Businessman Ali recounted that he was in his office with employees in Tehran on the early morning of 28/2 when he heard two loud explosions, accompanied by the roar of fighter jet engines overhead. Ali's employees screamed, fleeing the building in chaos.

This marked the moment the US military and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched an operation against Iran. The strikes targeted defense and intelligence facilities, as well as the homes of numerous high-ranking officials and generals. This new assault occurred eight months after last year's 12-day conflict.

Israel is reportedly "fully committed" to the operation, and the US "shares the same view." The initial phase of strikes is expected to last four days, with Washington and Tel Aviv prepared for an even "longer conflict if necessary."

People in the capital Tehran on 28/2. Photo: AFP

From Tehran's affluent Mirdamad district, Hamidreza Zand saw at least 10 fighter jets fly overhead. Local residents rushed into the streets, and some panicked drivers abandoned their cars amid congested roads. As ambulance sirens wailed, other residents hurried to schools to pick up their children.

"I rushed to my daughter's school. The girls were hiding under the stairs and crying. The principal didn't know what had happened either. Everyone was very scared," Ali Zeinalipoor recalled.

From the rooftop of her apartment in Tehran's northern Velenjak area, Golshan Fathi witnessed a second wave of fighter jets soaring through the sky as the IDF continued its airstrikes.

"People stood on rooftops looking up at the sky, then down below. You could hear women screaming. Some of my neighbors were running towards their cars. It felt like a movie," she said.

Chaos and damage in Tehran. Video: Iranintl

Residents in Pasdaran, home to a large complex of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), heard multiple explosions shaking windows.

"My children cried in fear; we huddled in the bathroom, unsure what to do. It was terrifying," Esfandiar, an engineer living in the area, shared via text message.

Saturday typically marks the start of the work week in Iran, but many shops closed, and few dared to venture outside, according to an AFP correspondent on the scene.

Minutes after the attack, roads became congested, traffic slowed, and long lines formed outside bakeries and gas stations. Police and security forces deployed in large numbers.

Long lines of vehicles leaving Tehran. Video: X/rolex18082

People flocked to supermarkets for bread and bottled water, but supplies were limited. Some stores ran out of bread, eggs, bottled water, and milk.

As news of explosions in other Iranian cities began to surface on local media, telecommunication systems became erratic. Many were unable to contact relatives to inform them of their whereabouts.

By day's end, Iranian security agencies advised residents to consider leaving the capital Tehran for safety. The state news agency IRNA later reported that authorities converted a major highway connecting the capital to the north into a one-way road to accommodate the surging vehicle traffic leaving the city.

When Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran in June 2025, it primarily targeted military and nuclear facilities, conducted airstrikes in Tehran, and eliminated top military commanders. However, today's attacks appeared much broader, including intelligence agencies, judicial facilities, and the Pasteur complex, which serves as the residence for the President and Supreme Leader.

Iran's Red Crescent Society stated that more than 20 of the 31 provinces were affected by the US and Israeli airstrikes. Iran accused Israel of striking a primary school in the southern Minab district, killing at least 51 students.

Traffic in some areas of Tehran became congested after a series of explosions on the morning of 28/2. Photo: AFP

As fighter jets bombed and launched missiles across Iran, US President Donald Trump posted a video message to Iranian security forces, urging them to lay down their weapons and warning of death if they refused. He advised Iranians to seek shelter during the strikes and declared that "your hour of freedom is coming."

Amidst the chaos following numerous explosions, that appeal received little response. "The only thing on our minds right now is finding a safe place. No one is thinking about taking to the streets at this moment," Laleh, a lawyer and mother of two, said in a phone interview.

Thanh Tam (Based on reports from NY Times, AFP, Reuters, Al Jazeera)