The US and Israel Launch Massive Preemptive Strikes on Iran; Trump Announces ‘Major Combat Operations’
By Juba Global News Network | JubaGlobal.com February 28, 2026 In a dramatic escalation that has plunged the Middle East into what many analysts are callin
By Juba Global News Network | JubaGlobal.com
February 28, 2026
In a dramatic escalation that has plunged the Middle East into what many analysts are calling a potential full-scale regional war, the United States and Israel have launched coordinated military strikes against multiple targets across Iran. The operation, described by US President Donald Trump as “major combat operations,” began early Saturday morning local time, with explosions reported in Tehran and other key Iranian cities including Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah.
President Trump, in an eight-minute video address posted on Truth Social around 2:30 a.m. EST, confirmed the US involvement and outlined the objectives in stark terms. “A short time ago, US military began major combat operations in Iran,” Trump stated. “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating threats from the Iranian regime—a vicious group of very hard, terrible people.” He emphasized that the strikes aim to “raze their missile industry to the ground,” annihilate Iran’s navy, and prevent Tehran from ever acquiring nuclear weapons, which he described as an existential threat to the United States, Israel, and allies worldwide.
The joint operation—codenamed “Operation Epic Fury” by the US Department of Defense and “Roaring Lion” (or “Lion’s Roar”) by Israel—appears to have been meticulously planned over months of close coordination. Israeli officials described the action as a “pre-emptive” strike, with Defense Minister Israel Katz declaring a nationwide state of emergency. Israel’s military reported targeting high-value assets, including sites linked to Iran’s leadership. Reports indicate that strikes hit areas near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, though sources suggest he was moved to a secure location prior to the attacks. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and senior Revolutionary Guards commanders were also reportedly targeted, with unconfirmed claims of casualties among top officials.
Smoke rose over downtown Tehran as residents reported multiple large explosions, sending people racing to shelters. Iranian state media and witnesses described thick plumes of smoke and widespread air defenses activating across the country. The attacks extended beyond military and nuclear-related sites, hitting missile production facilities, command centers, and other infrastructure deemed threatening by the US and Israel.
In a striking appeal that signals broader ambitions beyond military degradation, President Trump directly addressed the Iranian people at the conclusion of his message: “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.” He urged citizens to shelter during the ongoing bombardment, warning that “bombs will be dropping everywhere,” but framed the strikes as paving the way for regime change after nearly five decades of theocratic rule since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, stating the operation would “create the conditions for the courageous Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands” and remove the “existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran.”
Iran responded swiftly with retaliatory strikes. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched multiple waves of ballistic missiles and drones toward Israel, triggering air-raid sirens nationwide and sending Israelis to fortified shelters. Explosions were heard as Israeli defenses intercepted incoming projectiles. Iran also targeted US military assets in the region, with reports of strikes on bases in Bahrain, Iraq, and other Gulf states hosting American forces. Plumes of smoke rose over a US facility in Bahrain, while missiles were intercepted over Qatar, and explosions were noted in Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. Iran’s state-affiliated media described these as the “first large-scale wave” of a promised “crushing” retaliation.
The strikes come amid heightened tensions following previous US actions in June 2025, which targeted Iranian nuclear facilities—actions Trump had claimed “obliterated” the program, though Iran insists its nuclear efforts remain peaceful and has accused the West of sabotage. Recent diplomatic efforts, including negotiations for a new nuclear deal, appear to have collapsed, with critics questioning whether talks were ever viable given the timing of the assault.
Global reactions have been swift and polarized. Russia and China condemned the strikes as aggressive violations of sovereignty, while European leaders expressed concern over escalation. Gulf Arab states, many hosting US troops, condemned Iranian retaliatory attacks on their territory and reserved the right to respond. Airlines canceled flights across the Middle East, and oil prices surged amid fears of supply disruptions in the Persian Gulf.
Casualties remain unclear in the early hours, though reports include civilian deaths, including children in one southern Iranian strike. The Pentagon has warned that operations could continue for several days, with Trump acknowledging potential American losses: “That often happens in war.”
As sirens continue to blare in Israel and smoke lingers over Tehran, the world watches anxiously for the next phase. This joint US-Israeli campaign marks one of the most direct confrontations with Iran in decades, raising the specter of a broader conflict involving proxies, regional powers, and global economic fallout.
Juba Global News Network will continue to provide live updates as this fast-moving story develops. Stay tuned to JubaGlobal.com for the latest.
By: Juba Global News Network | JubaGlobal.com
