Capitals, Feb.28 (SANA) A joint Israeli‑American air operation struck dozens of targets across Tehran and several Iranian cities on Saturday, prompting Iran to fire a barrage of ballistic missiles toward Israel in retaliation.
Israeli and U.S. officials described the attack as a preemptive, wide‑scale campaign aimed at weakening Iran’s security apparatus, with strikes launched from bases across the Middle East and an aircraft carrier.
Israeli media reported that government facilities and senior Iranian figures were targeted in the first wave, which is expected to continue for several days. Israel closed its airspace, declared a state of emergency, and diverted incoming civilian flights as sirens sounded in multiple cities.
Iranian outlets confirmed hits on the Ministry of Intelligence building, explosions near the presidential compound, and strikes in Qom, Karaj, Isfahan, Tabriz, Lorestan, and Kermanshah. Tehran fully shut its airspace and warned of a “crushing response” before launching dozens of missiles toward Israel.
The escalation comes one day after a new round of U.S.–Iran nuclear talks in Geneva, where Washington expressed dissatisfaction with Iran’s stance despite Omani mediation claiming limited progress.
RA/ MZN
