Tehran, Feb 28 — Iranian officials on Saturday promised a “crushing response” after a large joint military operation carried out by Israel and the United States, Tasnim News Agency reported.
The action, reportedly called Operation Roaring Lion, struck military sites, missile production facilities and areas near the office of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is said to have chosen the operation’s name; the IDF reportedly used a different internal name, according to The Times of Israel.
Residents in southern Tehran heard powerful explosions as several ministries were hit. Israeli sources described the strikes as pre-emptive and said multiple sites, including locations in the capital, were targeted. The attacks raised fears of broader regional escalation and prompted emergency measures and public alarm.
Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency, activated sirens and moved some hospital functions underground. The IDF announced changes to Home Front Command guidelines, shifting from Full Activity to Essential Activity and banning educational activities, public gatherings and non-essential workplaces. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant declared a special state of emergency under Israel’s Civil Defense Law and warned of likely missile and drone attacks against Israeli territory and civilians.
Iran, Israel and Iraq closed their airspace and suspended flights. Iranian media reported mobile service cuts in parts of eastern and western Tehran and weaker internet connectivity in some areas. An Iranian official told Reuters that Ayatollah Khamenei was not in Tehran and had been moved to a secure location.
Media outlets, including the Jerusalem Post citing Walla, reported U.S. involvement in the strikes. The developments disrupted diplomatic activity: nuclear talks involving the U.S. and Iran were affected in Oman, and previous rounds of negotiations have continued elsewhere, including Geneva.
U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking in Texas earlier, called Iran “very difficult” and “very dangerous,” saying the U.S. faced a “big decision” and that any deal with Tehran must be “meaningful.”
This report is from a syndicated feed and is published as received; the publisher assumes no responsibility for its accuracy or completeness.
