Israel and Iran Close Airspace After Strikes

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Iraq also closed its airspace on Saturday, according to state media, after Israel said it had carried out strikes against Iran. The Iraq News Agency quoted the transport ministry as saying Iraqi airspace had been shut.

Israeli media reported that Israel shut its airspace on Saturday morning after launching what it described as a “pre-emptive attack.” Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, which is linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said Iran’s airspace has also been closed.

Reports in Israeli and US media said the attack was coordinated with the United States. CNN and Israel’s Ynet News both reported coordination between the two countries. The BBC has contacted US officials for confirmation.

Iran’s state-run news channel IRINN confirmed strikes in Tehran on 28 February. The broadcaster briefly experienced an audio interruption before resuming coverage, reporting smoke and explosions in parts of the capital. It later aired footage of pro-government rallies and archive remarks from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei calling for unity against “enemies.”

Sirens sounded across Israel at around 08:15 local time, warning of a possible missile attack.

The strikes come as diplomatic efforts between US and Iranian officials continue over Iran’s nuclear programme. Talks were expected to resume next week.

US President Donald Trump had previously warned of possible military action but recently said he was not satisfied with the progress of discussions. The US has increased its military presence in the Middle East in recent months.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the strike aimed to “remove threats against the State of Israel.”

Tensions between the two countries have been high since last June, when Israel launched attacks on Iran, leading to a 12-day conflict. The US later joined the fighting, targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.

Iran has rejected calls to limit its ballistic missile programme or end support for regional allies, describing such demands as a violation of its sovereignty. Tehran has vowed to respond with force to any attack.