February 28, 2026 | 02:24 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Israel launched an unprovoked strike on Iran on Saturday morning, February 28, 2026, according to Israeli Defense Minister Katz, as the Israeli army declared a state of emergency nationwide.
Several explosions were heard in the Iranian capital, Tehran. A US official informed Al Jazeera that the attack on Iran was carried out as a joint military operation between the US and Israel.
The government announced the state of emergency in anticipation of potential retaliatory drone and ballistic missile attacks from Iran.
In a Telegram statement, the army stated that the warning aimed to prepare the public for possible missile launches towards Israel.
In a separate statement, they added that all areas in the country would be shifted from "full activity" to "essential activity," including school closures, prohibition of gatherings, and closure of non-essential workplaces.
The US Embassy in Qatar implemented a policy for all personnel to stay at home and recommended the same for all citizens until further notice.
Israel Leads Attack Scenario
The scenario of an attack on Iran with Israel in the lead had been discussed by US President Donald Trump and Navy Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command (CENTCOM).
Citing internal sources at the White House, ABC News as quoted by Antara on Thursday mentioned that General Dan Caine, Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the president's top military advisor, also attended the meeting.
The directive was given amid the third round of indirect talks between the US and Iran delegations in Geneva, Switzerland, addressing Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Following the talks, Omani Foreign Minister (FM) Badr al-Busaidi, acting as a mediator, reported "significant progress" in the negotiations.
Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi stated that both sides showed seriousness and were getting closer to an agreement on specific issues.
Technical-level talks will take place in Vienna, Austria, next week.
According to ABC News sources, some Republican politicians and officials in the Trump administration privately suggested that only Israel should lead the attack on Iran.
As of Thursday, it was unclear whether Trump had approved the proposal. However, he was reported to be increasingly frustrated as Iran rejected his demands to limit their uranium enrichment and missile activities.
"The media may continue to speculate on the President's thinking all they want, but only President Trump knows what he may or may not do," said White House Spokesperson Anna Kelly.
Read: US and China Urge Citizens to Leave Israel and Iran as Regional Tensions Spike
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Iran Retaliates, Targeting Israel and US Bases Across Middle East Region
50 menit lalu
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has confirmed that they have launched missiles and drones toward Israel following a joint attack by the United States and Israel on Iran
Trump Says US and Israel Strike on Iran to 'Defend the American People'
1 jam lalu
President Donald Trump announced that the US has begun launching major combat operations in Iran on Saturday.
Iran Closes Airspace as Israel Launches Attack
2 jam lalu
The Israeli attack occurred amidst diplomatic efforts between US and Iranian officials to reach an agreement on Tehran's nuclear program.
Chinese Satellites Show Images of Increased US Presence in Middle East
3 jam lalu
The Chinese satellite company MizarVision continues to document the movements of US military aircraft in the region as potential attack on Iran looms.
US and China Urge Citizens to Leave Israel and Iran as Regional Tensions Spike
8 jam lalu
The United States and China, on Friday, February 27, 2026, urged their citizens to consider leaving Israel and Iran.
Poll Shows US Sympathy Shift from Israel Toward Palestinians
19 jam lalu
US public opinion now leans more toward Palestinians than Israelis after the Gaza war, driven mainly by independents and Democrats.
Report: Over 65,000 Israeli Settlers Entered Al-Aqsa Compound in 2025
1 hari lalu
According to a report, Israel has increased illegal incursions on Al-Aqsa Mosque and East Jerusalem
US-Iran Nuclear Talks: Deal or Military Strike?
2 hari lalu
With Washington amassing military force in the Middle East, US and Iranian representatives are again meeting in Geneva on Tehran's nuclear program.
Fear Over Potential US Strike on Iran Puts Lebanon on Edge
2 hari lalu
While Lebanon's government opposes getting involved, Hezbollah says it would view an attack on Iran as an attack on itself.
Prabowo Says 'Deeply Concerned' with West Bank Situation in Jordan Meeting
2 hari lalu
Prabowo Subianto expresses his concern over the situation in the West Bank, which he believes has the potential to disrupt efforts to create stability in Palestine.
