US, Israel jointly strike Iran, blasts heard in Tehran
STC NEWS MONITORING DESK
NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 28 (STC): Explosions were heard in Iran’s capital, Tehran, on Saturday morning as Israel has launched a preemptive attack on Iran’s capital Tehran today morning. The attack has pushing the Middle East into a renewed military confrontation and further dimming hopes for a diplomatic solution.
The United States has also participated in the Israeli strikes, reported a cross section of International media quoting officials.
The strikes reportedly took place near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Reuters reported that the 86-year-old leader was not in Tehran and had been transferred to a secure location at the time.
“The State of Israel has launched a preemptive strike against Iran. Defence Minister Israel Katz has declared a special and immediate state of emergency throughout the country,” read a statement from Israel’s Defence Ministry.
The development comes at a time of heightened strain between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
There was no immediate response from the Iranian government regarding the reported blast.
Sirens Sound Across Israel
Sirens were sounded across Israel at the same time. The Israeli military said that it had issued a “proactive alert to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward the state of Israel,” the news agency AP reported.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the attack as being done “to remove threats.”
In Tehran, witnesses heard the blast. Iranian state television later reported on the explosion, without offering a cause.
Meanwhile, schools across Israel have been closed as a precautionary measure, and authorities have advised the public to work from home and have banned all public gatherings across the country.
The Israel Airports Authority said the Transport Minister has ordered the closure of Israeli airspace to all civilian flights.
The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure.
(Straight Talk Communications)
