13 hours ago
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AFP via Getty Images
A plume of smoke rises over Tehran after a reported explosion on February 28, 2026
The US and Israel have launched an attack on Iran.
US president Donald Trump has described ongoing "major combat operations" and called for Iranian government forces to lay down their arms.
Earlier, Israel's Defence Minister said Israel had launched a "pre-emptive attack" against Iran, with explosions heard across the country.
This comes after weeks of threats and negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme.
Shortly after 09:30 Tehran time (06:00 GMT), Iranian media reported explosions in the capital. Pictures seen by the BBC show smoke over the city's Jomhouri Square and Hassan Abad Square.
Explosions were also reportedly heard in multiple other cities across the country, including: Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. The extent of any casualties or injuries are unknown at this point.
Iran's airspace has been closed since the attacks, Tasnim News Agency said.
Meanwhile in Israel, sirens were heard across the country at 08:15 local time (06:15 GMT), alerting people of the threat of a possible retaliatory missile attack from Iran.
People have been warned against gatherings and going to school and work unless it is essential. The guidance is in effect until Monday 20:00.
Israel's airspace is also closed to civilian flights, according to Israeli media.
What have the US and Israel said?
Donald Trump posted a video on Truth Social confirming US involvement.
"A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran," he said.
"Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime," he said, adding that Washington's aim is to "ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon".
He also told the Iranian people to remain in shelter and not leave their homes.
"When we are finished, take over your government," he said. "It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations."
Earlier, Israel's defence minister said his country has launched a "pre-emptive attack" against Iran. In a statement, Israel Katz declared a "special and permanent state of emergency" across Israel.
