The United States and Israel launched a preemptive strike on Tehran, Iran's capital, on the morning of the 28th (local time). The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued an alert to prepare for the "possibility of missiles being launched" in retaliation.
According to The Telegraph, the U.S. and Israel conducted a daytime attack on Iran that morning. Israel's defense minister declared a "special and permanent state of emergency" in a statement.
Three explosions and thick smoke rising were observed in downtown Tehran. Three U.S. government officials told CNN that the United States participated in the operation and carried out airstrikes.
Air raid sirens sounded across Israel, and schools were ordered closed. Iranian state media later reported the explosions but did not disclose the cause.
The strikes followed weeks of U.S. military buildup in the Middle East. The Trump administration deployed a large fleet of fighter jets and warships to pressure Iran into agreeing to a deal on its nuclear program.
This marks the first direct military clash between Israel and Iran in approximately eight months, since the "12-day war" last June that severely damaged Iran's nuclear facilities and military leadership. In that conflict as well, the U.S. followed with strikes immediately after Israel attacked first.