Plumes Of Smoke In Tehran After Israel Launches 'Preemptive' Strike On Iran

"The State of Israel launched a preemptive attack against Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel. Explosions were reported in central Tehran, with images and videos circulating on social media showing plumes of smoke rising over the city. The Fars News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, said several missiles struck Daneshgah and Jomhuri streets."

"The attack comes days after Iran and the United States concluded a third round of talks aimed at resolving a long-running dispute over Tehran's nuclear activities. Another round is scheduled for next week in Vienna. Meanwhile, Washington has increased its military presence in the region. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, is in the eastern Mediterranean."

"Sirens sounded across Israel following the strike, and the Israel Defense Forces said it had instructed residents to remain near protected areas. The military described the alert as a precautionary measure to prepare the public for the possibility of retaliatory missile fire."

Israel launched what it described as a preemptive strike against Iran on February 28, significantly escalating regional tensions. Explosions were reported in central Tehran, with missiles striking University and Republic streets according to Iranian state media. No immediate casualties were reported, though Iran closed its airspace. Israel activated air raid sirens and instructed residents to prepare for potential retaliatory missile fire. The strike occurred days after Iran and the United States completed a third round of nuclear negotiations, with another round scheduled for Vienna. The U.S. military presence in the region has increased, including the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier. U.S. sources indicated the strikes were substantial, and Israeli officials stated the operation was coordinated with Washington.

Read at RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty