The United States and Israel carried out coordinated airstrikes on Iran’s capital, Tehran, on Saturday in a dramatic escalation of regional hostilities. Explosions were reported near key government installations, including offices associated with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, according to reporting by the Associated Press.
A plume of smoke was seen rising over central Tehran following what appeared to be the first strike of the day. Witnesses described a powerful blast in the vicinity of Khamenei’s offices. Iranian state television later confirmed that an explosion had occurred but did not disclose the cause or provide details regarding casualties.
The strikes represent one of the most direct military actions against Tehran in recent years and come amid mounting tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme.
U.S. Involvement and Military Build-Up
While Washington participated in the operation, the precise scope of U.S. involvement was not immediately clear. The Associated Press, citing U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the mission, reported that American forces played a role in the coordinated action.
The operation follows a significant U.S. military build-up in the region, including the deployment of fighter aircraft and naval assets aimed at pressuring Tehran to curb its nuclear activities.
U.S. President Donald Trump has previously sought a comprehensive agreement to constrain Iran’s nuclear programme, viewing the current moment — amid internal unrest and economic strain within Iran — as a potential opportunity for diplomatic leverage.
Tehran, however, has consistently maintained its right to enrich uranium and has resisted negotiations on broader strategic issues, including its long-range missile development and support for armed groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
Supreme Leader Relocated
Amid the unfolding developments, multiple media reports indicated that Khamenei was moved from Tehran to a secure, undisclosed location. It remains unclear whether the 86-year-old leader was present at his offices at the time of the strike. He has not appeared publicly in recent days as tensions with the United States intensified.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the operation as an effort “to remove threats,” though he declined to provide further operational details.
Airspace Closures and Heightened Alerts
In the immediate aftermath of the strikes, Iran closed its airspace as additional explosions were reported across Tehran. Mobile phone services were disrupted in several parts of the capital, raising concerns about potential communications restrictions.
Simultaneously, air-raid sirens sounded across Israel, which also temporarily closed its airspace. The Israeli military said it had issued a “proactive alert,” warning citizens to prepare for the possibility of incoming missile fire.
Iranian authorities have not yet released official casualty figures or assessments of damage. Tehran has previously warned that any attack involving the United States would prompt retaliation against American personnel and military installations throughout the region, raising fears of a broader and potentially protracted conflict.
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