Israel Launches Daylight Attack on Iran's Capital Tehran
Israel has launched a significant daytime military attack on Iran's capital city of Tehran. Multiple witnesses have reported seeing smoke rising from downtown areas near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is 86 years old and has not made any public appearances in recent days. The attack occurred on Saturday, 28 February 2026, marking a dramatic escalation in regional tensions.
Explosions Reported Across Tehran
Residents across Tehran reported hearing the sounds of military strikes echoing throughout the Iranian capital. One resident in the Mehrabad airport area described hearing two heavy explosions that shook windows approximately thirty minutes before reports emerged. Another resident in central Tehran near Vanak reported hearing simultaneous blasts and sounds of warfare at almost exactly the same moment, indicating a coordinated attack.
Regional Military Buildup and Diplomatic Context
The United States has assembled a substantial fleet of fighter jets and warships in the region, attempting to pressure Iran into negotiations regarding its nuclear program. Former President Donald Trump had previously sought a diplomatic agreement, seeing an opportunity while Iran faces growing internal dissent following nationwide protests. Iran maintains its position that it has the legitimate right to enrich uranium and refuses to discuss other contentious issues, including its long-range missile program and support for armed groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
Immediate Consequences and Security Measures
In response to the attack, Israel's Airports Authority has announced the complete closure of Israeli airspace. All planes that were en route to land in Israel are being redirected to alternative airports in the surrounding region. Passengers who were already at Israeli airports awaiting flights are being transported back to various secure locations within the country as security protocols are activated.
Iran had previously expressed hopes of averting open warfare, but this daylight attack represents a significant breach of that aspiration. The visible smoke near the Supreme Leader's offices suggests the attack targeted central government areas, potentially signaling a strategic move by Israeli forces. The situation remains fluid as both nations assess the damage and consider their next responses in this rapidly evolving conflict.
