The United States has begun “major combat operations” in Iran, President Donald Trump announced on Saturday, following Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.
In a video posted to social media, Trump said the objective is “to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.”
In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it had launched its “first wave” of drones and missiles targeting Israel, according to Iran’s Tasnim news agency. Iran also reportedly targeted U.S. military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar.
Trump accused Tehran of sponsoring militant groups across the region and reiterated that Iran would not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. “They will never have a nuclear weapon,” he said.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 28, 2026
The Pentagon said the U.S. campaign has been named “Operation Epic Fury.” Reuters, citing a U.S. official, reported that the strikes are being carried out through a combination of aerial bombardment and naval operations and could last several days.
Earlier, Israel struck targets in Iran’s capital. One of the initial attacks was reported near the offices of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
In his video message, Trump said the United States would move to “annihilate” Iran’s long-range missile capabilities, which he described as a threat to U.S. allies.
He added that Washington had sought a nuclear agreement with Tehran, referring to three rounds of indirect talks between U.S. and Iranian officials mediated by Oman, but claimed Iran continued to advance its nuclear program.
Addressing the Iranian public directly, Trump urged them to “take over your government — it will be yours to take.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were intended to “remove an existential threat posed” by Iran.
“Our joint operation will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands,” Netanyahu said.
This news is being updated.
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