mid-1960s.
North Korea, India, and Pakistan claim to possess nuclear weapons. Israel is widely believed to have nuclear weapons but has neither confirmed nor denied it.
Iran has long been suspected of attempting to develop nuclear weapons, but denies the accusations, claiming its nuclear research is for peaceful purposes such as power generation. Over the years, the IAEA has said Iran has not fully complied with information-sharing requirements regarding its nuclear program.
After the strikes, Trump stated that Iran “must never have nuclear weapons” and that Americans “will never be threatened by a nuclear-armed Iran.”
International reactions
As tensions rise, airlines worldwide have canceled or rerouted flights to or over affected areas in the Middle East.
A UK government spokesperson said: “Our priority is the safety of British citizens in the region,” emphasizing that they do not want the situation to escalate into a broader regional conflict.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to chair a meeting of the government’s Cobra Committee, which coordinates national emergency responses.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said the U.S.-Israel strike “does not comply with international law.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia “supports U.S. action to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons” and added that “Australia stands with the brave Iranian people in their struggle against oppression.”
The situation in the Middle East remains ongoing.
By Gao Yun
