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Israel said it had carried out a “preemptive strike” on Iran on Feb. 28, 2026, while Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz, declared a “special and immediate” state of emergency nationwide, according to a statement from the defense ministry.
In its statement, the Israeli defense ministry said the State of Israel had launched a preemptive strike against Iran, describing the move as a preventive action taken ahead of what it framed as a serious threat.
The ministry also said Katz had put in place a special and immediate state of emergency across the country, a step that signals heightened nationwide readiness and expanded emergency powers during a security incident.
In Iran, the IRNA news agency reported that explosions were heard in Tehran and that thick smoke was seen rising in the Iranian capital.
The report did not provide further detail in the text provided, but it was circulated alongside the Israeli ministry’s announcement and the wider sequence of breaking updates.
The developing situation also spilled over into aviation, with Channel 12 reporting that Ben Gurion Airport said foreign flights heading to Israel were turning back after the attack on Iran.
The update suggested immediate operational disruption tied to the declared emergency and the security warnings issued across the country.
The map highlights Tehran, Iran’s capital, where explosions and rising smoke were reported following what Israel described as a “preemptive strike.”
Thick smoke was seen rising over Tehran as reports of explosions emerged shortly after Israel announced a “preemptive strike,” marking a rapid escalation in regional tensions.
Scenes from Tehran showed smoke spreading across urban districts, as authorities in Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency and security alerts intensified.
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