Israel Conducts Surprise Pre-Emptive Strike on Iran

<div class="medium-insert-images ui-sortable">
    <figure contenteditable="false">
        <img src="https://www.geo.tv/assets/uploads/updates/2026-02-28/653346_1847769_updates.jpg" alt="Smoke rises from Tehran after Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026. — Screengrab via Geo News" width="700" height="400"/>
        <figcaption contenteditable="true" class="">Smoke rises from Tehran after Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026. — Screengrab via Geo News</figcaption>
    </figure>
</div>
<p>Israel reports launching a pre-emptive strike against Iran on Saturday, reigniting military tensions in the Middle East and casting doubt on diplomatic efforts to resolve Tehran's ongoing nuclear disputes with Western nations.</p>
<p>The strike, which followed a 12-day air confrontation between Israel and Iran in June, comes after repeated warnings from the US and Israel that they would retaliate if Iran continued to advance its nuclear and missile programs.</p>
<div class="medium-insert-embeds" contenteditable="false">
    <figure>
        <div class="medium-insert-embed">
            <p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FwympjOSNE"></iframe></p>
        </div>
    </figure>
</div>
<p>Defense Minister Israel Katz explained, "Israel conducted a preemptive strike to eliminate threats to the nation."</p>
<p>Multiple explosions reportedly echoed throughout Tehran, according to Iranian media. Meanwhile, negotiations between the US and Iran resumed in February, aiming to settle long-standing disputes through diplomacy and avoid regional instability caused by potential military conflict.</p>
<p>Israel emphasizes that any US agreement with Iran should include the complete dismantling of Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure, not merely halting uranium enrichment, and advocates for restrictions on Iran's missile development to be part of the negotiations.</p>
<p>Iran states it is open to discussing limits on its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief but refuses to connect the issue to missile development. Additionally, Tehran has warned neighboring countries hosting US troops that it will retaliate against American bases if they attack Iran.</p>
<p>Earlier in June, the US participated in an Israeli military campaign targeting Iranian nuclear facilities—the most direct US military involvement against Iran to date. In response, Tehran launched missiles towards the US Al Udeid air base in Qatar, the largest in the Middle East.</p>
<p>Western nations warn that Iran's missile program poses a threat to regional stability and could lead to nuclear armament if further developed. Iran denies intentions to develop nuclear weapons.</p>
<hr class="editorHr"/>
<p><em>This story is evolving and will be updated with new information as it becomes available.</em></p>