New Delhi/Tehran, 28 February (H.S.): Iran shut its airspace on Saturday after missile strikes by Israel and the United States targeted parts of Tehran, prompting civilian aircraft to reroute from Iranian airspace.

Flight tracking services showed commercial planes diverting routes soon after the strikes were reported. Explosions were heard in the Iranian capital, including in areas near offices associated with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It was not immediately clear whether he was present at the location at the time. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

An Israeli defence official was quoted as saying that the strikes had been planned over several months. Following the attacks, Israeli authorities also sounded sirens in Tel Aviv and other areas in anticipation of possible retaliation. Israel subsequently closed its own airspace as a precautionary measure.

The developments have intensified tensions across West Asia, raising concerns over a wider military confrontation. The strikes come amid ongoing disagreements between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

US President Donald Trump has reiterated demands that Iran halt its nuclear and ballistic missile activities and provide firm assurances that it will not enrich uranium to weapons-grade levels. Washington has also called for stringent inspection mechanisms.

Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear programme is for civilian purposes and has rejected allegations of pursuing nuclear weapons. Tehran has indicated willingness to discuss limitations in exchange for relief from sanctions.

Israel has insisted that any agreement must include the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and has consistently advocated a firm approach on the issue. Recent talks between Iran and the United States did not yield a breakthrough, and diplomatic efforts remain uncertain as military tensions escalate.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar