Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran

Tehran, Feb 28: Israel, with the help of the United States, launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran on Saturday, pushing the Middle East into a renewed military confrontation and further dimming hopes for a diplomatic solution to Tehran's long-running nuclear dispute with the West.

The first apparent strike happened near the offices of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian media reported strikes nationwide. Khamenei is reportedly not in Tehran and has been moved to a secure location, an official told Reuters.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated the operation aimed to neutralise threats to Israel. “The State of Israel launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel,” he said.

Israel’s military activated air raid sirens nationwide to warn citizens of potential retaliatory missile launches and imposed restrictions on educational activities, gatherings, and workplaces, exempting essential sectors.

The strike comes months after a 12-day aerial conflict between Israel and Iran in June and follows repeated warnings by Israel and the United States regarding Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes.

Diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran resumed in February to avert a broader conflict, but Israel insists any agreement must include the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and limits on missile capabilities. Iran, while open to nuclear discussions for sanctions relief, has refused to negotiate over its missile programme and warned that countries hosting US forces could become targets.