WASHINGTON / TEHRAN – In a seismic shift for global security, President Donald Trump officially announced on Saturday morning, February 28, 2026, that the United States has launched “major combat operations” against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The announcement followed a wave of “preemptive” Israeli airstrikes, marking the beginning of a coordinated, high-intensity military campaign.
The offensive, known as Operation Shield of Judah (US) and Operation Roaring Lion (Israel), aims to “decapitate” the regime’s military capabilities and eliminate its nuclear and missile programs.
The Presidential Ultimatum
In an emergency eight-minute video statement, President Trump outlined the rationale for the escalation, citing decades of Iranian aggression and the recent failure of nuclear talks in Geneva.
- Destruction of the Navy: Trump vowed to “annihilate” the Iranian Navy and raze its missile industry “to the ground.”
- The Choice for the IRGC: He offered a stark ultimatum to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC): “Lay down your arms and receive complete immunity, or face certain death.”
- Nuclear Red Line: “We will never allow the world’s number one sponsor of terror to have a nuclear weapon. They rejected every opportunity to renounce their ambitions, and we can’t take it anymore,” Trump asserted.
The New York Times is now reporting that Operation “Shield of Judah” will be much more extensive than Operation Midnight Hammer last June. pic.twitter.com/qSVrqBYded
— National Chronicle (@NCNewsOnX) February 28, 2026
Battlefield Report: Day 1 of “The Four-Day Plan”
The strikes, which began in the early morning hours to catch Iranian defenses off-guard, have hit several high-priority zones:
- Tehran Under Fire: Heavy explosions were reported in University Street, the Jomhouri (Democratic) area, and near the Supreme Leader’s residence.
- Targeted Infrastructure: Strikes have hit the Presidential Palace, National Security Council headquarters, and Mehrabad Airport.
- Nationwide Reach: Beyond the capital, attacks were confirmed in Qom, Isfahan, Karaj, and Khorramabad, targeting drone launch sites and missile storage facilities.
Leadership Status & Retaliation
- Khamenei Evacuated: Intelligence reports confirm that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was not in Tehran at the time of the strikes and has been moved to a highly secure, undisclosed location.
- Iranian Response: Iran has closed its airspace and promised a “crushing retaliation.” Sirens have already begun sounding across Israel as the IDF prepares for a potential barrage of ballistic missiles from Iran and its regional proxies.
- Internal Unrest: President Trump directly appealed to the Iranian people, stating, “The hour of your freedom is at hand,” and urged them to “reclaim” their government from the current regime.
Regional and Global Impact
- Airspace Closures: Both Iran and Iraq have suspended all air traffic. Major international airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, have turned back flights or rerouted away from the Persian Gulf.
- US Readiness: The USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike groups are currently positioned in the region, providing the bulk of the airpower for the ongoing sorties.
- Israel Emergency: A nationwide state of emergency is in effect in Israel. Schools and public gatherings are closed, and Ambassador Mike Huckabee has advised all US citizens wishing to leave to do so “TODAY.”
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