Explosions, smoke and fear in Tehran during U.S.-Israeli attack
Smoke over Tehran against the backdrop of the US and Israeli operation against Iran, February 28, 2026 (Photo: Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS)
The United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran around 8:10 a.m. local time, with Tehran among the targets as explosions rocked the capital and thick plumes of smoke rose between buildings, The New York Times reported on Feb. 28.
Sirens are sounding in central and northern Israel, including the coastal city of Haifa, as well as in Tel Aviv, warning residents to seek shelter.
The Israeli military said air defense systems are working to intercept incoming missiles, The Times of Israel reported.
Shortly before that, Iranian state television announced that the country’s armed forces were preparing to strike Israel in retaliation, The New York Times reported.
Early on Feb. 28, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel had carried out a preemptive strike on Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump later confirmed that the United States is also conducting a large-scale operation against Iran, saying Tehran was attempting to revive its nuclear program.
Targets include nuclear, military and government sites, including the residences of Iranian leaders. Explosions have been reported in Tehran, Qom, Kermanshah, Isfahan and Karaj.
Reuters reported that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was not in Tehran at the time of the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes and had been moved to a secure location.
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