U.S. and Israel Launch "Operation Epic Fury" Against Iran; Trump Calls for Regime Change
Explosions rock Tehran as U.S. and Israeli forces target nuclear and military infrastructure on February 28, 2026.
TEHRAN, Iran — In a massive escalation that has sent shockwaves across the globe, the United States and Israel launched a coordinated military offensive against Iran on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The campaign, dubbed "Operation Epic Fury" by the Pentagon and "Roaring Lion" by the IDF, marks the largest military intervention of President Donald Trump's second term.
1. Massive Strikes Target Tehran and Nuclear Sites
The operation began in the early morning hours with waves of airstrikes and missile launches targeting Iran's capital, Tehran, as well as the cities of Isfahan, Qom, and Karaj. Reports from the ground indicate that several missiles struck the district housing the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which satellite imagery shows was heavily damaged. While the 86-year-old leader was reportedly moved to a "secure location" before the strikes, the symbolic nature of the attack is clear.
President Trump confirmed the mission's objectives in an 8-minute video address: "Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime. We are going to destroy their missiles and annihilate their navy."
2. Trump’s Direct Appeal: "Take Over Your Government"
In an extraordinary move, President Trump used his address to call for regime change, speaking directly to the Iranian people. "The hour of your freedom is at hand," Trump declared. "Stay sheltered. Don’t leave your home... When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, stating the joint operation was necessary to "remove an existential threat" and create conditions for Iranians to "take their fate into their own hands." The strikes follow weeks of failed nuclear negotiations where Trump expressed frustration with the lack of progress.
3. Iran Retaliates: Missiles Strike the Gulf and Israel
Tehran’s response was immediate. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched waves of ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israel and U.S. military assets in the region. Explosions and sirens were reported in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and at U.S. bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE.
In Abu Dhabi, one person was reported killed by shrapnel from an intercepted Iranian missile. Meanwhile, several regional nations, including Iraq, Jordan, and the UAE, have officially closed their airspace, effectively paralyzing air travel in the Middle East.
4. Global Markets and Humanitarian Concerns
The strikes caused an immediate panic in global markets. Oil prices surged as fears grew of a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Inside Iran, state media reported a devastating strike on a girls' school, with casualties allegedly reaching 40, though these reports have not been independently verified. International rights groups have urged all parties to "see reason" to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe.
This is a rapidly developing story. Stay tuned for live updates as "Operation Epic Fury" continues to unfold.
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