Israel and the U.S. Launch Preemptive Strike on Iran: Explosions in Tehran
Early this morning, Israel initiated a preemptive military operation against Iran, according to an official statement by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz.
“The State of Israel has carried out a preemptive strike on Iran to eliminate threats,” the minister said.
According to Iranian media (Fars), explosions occurred in central Tehran—on University Street and in the Jomhuri district. Locals report thick smoke over the city and disruptions to mobile communications in several areas of the capital.
A U.S. official confirmed to Al Jazeera that the United States is participating in joint strikes with Israel. Israeli sources stated that the operation had been in preparation for several months and was coordinated with Washington.
In response, Israel has put the country on high alert:
- Air raid sirens sounded nationwide;
- Schools, government offices, and non-essential businesses are closed;
- Civilian airspace is closed;
- Residents are advised to stay near bomb shelters.
Iran is expected to respond with missile and drone attacks in the coming hours.
This is already the second major direct conflict between Israel, the U.S., and Iran in the past nine months. In June 2025, a 12-day air war took place, during which the U.S. also targeted Iranian nuclear facilities.
Negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, held in February in Geneva with Oman’s mediation, have reached a deadlock. Iran refused to fully dismantle nuclear facilities or transfer highly enriched uranium out of the country—the main demands of the U.S. and Israel.
