February 28, 2026
The United States and Israel carried out coordinated military strikes against Iran early Saturday, dramatically escalating tensions in the Middle East and raising fears of a broader regional war.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the operation in an eight-minute video posted to Truth Social, stating that American forces had begun what he described as “major combat operations” in response to what the administration called imminent threats from the Iranian regime. The announcement came shortly after Israel’s defense ministry declared it had launched a “pre-emptive strike” against Iranian targets.
“Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime,” Trump said in the video, describing Iran as a long-standing adversary that has endangered U.S. forces, overseas bases, and allied nations for decades.
Explosions Reported in Tehran
Journalists on the ground in Iran reported at least two loud explosions in Tehran early Saturday morning local time. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising over central and eastern parts of the capital. Iranian state television confirmed what it termed an “aerial aggression by the Zionist regime,” while the Fars news agency reported multiple missile impacts in districts near key government and leadership sites, including areas associated with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Israeli officials indicated the strikes targeted Iranian regime and military infrastructure, including ballistic missile capabilities. Israel’s public broadcaster Kan cited officials saying the operation was focused on degrading Iran’s ability to launch further attacks.
Missiles Launched Toward Israel
Following the initial strikes, the Israeli military said it detected missiles launched from Iran toward Israeli territory. Air raid sirens sounded across multiple regions, including Jerusalem, and residents received emergency alerts urging them to seek shelter immediately.
“A short while ago, sirens were sounded following the identification of missiles launched from Iran toward the State of Israel,” the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement.
Israel subsequently closed its airspace to civilian flights, citing security concerns. Transportation Minister Miri Regev ordered the immediate shutdown of Israeli airspace as a precautionary measure.
Trump Warns Iran, Addresses Civilians
In his video address, Trump issued stark warnings about the scope of the military campaign, stating that U.S. forces would target Iran’s missile program and naval capabilities.
“We’re going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground,” Trump said. “We’re going to annihilate their navy.”
He also addressed Iranian civilians directly, urging them to remain indoors and warning of continued bombardment. Trump went further, calling on Iranians to ultimately overthrow their government once military operations conclude, framing the conflict as an opportunity for regime change.
Trump acknowledged that American casualties were possible, stating that losses are “often” part of war but describing the mission as “noble” and necessary for long-term security.
Netanyahu Calls for Regime Change
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed the call for regime change in Tehran, thanking Trump for what he described as “historic leadership.” In a video statement, Netanyahu urged the Iranian people to “cast off the yoke of tyranny” and seize control of their future.
“Our joint action will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands,” Netanyahu said, adding that Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.
Earlier, Netanyahu warned Iran’s leadership that any direct retaliation against Israel would be met with overwhelming force.
Wider Regional Fallout
The strikes come amid already fragile regional stability. Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in November 2024 following a year of fighting, but Israel has continued periodic strikes in southern Lebanon, claiming Hezbollah has violated ceasefire terms by rearming. Hezbollah and the Lebanese government have repeatedly condemned those actions.
The current escalation follows recent U.S.–Iran talks in Geneva, where Washington had been pressing Tehran for concessions on its nuclear program. Those negotiations now appear effectively derailed.
Israel’s opposition leader Yair Lapid publicly backed the government, declaring national unity during the crisis. “There is no coalition and no opposition, only one people and one IDF,” he said.
An Uncertain Path Forward
With missiles exchanged, airspace closed, and leaders openly discussing regime change, the conflict marks one of the most dangerous moments in U.S.–Iran relations in decades. International reaction is expected to intensify, with global powers warning that further escalation could spiral into a much wider war.
As of Saturday evening, military operations were ongoing, and officials on all sides warned the situation remained fluid.
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