Israel and the US launched a preemptive strike against Iran on Saturday morning in a bid to neutralize imminent threats to national security, prompting the declaration of a nationwide state of emergency. A US officials confirmed to Reuters that American forces were carrying out strikes on Iran alongside Israel.
Israel believes that there has been considerable success in the initial strike against senior regime figures in Iran, the elimination of several figures, some of whom were involved in, among other things, the suppression of the popular uprising recently, others from the Revolutionary Guards, as well as government ministers.
Video: Explosions in Tehran on Feb. 28, 2026
Following the military action, Israeli officials anticipate an immediate retaliatory attack involving missiles and drones directed at Israeli territory and civilian population centers. Meanwhile, reports from Iran indicated that several missiles struck University Street and the Jomhouri area (a district in Tehran).
Video: Israeli planes reportedly seen in Tehran / SOcial media
Defense Minister Israel Katz signed a directive declaring a special home front emergency across the entire country. The public has been instructed to adhere strictly to guidelines issued by authorities and the Home Front Command (the IDF's civil defense branch) and to stay close to protected spaces.
Sirens wailed across the country, and the military sent a preliminary alert directly to mobile phones instructing citizens to remain near shelters. The IDF clarified that the alarm was a proactive measure designed to ready the public for potential incoming fire, noting that civilians do not yet need to enter the shelters.
Following a security assessment, defense officials implemented a major policy shift at 8 a.m., transitioning all regions of the country from full operational status to essential activity only. This change mandates the cancellation of all educational activities and public gatherings, while also prohibiting attendance at workplaces outside of critical sectors.
Video: Trump vows toppling regime / Credit: White House
Citizens have been urged to monitor official updates broadcast through the National Emergency Portal and military applications. In a concurrent move – driven by the rapidly evolving security situation – Israeli airspace has been completely shuttered until further notice.
