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Saturday, 28 February 2026 | Web Desk
In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, the United States and Israel have launched joint military strikes against Iran, with multiple explosions rocking the Iranian capital Tehran on Saturday, February 28 .
According to international media reports, at least three explosions were heard at various locations in Tehran, with the first apparent strike occurring near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei . A US official confirmed the attack, stating that America and Israel jointly participated in the operation .
Trump: ‘We Are Going to Destroy Their Missile Industry’
US President Donald Trump has confirmed the attacks, statomg that America has carried out a major operation against Iran.
“Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime,” Trump said in a video posted on social media . He claimed that Iran attempted to rebuild its nuclear program and poses a threat to the US and others.
“We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. We will ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon. We’re going to annihilate their Navy,” Trump declared .
The US President further stated that “Iran cannot have nuclear weapons,” and described the Iranian regime as the “biggest supporter of terrorism in the world” with no justification for possessing nuclear arms.
Iran’s Response: ‘Preparing Crushing Retaliation’
In response to the attacks, an Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran is preparing for retaliation, with the response set to be “crushing”.
Meanwhile, reports have emerged that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been transferred to a secure location and is not in Tehran, according to an official who spoke to Reuters. Iranian state television reported on the explosions but did not offer any cause.
Iran has also closed its entire airspace until further notice, with neighboring Iraq following suit .
Israeli Defense Minister: ‘Removing Threats’
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the attack as being done “to remove threats,” though he did not immediately elaborate . An Israeli defense official told Reuters that the operation was planned for months and the launch date was decided weeks ago, with coordination with the US.
Sirens sounded across Israel simultaneously, and Israel closed its airspace to civilian flights .
Pakistani Experts React
Maleeha Lodhi: ‘Deception at Geneva’
Former Pakistani ambassador to the UN Maleeha Lodhi expressed surprise at the timing of the attack, noting that it mirrors last year’s pattern. “This has happened exactly like last year. America engaged Iran in negotiations and then attacked them,” she said.
Lodhi pointed out that negotiations between Iran and the US were underway in Geneva, with reports of progress emerging. “No one will trust the current US administration now,” she stated, questioning whether the US gave Israel a green light to attack Iran.
Aizaz Chaudhry: ‘Russia, China Unlikely to Intervene’
Former Pakistani Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry offered a sobering assessment of the geopolitical landscape. “In this situation, Russia and China will not do anything because if they do, there is a risk of a global war breaking out,” he said.
Muhammad Ali: ‘Arab Nations Gave Assurances’
International affairs expert Muhammad Ali revealed that Arab nations had assured Iran that their territory would not be used for attacks against it. “Now we will have to see how and from where these strikes are being carried out,” he said.
He expressed concern that the strikes may be targeting Iran’s top political and religious leadership. “If the objective was to destroy nuclear installations, the attacks would have targeted those facilities,” he noted.
Shahzeb Khanzada: ‘Iran Has No Good Options’
Senior journalist and analyst Shahzeb Khanzada offered a stark analysis of Iran’s predicament. “Iran has no option to respond to these strikes. But if it does, the war will escalate, and America will increase its attacks on Iran,” he said.
Background: Failed Geneva Talks
During his State of the Union address on February 25, Trump said he prefers a diplomatic solution but will “never allow the number one state sponsor of terrorism to have a nuclear weapon”.
Regional Impact
The US embassy in Qatar has implemented a shelter-in-place order for all personnel and recommended that all American nationals do the same until further notice . Several countries in the region have closed their airspace, and global energy markets are bracing for potential disruption.
