Explosions Rock Iran As Israel Launches Pre-Emptive Strikes, Shuts Airspace For Civilian Flights
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Last Updated:February 28, 2026, 12:26 IST
Explosions were reported in Tehran with thick smoke seen rising over parts of the Iranian capital, as Israel described its action as a pre-emptive strike.
resetRapid ReadRapid ReadSummarized by AI.+Explosions reported in Tehran after Israeli pre-emptive strikesIsrael shuts airspace, suspends public activities amid tensionsStrike near offices linked to Iran's Supreme Leader reported More Rapid Read Like this summary?Share Your Feedback
Explosions were heard in Iran’s capital, Tehran, on Saturday, according to multiple media reports and eyewitness accounts, amid what Israel described as a “preventative" attack against Iran, and declared a state of emergency across the country.
International news organisations and Iranian media said loud blasts were reported across parts of the city, with visuals circulating on social media appearing to show smoke rising into the sky.
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گزارشها و تصاویر دریافتی از ‘شنیده شدن صدای چند انفجار و دیده شدن دود در #تهران، شنبه ۹ اسفند’#Iran #Tehran pic.twitter.com/tIk5yAITCA— Vahid Online (@Vahid) February 28, 2026
The authenticity and precise locations of all clips could not immediately be independently verified.
The Tehran Times reported that an explosion was heard in Tehran and that thick smoke was visible, suggesting a possible strike or impact site within the city.
In a statement, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said, “The State of Israel launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel," according to Reuters.
As the strikes unfolded, Israel’s military announced sweeping domestic precautionary measures and suspended all educational activities, public gatherings and most workplaces, with only essential sectors allowed to operate.
In a further sign of heightened alert, Israel closed its airspace to civilian flights, the country’s Transport Minister Miri Regev announced.
APPARENT STRIKE NEAR SENSITIVE AREA
According to the Associated Press, witnesses confirmed hearing an explosion in Tehran, with the apparent strike reported near offices linked to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Officials had not immediately released details on casualties or the extent of damage, and Iranian authorities had yet to provide a full assessment of the incident.
The situation remained fluid, with emergency response activity unclear in the immediate aftermath of the explosions.
TENSIONS FOLLOW FAILED DIPLOMATIC MOMENTUM
Reuters also reported that the explosions came at a sensitive time, as Washington and Tehran had resumed negotiations this month, aimed at resolving the long-running dispute over Iran’s nuclear programme through diplomacy.
Israel has insisted that any agreement must include dismantling Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and limiting missile capabilities, while Iran has said it is open to nuclear discussions in exchange for sanctions relief but rejects linking talks to its missile programme.
Iran had previously warned it would defend itself against any attack and has cautioned neighbouring countries hosting US forces that retaliation could follow if American bases were involved in military operations.
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