Israel and US Launch Joint Preemptive Strikes on Tehran Amid Reports of Senior General's Death

Israeli media report the death of General Amir Khatami during joint US-Israel preemptive strikes on Tehran. Defense Minister Katz declares a state of emergency.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 28, 2026, 6:02 AM EST

The Sudden Escalation of Regional Hostilities

The Middle East has entered a period of profound instability following a massive military operation launched by Israel and the United States against the Islamic Republic of Iran. On the morning of February 28, 2026, the Israel Defense Forces initiated what officials have described as a preemptive strike designed to neutralize immediate threats to national security. According to BalkanWeb reports, the strikes targeted strategic locations within Tehran and other major Iranian cities, marking the most significant direct confrontation between the powers in decades. The operation, occurring ahead of the Jewish holiday of Purim, was triggered by intelligence indicating an imminent missile and drone assault prepared by Iranian forces.

Unconfirmed Reports of a High Ranking Elimination

Amid the chaos of the aerial bombardment, several Israeli media outlets have begun circulating reports that Amir Khatami, the commander of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran, has been killed. Khatami, who was appointed as Supreme Commander in June 2025, served as a cornerstone of Iran's conventional military defense strategy. While Israeli sources claim the general has been eliminated, the Iranian government has yet to issue a formal confirmation or denial regarding his status. The loss of such a senior military figure would represent a devastating blow to the Iranian command structure and could fundamentally shift the tactical direction of any subsequent counter-offensive.

A Nationwide State of Emergency in Israel

In anticipation of a severe retaliatory response from Tehran or its regional proxies, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has declared a special and permanent state of emergency throughout the country. This executive order grants the military and security forces expanded powers to coordinate civilian defense and ensure public safety during the ongoing conflict. According to the Ministry of Defense, sirens have already been activated across various regions of Israel, prompting citizens to remain in close proximity to protected zones and bomb shelters. The government has also taken the unprecedented step of completely closing Israeli airspace to all civilian flights, reflecting the extreme level of perceived risk.