Washington, D.C. – February 28, 2026 – President Donald Trump announced early Saturday that the United States had initiated "major combat operations" in Iran as part of a coordinated joint military campaign with Israel, marking a dramatic escalation in tensions between Washington, Tehran, and Jerusalem.
In an eight-minute video address posted to his Truth Social platform around 2:30 a.m. ET, Trump declared that American forces, working alongside Israeli counterparts, had begun a "massive and ongoing operation" to neutralize threats posed by the Iranian regime. He described the action as essential to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, destroying its missile capabilities, and eliminating its ability to support regional proxy groups.
"We are undertaking a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America and our core national security interests," Trump stated in the video. He vowed to "destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry," "annihilate their Navy," and ensure that Iran's "terrorist proxies can no longer destabilize the region."
The President framed the strikes as a response to Iran's refusal to negotiate a new nuclear agreement on U.S. terms, despite weeks of indirect talks mediated through Oman and Switzerland. He claimed Tehran had rejected every diplomatic opportunity and accused the regime of rebuilding its nuclear program following previous U.S. strikes in June 2025.
Trump acknowledged the potential human cost, warning that "the lives of courageous American heroes may be lost" and that casualties were possible. "That often happens in war," he said, emphasizing that the mission was necessary for long-term U.S. and allied security. He also directly addressed the Iranian people, urging them to "take over your government" once operations conclude, describing it as a potential "chance for generations" to overthrow the Islamic leadership.
The announcement followed reports of explosions in Tehran and other Iranian cities, with smoke rising over the capital and air raid sirens sounding across Israel as Iran launched retaliatory missiles toward Israeli territory and U.S. military bases in the Gulf region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the joint nature of the operation, stating it had been planned for months and would continue "as long as needed" to remove what he called an "existential threat."
The U.S. Department of Defense has designated the campaign "Operation Epic Fury," with Israeli forces referring to their component as "Roaring Lion" or similar codenames. Targets reportedly include Iranian missile sites, naval assets, nuclear-related facilities, military headquarters, and senior leadership positions, including elements tied to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President, and IRGC commanders. Early reports suggest significant damage to defense infrastructure, though full assessments remain ongoing amid restricted access and conflicting claims.
The strikes represent one of the most direct and large-scale confrontations involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran in recent decades, raising immediate concerns of a broader regional war. Gulf Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain, have expressed alarm over potential spillover, with some closing airspace and placing forces on high alert. Oil markets reacted sharply, with crude prices surging amid fears of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
The escalation follows a period of heightened rhetoric from the Trump administration, including repeated demands for Iran to dismantle its nuclear and missile programs and cease support for groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. Indirect negotiations—mediated by Oman and involving rounds in Switzerland—had been described as progressing by some participants, with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi stating after the latest session that a deal was "within our reach" but required more time. Trump, however, characterized the talks as fruitless, accusing Iran of stalling while advancing its capabilities.
U.S. military repositioning in the Middle East—including additional naval vessels, aircraft carriers, and fighter squadrons—had been underway for weeks, signaling preparations even as diplomacy continued. The timing of the strikes coincided with the apparent expiration of a reported U.S. deadline for Tehran to accept terms.
Iranian officials have condemned the attacks as "aggression" and vowed a "crushing" response, with state media reporting civilian casualties and damage in multiple provinces. Tehran has already launched missile barrages targeting Israel and U.S. assets in Iraq, Qatar, and other locations, though initial reports indicate limited penetration due to defensive systems.
International reactions have been swift and polarized. Allies such as the UK and some European nations expressed concern over escalation while affirming Israel's right to self-defense. Russia and China condemned the strikes as violations of sovereignty, calling for immediate de-escalation. The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session, with Secretary-General António Guterres urging restraint to prevent a wider conflict.
The operation's scope—potentially spanning days or weeks—has heightened global anxiety over energy security, refugee flows, and the risk of proxy involvement from groups across the region. As explosions continue and retaliation unfolds, the coming hours will be critical in determining whether the conflict remains contained or spirals into a full-scale war.
President Trump concluded his address by reiterating U.S. resolve: "This regime will soon learn that no one should challenge the strength and might of the United States armed forces." The White House has not yet released detailed operational updates, citing security concerns, but officials indicate the campaign aims to decisively degrade Iran's military posture.
