Share and Follow
In an unprecedented move, Israel executed a bold daytime assault on Iran’s capital, Tehran, on Saturday. Observers noted a plume of smoke rising from the city center, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions.
This story is developing. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.
In a statement posted early Saturday morning on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump acknowledged the United States’ participation in the Israeli offensive.
Trump announced that U.S. forces have initiated “major combat operations in Iran,” sharing a video message on his social media platform to confirm the development.
The attacks appeared to target areas in proximity to the headquarters of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, suggesting a strategic focus on pivotal leadership sites.
It wasn’t immediately clear whether the 86-year-old Khamenei had been in his offices at the time. He hasn’t been seen publicly in days as tensions with the United States have grown.
This comes as tensions escalate between the U.S. and Iran have peaked following a major U.S. military buildup in the Middle East and ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the attack as being done “to remove threats.” He did not immediately elaborate.
In Tehran, witnesses heard the blast. Iranian state television later reported on the explosion, without offering a cause.
Sirens sounded across Israel at the same time. The Israeli military said that it had issued a “proactive alert to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward the state of Israel.”
The U.S. embassy in Qatar has told Americans to shelter in place, saying “all embassy personnel [are] directed to shelter in place and all Americans in the country are encouraged to do the same.”
“The U.S. Embassy in Qatar is implementing a shelter-in-place for all personnel,” the statement said. “We recommend all Americans do the same until further notice.”
Officials said that Americans should “find a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.”
ABC News and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2026 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.