DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Israeli forces conducted daylight strikes Saturday against Tehran, Iran’s capital city, sending plumes of smoke billowing from the metropolitan area. The initial strike occurred in proximity to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s governmental offices.
American forces are taking part in the military operation, sources familiar with the mission confirmed to reporters under anonymity due to the classified nature of the strikes. The scope of Washington’s role remains unclear, and White House officials have not provided immediate comment.
Officials have not confirmed whether the 86-year-old Khamenei was present at his offices during the assault. The Iranian leader has remained out of public view recently as diplomatic friction with Washington has intensified. The military action occurs while the United States has positioned an extensive array of combat aircraft and naval vessels throughout the region, aiming to compel Tehran toward nuclear negotiations.
Security forces blocked access routes leading to Khamenei’s governmental complex in central Tehran as additional explosions echoed throughout the city.
The Israeli operation focused on Iran’s armed forces, governmental institutions, and intelligence facilities, an informed source revealed while requesting anonymity to discuss classified operational details.
Former President Trump has pursued an agreement limiting Iran’s nuclear capabilities and recognizes a potential opening as the nation faces internal unrest following widespread demonstrations. Tehran had sought to prevent military conflict but insists on its uranium enrichment rights while refusing negotiations on additional matters including ballistic missile development and backing for militant organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
Iran’s immediate response remains uncertain, though officials have previously threatened American military personnel and installations across the region would face retaliatory attacks.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz characterized the operation as necessary “to remove threats,” without providing additional specifics.
Multiple Israeli medical facilities activated emergency procedures, relocating patients and surgical operations to subterranean areas.
Tehran residents reported hearing the initial explosion near Khamenei’s headquarters. Iranian government media subsequently acknowledged the blast without identifying its origin.
Warning sirens activated throughout Israel as authorities closed national airspace. Military officials announced they had issued “proactive alert to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward the state of Israel.”
Additional explosions struck Iran’s capital following Israel’s confirmation of the military campaign. Government officials have not released casualty figures from the strikes.
Iranian authorities simultaneously shut down airspace and disrupted cellular phone networks.
Aviation warnings were distributed as explosions continued across Tehran.
