Israel launched strikes on Iran on Saturday, with explosions reported across Tehran and smoke seen rising in parts of the city, according to Reuters, AP, and Al Jazeera. Israel declared emergency measures and closed its airspace. Reports differ on the scope of U.S. involvement—some say the operation was coordinated with Washington, while other reporting says the extent of any U.S. participation is not yet clear.
Israel said it launched a pre-emptive strike against Iran on Feb. 28, 2026, as explosions were reported in Tehran and Israel moved to emergency footing, according to Reuters.
Al Jazeera reported that multiple missiles struck areas including University Street and the Jomhouri area, citing Iran’s Fars news agency, while its correspondent reported smoke rising from the city.
The Associated Press said the strike hit an area near the offices of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, though details on damage and casualties were not immediately clear. AP also reported the United States participated in the operation, but said the extent of involvement remained unclear.
Reuters reported Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the operation was planned in coordination with the United States and that Israel anticipated retaliatory attacks. Israel closed its airspace and issued public warnings as a precaution.
What we know so far
Explosions were reported across Tehran by multiple outlets.
Israel declared emergency measures and closed its airspace.
The precise extent of U.S. involvement is still being reported differently across sources.
Why it matters
The escalation raises immediate risks for regional security and market volatility—particularly energy, shipping routes, and risk assets—while increasing uncertainty for businesses operating across the Middle East.
We will update this story as official statements and independent confirmations emerge.
