Tehran experienced massive explosions on Saturday after Israel launched missile strikes described as “preventive,” escalating tensions in the Middle East, local media reported. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government said the strikes targeted strategic areas in the Iranian capital amid fears of regional escalation.
Several missiles hit locations along University Street and the Jomhouri district, sending thick smoke plumes into the sky near Pasteur Street, home to key government offices. The full extent of damage and potential casualties remained unclear at the time of reporting.
The strikes follow growing strains between the United States and Iran over a potential nuclear deal, with experts warning of a wider military confrontation. US President Donald Trump recently described Iran as “very difficult” and “very dangerous,” highlighting the fragile diplomatic environment.
Israel’s military announced that air raid sirens were activated across multiple regions as a precautionary step to prepare civilians for possible retaliatory missile fire from Iran or its regional allies. Authorities also ordered nationwide school closures, urged citizens to work from home, and banned public gatherings to ensure civilian safety.
The preventive strikes mark a continuation of direct hostilities between Israel and Iran that have intensified over 2024–25, moving from a long-standing shadow conflict to overt military actions. Previous exchanges included major aerial attacks and reciprocal missile launches, escalating the risk of a full-scale confrontation in the region.
In parallel, diplomatic efforts continue with US and Iranian officials conducting a third round of negotiations in Geneva on Thursday, with another session scheduled for Saturday. The talks are aimed at addressing longstanding nuclear concerns and preventing further military escalation, though the recent strikes cast uncertainty over the negotiations.
Military analysts noted that Tehran’s key administrative and commercial districts were deliberately targeted, reflecting Israel’s intent to disrupt potential military infrastructure and strategic planning. While no official casualty figures were confirmed, local reports indicated widespread panic among residents, many of whom evacuated homes and offices following the explosions.
The escalation comes amid broader geopolitical pressures, as both nations balance regional influence, security concerns, and international diplomatic obligations. Observers have warned that any retaliatory move could trigger a chain reaction affecting neighboring countries and destabilizing the wider Middle East.
Authorities in Israel emphasized that all precautionary measures were designed to protect civilians from anticipated attacks and maintain public order during this volatile period. The Israeli government reiterated that the strikes were defensive, aimed at preempting threats before they could materialize.
The events of Saturday underscore the fragile balance in the region, highlighting how local military actions can have global ramifications. The latest missile strikes in Tehran follow a series of escalating confrontations and signal an intensifying phase in Israel-Iran hostilities, with potential consequences for international diplomacy, energy markets, and regional security.
