Airspace shut, sirens across Israel and Bahrain as tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme erupt into open confrontation
Israel and the United States carried out coordinated strikes on Iran early Saturday, prompting Tehran to retaliate with a barrage of missiles and pushing the Middle East into a fresh and dangerous military escalation.
The Israeli military said an “additional barrage of missiles” had been launched towards Israel from Iran. In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces said its aerial defence systems were identifying and intercepting incoming threats, with sirens sounding across multiple regions.
“Sirens were sounded in several areas across the country following the identification of missiles launched from Iran toward Israel. At this time, the IAF is operating to intercept and strike threats where necessary to remove the threat,” the statement said.
Strikes in Tehran
The Israeli-US strikes reportedly targeted locations in Tehran, including areas near offices associated with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. According to Reuters, the 86-year-old leader was not in Tehran at the time and had been moved to a secure location.
Journalists on the ground reported at least three to four explosions in the Iranian capital, with visuals showing thick plumes of smoke rising from buildings. There was no immediate clarity on casualties.
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz described the strikes as aimed at “removing threats”.
Sirens across Israel and Bahrain
Sirens were also heard in Tel Aviv, as authorities warned of the “possibility of missiles” targeting the country. Citizens were instructed via mobile alerts to remain close to protected spaces.
The Israeli military emphasised that the alerts were proactive and urged the public to stay near shelters until further notice.
Both Iran and Israel shut their airspace following the strikes. Flight tracking data showed civilian air traffic clearing from affected corridors.
Airspace clearing after strikes by the United States and Israel in Iran. pic.twitter.com/Oub4T6SrkF
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) February 28, 2026
Emergency sirens were also activated in Bahrain, which hosts the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet. The interior ministry there confirmed the alert had been triggered due to a hazard following the attacks.
Trump announces “major combat operations”
US President Donald Trump announced what he described as “major combat operations” in Iran shortly after the strikes, saying the objective was to defend the American people by removing “imminent threats”.
BREAKING: Donald Trump to Truth Social just moments ago regarding the strikes against Iran pic.twitter.com/55LYpSHG3y
— Knights OSINT (@KnightsOSINT) February 28, 2026
Calling Iran the “number one state sponsor of terror,” Trump accused Tehran of backing militant groups and targeting American forces and assets in the region. He linked Iran’s regional role to attacks carried out by its proxies, including Hamas’ October 7 assault on Israel.
In an address directed at the Iranian public, Trump urged civilians to remain indoors, warning that conditions outside were dangerous. He also said that the operation could create an opportunity for political change in Iran.
Earlier, Trump had expressed dissatisfaction with ongoing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme, stating that Tehran “cannot have nuclear weapons” while declining to reveal the timeline for military decisions.
Netanyahu backs joint action
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the joint operation with the United States was intended to eliminate what he described as an “existential threat” posed by Iran. He added that the strikes could create conditions for the Iranian people to “take their destiny into their own hands.”
Rising tensions over nuclear talks
The escalation follows weeks of heightened tension between Tehran and Washington over Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. While the US and Iran had recently resumed negotiations aimed at a diplomatic breakthrough, Israel has insisted that any agreement must dismantle Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and address its missile capabilities.
Iran has said it is willing to discuss limitations on its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief but has ruled out linking talks to its missile development.
Hospitals in Israel activated emergency protocols, moving patients and surgical procedures to underground facilities as a precaution. Iranian officials had earlier warned that Tehran would defend itself against any attack.
India issues advisory
Amid the escalating situation, the Indian Embassy advised its nationals in Israel to strictly follow safety guidelines issued by Israeli authorities and the Home Front Command. Citizens were urged to remain close to designated shelters and avoid all non-essential travel within Israel until further notice.
Indian nationals were also encouraged to monitor local news, official announcements and emergency alerts regularly.
The latest confrontation marks one of the most serious direct exchanges between Iran and Israel, raising fears of a broader regional conflict with global implications.
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