Israel Strikes Tehran with US Support Amid Nuclear Tensions

Photo: Collected

Israel launched a daytime assault on Tehran on Saturday, sending smoke rising over the city center. The initial strike targeted areas near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The United States participated in the operation, though the extent of its involvement remains unclear, according to a U.S. official and a source familiar with the mission, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of military operations.

It is unknown whether the 86-year-old Khamenei was present at his offices during the attack. He has not appeared publicly for several days amid escalating tensions with Washington.

The strikes come as the U.S. has deployed a large fleet of fighter jets and warships to the region to pressure Iran into a nuclear deal. Roads leading to Khamenei’s compound were closed, while additional explosions were reported across Tehran.

US President Donald Trump had sought a deal to limit Iran’s nuclear activities amid rising domestic unrest following nationwide protests. Iran, while seeking to avoid war, insists on its right to enrich uranium and refuses to negotiate on long-range missiles or support for armed groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.

It is unclear whether Iran will retaliate immediately, but Tehran has warned that U.S. military personnel and bases in the region would be targets for any response.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the strikes as aimed at “removing threats” without providing further details. Witnesses in Tehran reported hearing the first blast near Khamenei’s office. Iranian state television later covered the explosion but did not specify a cause.

Sirens sounded across Israel as airspace was closed, with the military issuing alerts in preparation for possible missile attacks. Iran also closed its airspace and experienced mobile network disruptions as tensions escalated further.