EHRAN / WASHINGTON — In a staggering escalation of the Middle Eastern crisis, the United States and Israel launched a massive, coordinated military offensive against the Islamic Republic of Iran on Saturday morning, February 28, 2026.
The joint strike, codenamed “Operation Roaring Lion” by Israel and “Operation Shield of Judah” by the U.S., targeted critical military, intelligence, and leadership infrastructure across several Iranian cities, including Tehran, Qom, Isfahan, and Karaj.
Trump: “Major Combat Operations Have Begun”
In a forceful video statement posted to Truth Social, President Donald Trump confirmed the U.S. participation, marking a definitive end to weeks of failed diplomacy in Geneva.
- The Objective: Trump stated the goal is to “completely destroy the Iranian navy” and eliminate the regime’s missile and nuclear programs.
- Ultimatum to the IRGC: The President offered “complete immunity” to members of the Revolutionary Guard who surrender, while warning that those who do not will face “certain death.”
- Personal Message: Trump acknowledged the risk to American lives but insisted the U.S. “cannot put up with it any longer,” citing decades of “Death to America” rhetoric and attacks on U.S. interests.
Battlefield Report: Day 1 of the 4-Day Plan
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the strikes as a “preemptive attack” to remove existential threats. The operation is expected to last four days.
ISRAEL LAUNCH ‘PRE-EMPTIVE STRIKE’ ON TEHRAN — RT EXCLUSIVE FOOTAGE pic.twitter.com/UOmD66Mk1Q
— RT (@RT_com) February 28, 2026
- Targets Hit: * Tehran: University Street, Jomhouri (Republic) area, and northern Tehran’s Seyed Khandan.
- Leadership: Explosions were reported near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the Presidential Palace.
- Airports: Mehrabad Airport in Tehran was among the first sites targeted.
- Forces Involved: The operation utilizes dozens of U.S. and Israeli aircraft launched from regional bases and the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike groups.
Iran Vows “Crushing Response”
The Iranian regime has characterized the attack as a “cowardly act” and has officially signaled a massive retaliatory strike is being prepared.
- Leadership Status: Reports indicate that Supreme Leader Khamenei has been moved to a “safe, undisclosed location.”
- Airspace Lockdown: Iran and Iraq have completely closed their airspace to civilian traffic.
- Retaliation Warning: Iranian officials stated that “Israel has chosen a path whose outcome is not in its hands,” vowing a “crushing response” within hours.
Regional Lockdown & Emergency Status
The entire Middle East has entered a state of high alert:
- Israel: A nationwide state of emergency has been declared. Schools and public workplaces are closed, and citizens have been ordered to stay near “protected spaces” (bomb shelters).
- Sirens: Emergency sirens have been blaring in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in anticipation of incoming Iranian ballistic missiles.
- Travel: The U.S. Embassy in Israel has implemented “authorized departure” for non-essential personnel, with Ambassador Mike Huckabee urging Americans wishing to leave to do so “TODAY.”
Global Perspective
The strikes follow the expiration of a 10-15 day deadline given by the Trump administration for Iran to accept a 20-point peace and nuclear restriction plan. With “Open War” also raging on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border involving Taliban proxies, 2026 has become the most volatile year for the region in decades.
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