“Major Combat Operations” Underway as U.S. and Israel Launch Pre-emptive Strikes on Iran

The Middle East has been thrust into a high-stakes military confrontation following a massive, coordinated “pre-emptive attack” by the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran. On Saturday, February 28, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that the United States has commenced “major combat operations” aimed at neutralizing what he described as “imminent threats” from the Iranian regime.

The operation, which Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated was designed to “remove threats to the State of Israel,” marks a significant escalation following the 12-day air war between the two nations in June. Katz has declared a nationwide state of emergency. U.S. officials, speaking to Reuters, confirmed that the assault is a “multi-day operation” being carried out by both air and sea assets, meticulously planned over several months in coordination with Washington.

Tehran Under Fire: Leadership Moved to Secure Locations

Multiple explosions rocked the Iranian capital of Tehran early Saturday morning. Iranian state television confirmed “aerial aggression by the Zionist regime,” with missile impacts reported in the Keshvardoost and Pasteur districts—areas housing the residence of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. While thick plumes of smoke were seen rising over the city center, Iranian officials confirmed that the Supreme Leader was transferred to a secure location prior to the strikes. President Masoud Pezeshkian is also reported to be “safe and sound.”

Regional Airspace Paralysis and Diplomatic Fallout

The military action has triggered an immediate and total shutdown of regional corridors. Iran, Israel, and Iraq have closed their respective airspaces to civilian flights. Civil Aviation Organisation spokesperson Majid Akhavan stated that Iranian airspace would remain closed for at least six hours. Major international carriers, including those from Russia and Kuwait, have suspended flights to the region, citing severe safety risks.

In a show of domestic unity, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid vowed to stand behind the military, stating, “There is no coalition and no opposition… only one IDF.” Meanwhile, U.S. embassies in Qatar and Bahrain have ordered all personnel and American citizens to “shelter-in-place,” fearing imminent Iranian retaliation against U.S. bases in the Persian Gulf.

Pakistan Issues Emergency Travel Advisory

The Government of Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) has issued an urgent travel advisory for its nationals in Iran. Pakistanis are urged to avoid all non-mandatory travel and remain in regular contact with missions in Tehran, Zahidan, and Mashhad. Emergency contact numbers have been activated for those requiring assistance:

• Tehran: +98-21-66-9413-88

• Zahidan: +98-54-33-22-3389

• Mashhad: +98-910-762-5302

Broadening Conflict: Strikes in Lebanon

Simultaneous to the strikes in Iran, the Israeli military announced it is targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon, alleging “repeated violations” of the November 2024 ceasefire. While Israel claims these strikes are meant to prevent rearmament, the Lebanese government has condemned them as blatant violations of the truce.

The collapse of the February diplomatic talks, which aimed to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, has now given way to direct military engagement. With the U.S. and Israel targeting nuclear and ballistic missile sites, the region stands on the precipice of a full-scale, multi-front war.

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