Tehran: Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is not in Tehran and has been moved to a secure location, an Iranian official confirmed to Reuters. Early Saturday, Israel and the United States launched coordinated preemptive strikes on Iran, marking a sharp escalation in regional hostilities. Explosions were reported in Tehran, prompting Iranian authorities to close the country’s airspace and increase security measures across the capital.
At the same time, Israel entered a state of emergency. The Israel Defense Forces issued a nationwide alert instructing citizens to stay near protected spaces. “This is a proactive alert to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward the State of Israel,” the IDF said. The warning underscores the perceived threat of immediate retaliation and the operation’s strategic significance.
Israeli officials confirmed to Reuters that the operation, code-named Shield of Judah, had been planned for months, with the launch date determined several weeks ago. Sources in Israel’s defense establishment stated that the strikes aim to remove threats to the home front, specifically targeting missile launchers and unmanned aerial vehicle bases. Iranian media reported that the attacks struck the IRGC Intelligence Directorate and central Tehran.
The coordinated strikes highlight the high level of planning and cooperation between the United States and Israel, signaling a readiness to act decisively against perceived threats. As the situation develops, security forces in both countries continue to monitor potential responses and adjust alert levels. Analysts warn that the escalation could destabilize the region further if Iran retaliates against Israeli or American assets.
