The strikes reportedly targeted areas near offices associated with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. However, Reuters said the 86-year-old leader was not in Tehran at the time and had been moved to a secure location. Journalists on the ground reported hearing at least three to four explosions across the capital. There was no immediate clarity on casualties or the extent of damage.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the operation as necessary “to remove threats,” reinforcing Israel’s long-standing position that it will act militarily to prevent Iran from acquiring capabilities it considers existentially dangerous.
Within minutes of the strikes, sirens wailed across Tel Aviv and other parts of Israel amid warnings of potential retaliatory missile fire. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued nationwide alerts, instructing civilians to remain near protected spaces and shelters. The military called it a proactive step to prepare the public for the “possibility of missiles being launched toward the State of Israel.” Several hospitals activated emergency protocols, moving patients and surgeries to underground facilities as a precaution.
In the immediate aftermath, both Iran and Israel shut their airspace, signalling fears of further escalation.
The confrontation comes against the backdrop of renewed friction over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Washington and Tel Aviv have repeatedly warned that military options remain on the table if Iran continues advancing its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. Earlier this month, the United States and Iran had resumed negotiations aimed at resolving their decades-long dispute through diplomacy.
Israel has consistently pressed Washington to ensure that any agreement includes the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and strict curbs on its missile programme. Tehran has indicated willingness to discuss limits on its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief but has firmly rejected linking the talks to its missile capabilities.
Iranian officials had previously warned that the country would defend itself against any attack.
Hours before the strikes, US President Donald Trump expressed frustration with the pace and substance of nuclear negotiations. “I’m not happy with the fact that they’re not willing to give us what we have to have,” Trump said, reiterating that Iran “cannot have nuclear weapons.” While he suggested he would prefer diplomacy to prevail, he declined to reveal how close he was to authorising military action.
With airspace closed, missile alerts active, and diplomatic channels under strain, the region now stands on edge, facing the risk of a broader and potentially prolonged confrontation.