According to a statement by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the military operation against Iran was planned months in advance, and the date of the attack was determined weeks beforehand. While Israeli media reported the operation as a “preemptive strike,” N12 and CNN reported that the attack was carried out in coordination with the United States.
The Associated Press (AP) reported that an attack occurred near the offices of Iran’s religious leader, Ali Khamenei, in Tehran. An Iranian official stated that Khamenei was not in Tehran and had been moved to a secure location.
The explosions were heard in Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. According to the Iranian state news agency FAR, simultaneous explosions occurred in several cities. It was announced that Tel Aviv airspace was closed by NOTAM between February 28 and March 3.
Successive Statements from the US
Donald Trump confirmed the operation, saying, “We recently launched large-scale combat operations in Iran.” Trump stated that Iran’s missile infrastructure and missile industry were targeted, and that its navy would be “destroyed.”
Trump also told the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that they would be granted immunity if they laid down their arms, otherwise they would face “certain death.” Addressing the Iranian people, Trump delivered harsh messages targeting the current regime.
The New York Times (NYT) reported that the US-Israeli operation is expected to last several days. A US official stated that the attacks are focused on military targets.
Iran Signals Retaliation
An Iranian official, speaking to Reuters, said Tehran was preparing retaliation and that the response would be “overwhelming.” Shortly afterward, the IDF announced that they had detected a missile launched from Iran toward Israel.
As sirens sounded in northern Israel, the IDF announced it had fired a second wave of missiles. Tensions in the region escalated rapidly, and Israeli air defense systems were placed on high alert.
Tensions in the Middle East reached their peak with the start of the operation. At the same time, it was reported that Russia was considering suspending peace talks if Ukraine did not make territorial concessions.
*This is not investment advice.
