The US military initiated a series of strikes against targets in Iran, two US officials told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. The attack follows a 12-day air war in June between Israel and Iran and repeated US-Israeli warnings that they would strike again if Iran pressed ahead with its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. "The State of Israel launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel," Defence Minister Israel Katz said. Israel closed its airspace to civilian flights, and the airports authority asked the public not to go to any of the country's airports. It warned neighbouring countries hosting US troops that it would retaliate against American bases if Washington struck Iran.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 28, 2026 13:46 UTC