Israel carries out ‘pre-emptive’ missile strike on Iran; explosions rock Tehran, Khamenei moved to secure location

PTC Web Desk: Israel on Saturday confirmed it had carried out what it termed a “pre-emptive” missile operation against Iran, triggering powerful explosions in and around Tehran and sharply escalating tensions in the region.

Multiple blasts were reported across central and eastern parts of the Iranian capital, with thick columns of smoke rising above several neighbourhoods, according to international news agencies quoting local sources. Among the sites reportedly hit was a complex linked to Iran’s presidential offices. Unconfirmed reports suggested that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was moved to a secure location as a precaution.

In a statement issued shortly after the operation, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the strikes were intended to eliminate security threats posed by Iran. He described the action as necessary to safeguard Israel’s national interests.

Israel’s military said air raid sirens were activated in several parts of the country to prepare residents for the possibility of retaliatory missile fire from Iran. Authorities also announced immediate restrictions, including a suspension of educational activities, public gatherings and non-essential workplace operations. Essential services, however, were exempt from the order.

The latest strike comes months after Israel and Iran were involved in a brief but intense 12-day aerial confrontation in June, one of the most direct military exchanges between the two long-standing rivals. Tensions have remained high since then, fuelled by disagreements over Iran’s nuclear programme and ballistic missile development.

The development also unfolds against the backdrop of renewed diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran. The United States and Iran resumed talks earlier this year in a bid to defuse the long-running nuclear dispute and prevent a broader conflict in the Middle East. However, Israel has consistently argued that any future agreement must go beyond limiting uranium enrichment and instead require the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. It has also insisted that Tehran’s missile capabilities be addressed in any deal.

Iran, for its part, has expressed willingness to negotiate limits on its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief but has ruled out discussions on its missile programme. Iranian officials have also cautioned that countries hosting US military bases could face consequences if those facilities are used to launch attacks.