Israel targets ‘heart of the city’ after Khamenei killing, tensions spiral across region
March 1, 2026: Massive explosions shook Tehran on Sunday as the Israel Defense Forces said it was striking targets in the “heart of the city.” The attacks came a day after a coordinated US-Israeli operation killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. Israel said the strikes were aimed at key elements of what it described as the Iranian regime’s military infrastructure, claiming the objective was to establish aerial superiority and open access toward central Tehran.
Multiple blasts were reported in northern parts of the capital, with videos showing thick plumes of smoke and residents describing buildings shaking from the force of the detonations. The Israeli Air Force said it was conducting large-scale strikes on strategic targets, following the earlier joint operation dubbed “Operation Epic Fury,” which targeted air defences, military installations and senior leadership after nuclear negotiations reportedly stalled. Iranian state media broadcast dramatic visuals of smoke rising over the skyline as roads were shut and emergency sirens wailed across affected districts.
The violence has further destabilised the region, with Iran vowing retaliation and launching missile and drone attacks toward Israel and US-linked bases in Gulf states. Reports of explosions in cities including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha have heightened fears of a broader conflict. As airspaces close and airlines suspend operations, global markets — particularly oil — are reacting nervously to the rapidly widening crisis.