Tehran/IBNS, Feb. 28 -- Israel and the United States jointly launched a "pre-emptive strike" on Iran early Saturday morning, marking a sharp escalation in tensions in the Middle East, media reports said.

Several missiles struck the University Street and Republic areas of Tehran, according to reports citing local media.

Iran's state-run news agency IRNA reported thick smoke rising over parts of the capital, with explosions heard at multiple locations.

According to media reports, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been moved to a secure location following the strikes.

In a video address, Trump said the United States would not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons and added that diplomatic efforts had previously been made to reach an...