Israel and the U.S. jointly launch strikes against Iran; near the Iranian presidential palace and the office of the Supreme Leader, an attack occurs.

Cailian Press, February 28 (Editor: Niu Zhanlin) According to reports from CCTV News and other media, on Saturday morning local time, Israeli Defense Minister Gantz announced that Israel launched a preemptive strike against Iran, and the entire country is now under emergency status.

Gantz stated that the operation aims to “eliminate threats,” but did not provide further details.

Meanwhile, air raid sirens sounded in multiple locations across Israel. The Israeli military said it has issued an “active warning,” alerting the public to prepare for possible missile attacks within Israel.

The Israeli military claims that after reassessment, all educational activities, gatherings, and work will be prohibited except for critical sectors.

Following Israel’s announcement of strikes against Iran, explosions were reported in Tehran, the capital of Iran, with thick smoke rising over the city center. No information has been released regarding casualties.

Additionally, after Israel launched attacks on Iran, Iran announced the closure of its airspace. The U.S. military declined to comment immediately on the attack.

It is reported that approximately 30 targets inside Iran have been attacked so far, including the Iranian Presidential Palace and the Ministry of Intelligence and National Security.

An attack also occurred near the office of Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei. It is unclear whether the 86-year-old leader was in the office at the time. Iranian sources say Khamenei is currently not in Tehran and has been moved to a secure location.

As tensions with the United States continue to escalate, Khamenei has not appeared publicly for several days. At the time of the attack, the U.S. is assembling large formations of fighter jets and warships in the region, attempting to pressure Iran to reach an agreement on nuclear issues.

Additionally, it is reported that a U.S. official stated that the U.S. participated in the Saturday morning airstrikes against Iran alongside Israel. An Israeli government official said Israel is preparing for a four-day intensive joint operation in its first phase.

Another U.S. official indicated that attack aircraft and aircraft carriers stationed across Middle Eastern bases are executing dozens of U.S. airstrikes, targeting Iran from the air and sea. U.S. officials expect this attack to be much larger than the June 2022 strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

U.S. President Trump had previously hoped to reach an agreement to limit Iran’s nuclear program. Iran, meanwhile, wants to avoid war but insists on its right to uranium enrichment, and refuses to include its missile program and support for armed groups like Hamas and Hezbollah in negotiations.

Before the talks, U.S. Secretary of State Blinken said that Iran’s reluctance to include its ballistic missile development and nuclear program in discussions is a “very, very serious issue.” Iran has stated it is willing to make some concessions on nuclear matters but has repeatedly emphasized that its missile program has never been on the negotiation agenda.

It is unclear whether Iran will take immediate retaliatory action. However, Iran has previously warned that if attacked, it will target U.S. military personnel and bases in the region.

Energy market participants are closely watching the development of the Middle East geopolitical tensions. Concerns about potential supply disruptions have driven oil prices to a six-month high.

Iran is one of the founding members of OPEC and a major oil producer, located along the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.