Israel has closed its airspace to civilian traffic after launching a daylight strike on Iran’s capital, Tehran.

In a statement, Israel’s Transportation Ministry said: “The public is requested not to come to airports until further notice.” It added that passengers currently abroad should monitor media reports and contact their airlines for updates once the airspace reopens. Israelis overseas have also been urged to follow guidance from the National Security Council.

Smoke was seen rising from central Tehran on Saturday following what appeared to be an Israeli strike near the offices of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It was not immediately clear whether the 86-year-old cleric was present at the time. He has not been seen in public for several days amid heightened tensions with Washington.

The United States is understood to be participating in the operation, although the full extent of its involvement remains unclear. A US official and a person familiar with the matter confirmed American participation, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation.

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The attack comes as Washington has deployed a significant number of fighter jets and warships to the region in an effort to pressure Tehran into agreeing a deal over its nuclear programme. President Donald Trump has sought an agreement to curb Iran’s nuclear activities, viewing the current domestic unrest in Iran as a potential point of leverage.

Tehran has insisted it has the right to enrich uranium and has resisted expanding talks to include its long-range missile programme or its backing of armed groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.

It remains unclear how or when Iran might respond. However, Iranian officials have previously warned that any attack would prompt retaliation against American military personnel and bases across the region.