Iran launches retaliatory missile strikes on Israel

Iran has launched retaliatory missile strikes toward Israel following reported Israeli attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, authorities in Tel Aviv said.

However, Israel’s air force claimed the incoming missiles were intercepted.

In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said multiple missiles fired from Iran were detected heading toward Israeli airspace. Warning sirens were activated across several areas, and residents were instructed to follow guidance from the Home Front Command.

The IDF added that the Israeli Air Force was working to neutralize the threats and would respond further if necessary. Officials cautioned that while defense systems are active, they are not fully impenetrable, urging civilians to strictly adhere to safety instructions.

Iranian state media, including Fars News Agency and IRNA, reported missile explosions in at least six cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Lorestan, Karaj, Kermanshah and Tabriz.

The first explosions were heard in central Tehran around 9:00am (local time) on Saturday (February 28), with additional strikes reported shortly afterward in the other cities.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz acknowledged the exchange of missile fire and ordered a nationwide state of emergency.

The Associated Press reported that one of the missile impact sites in Tehran was located near the office of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Further details on casualties or damage were not immediately available.