In a significant escalation of Middle Eastern hostilities, Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has confirmed that the Israeli military launched fresh strikes against Iran on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The operation marks a critical turning point in the ongoing shadow war between the two nations, following a similar aerial campaign conducted in June 2025.
The Official Confirmation
In a statement issued early Saturday morning, Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the commencement of the operation. He stated that the military action was a preemptive measure initiated to “neutralize looming threats” originating from Tehran.
“Our forces are acting with precision to ensure the safety of our citizens against imminent aggression,” the statement read.
Explosions Reported in Tehran
Shortly after the Israeli announcement, Iranian state media reported multiple loud explosions across various districts of the capital, Tehran. While the specific targets have not been officially disclosed by either side, initial reports suggest that the strikes focused on strategic infrastructure and military installations.
Visual Evidence:
- Plumes of Smoke: Videos and photographs circulating on social media captured thick, heavy plumes of smoke rising over the Tehran skyline.
- Emergency Response: Sirens were audible in several residential areas as emergency services responded to the blast sites.
Immediate Tactical Responses
As the situation unfolded, Israeli authorities took the proactive step of completely shutting down the country’s national airspace to all commercial and private traffic. This move is typically seen as a preparation for potential retaliatory strikes or to clear paths for ongoing military sorties.
Scale and Casualties
As of the time of this report, specific details regarding the scale of the damage or the number of casualties remain unknown. Iranian authorities have yet to provide a detailed damage assessment, and Israeli officials have maintained a policy of operational secrecy regarding the exact number of assets deployed.
Context: A Pattern of Escalation
The February 2026 strike is the second major direct confrontation between the two regional powers in less than a year. The previous strike in June 2025 followed a series of cyberattacks and proxy conflicts, leading to a period of “high-tension peace” that appears to have officially fractured with this latest development.
Source: BBC
Related Posts:
INDIA: Rohit Pawar Alleges Cover-up in Baramati Plane Crash Investigation
“Me at the Zoo”: V&A Reconstructs Original YouTube Watchpage for New Digital Exhibit
Global Condemnation as New Taliban Penal Code Permits Domestic Discipline
