Massive Smoke Cloud Rises Over Tehran Following US-Israel Preventive Strike
A massive cloud of smoke was seen billowing into the sky over Tehran on Saturday after the United States and Israel launched a coordinated daylight "preventive attack" against Iran. According to multiple reports, loud explosions reverberated through the city as the strikes targeted military installations.
Israel Claims Attack Aims to "Remove Threats"
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the military action as necessary "to remove threats," though he did not immediately provide specific details about the nature of these threats. The strikes reportedly occurred near the offices of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to AFP news agency.
The attack comes amid escalating tensions in the region, with the United States having assembled a substantial fleet of fighter jets and warships to pressure Iran into negotiations over its controversial nuclear program.
US Participation Confirmed Amid Nuclear Deal Concerns
The Wall Street Journal confirmed that the United States actively participated in the strikes against Iran. This development followed comments from US President Donald Trump, who expressed dissatisfaction with ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran just hours before the attack.
"Now we have a big decision to make," Trump stated. "We have a country that has, for 47 years, been blowing people's legs off, arms off, the face. They've been knocking out ships, killing people — lots of people. Well, not only Americans, lots of people."
The President referenced recent US military actions against Iran, noting, "We hit them real hard, as you know, with those beautiful B-2 bombers recently, knocked out their nuclear capability. But I'd rather do it the peaceful way. But they're very difficult people. I want to tell you that. They're very dangerous people, very difficult people."
Khamenei's Whereabouts Unknown Amid Growing Tensions
It remains unclear whether the 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was present in his offices during the attack. Khamenei hasn't made any public appearances in recent days as tensions with the United States have intensified.
Iran had previously warned that American military personnel and bases throughout the region would become targets for retaliation if attacked. The immediate response from Tehran following Saturday's strikes was not immediately known.
Israel Issues Emergency Alert and Closes Airspace
Following the attack, the Israel Defense Forces issued an urgent advisory to citizens, requesting they remain "in proximity to protected spaces." The IDF announced via social media that sirens had sounded throughout Israel with advanced alerts sent directly to cellular devices.
"This is a proactive alert to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward the State of Israel," the IDF stated. "The IDF emphasized that the public is requested to stay in proximity to protected spaces."
In a significant security measure, Israel closed its airspace to civilian flights on Saturday. Transportation Minister Miri Regev announced, "Following the security developments, the Minister of Transportation has ordered the Director of the Israel Civil Aviation Authority to close the airspace of the State of Israel to civilian flights."
The preventive strikes represent a dramatic escalation in the ongoing confrontation between Western powers and Iran over its nuclear ambitions and regional activities. The international community watches closely as events continue to unfold in this volatile geopolitical landscape.
