The Latest: Israel confirms attack on Iran with US help as explosions are heard in Tehran
The Latest: Israel confirms attack on Iran with US help as explosions are heard in Tehran
The Sat, February 28, 2026 at 7:49 AM UTC
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Smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.(AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) ()
Israel launched a daylight attack Saturday on Iran’s capital, as witnesses reported smoke rising near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, who hasn’t been seen publicly in days.
The U.S. has assembled a vast fleet of fighter jets and warships in the region to try to pressure Iran into a deal over its nuclear program. President Donald Trump had wanted a deal and saw an opportunity while Iran is struggling with growing dissent following nationwide protests.
Iran had hoped to avert a war, but maintains it has the right to enrich uranium and does not want to discuss other issues, like its long-range missile program or support for armed groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
Here's the latest:
Trump tells Iranian officials to lay down arms or ‘face death’
Trump called the attacks on Iran “a noble mission,” saying they were necessary because of Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons and missile systems that could reach the U.S.
He called on Iranian officials to “lay down your arms” or “you will face certain death,” and encouraged the Iranian people to “take over your government — it will be yours to take.”
Iraq closes its airspace
Iraq’s Ministry of Transport said Saturday the country’s airspace has been closed following airstrikes on neighboring Iran.
The ministry’s spokesman, Mitham al-Safi, told state-run Iraqi News Agency that “the closure was preceded by the evacuation of all air traffic from Iraqi airspace.”
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Trump says US begins ‘major combat operations in Iran’
The U.S. began “major combat operations in Iran,” President Donald Trump said in a video on Truth Social.
He said the objective is to defend the U.S. by “eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.”
U.S. is taking part in strikes on Iran, sources tell AP
The United States is participating in the strikes, according to a U.S. official and a person familiar with the operation, who spoke on condition of anonymity to detail sensitive military operations. The full extent of U.S. involvement was not immediately clear.
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By Konstantin Toropin in Washington
Explosions heard in Tehran
Two residents reported hearing the sounds of strikes echoing across the Iranian capital. A resident in the area of Mehrabad airport reported the sounds of “two heavy explosions” shaking windows just over half an hour ago.
In central Tehran near Vanak, another resident reported the sounds of “blasts and war” coming at almost the same moment.
Israel Airports Authority says Israel’s airspace is completely closed
Planes that were en route to land in Israel are now being sent to area airports. Passengers who were at the airport awaiting flights are being shuttled back to various locations within Israel.
Source: “AOL Breaking”
