US and Israel Launch Strikes on Iran as Trump Calls for Regime Change

The United States and Israel launched a major military attack on Iran on Saturday, February 28, 2026, prompting a call from President Donald Trump for a popular uprising against the Islamic Republic. This action marks a significant escalation in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict.

Trump Urges Iranians to “Seize Power”

In a video message accompanying the announcement of the strikes, President Trump directly addressed the Iranian people, urging them to overthrow their government. “When we are finished, seize power, it will be up to you to do it. This will probably be your only chance for generations to come,” he stated. Trump referenced past demonstrations in Iran, claiming 32,000 protestors had been killed, and reiterated promises of support.

Coordinated Response and Calls for Victory

Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah of Iran and currently living in exile in the Washington D.C. Area, expressed confidence in the “final victory” against the Islamic Republic, calling on Iranians to seize to the streets. This coordinated messaging suggests a deliberate effort to encourage internal dissent within Iran.

Targets of the Strikes

An Israeli security source indicated that “high-ranking targets” were struck, though specific names were not initially released. But, Israeli public broadcaster KAN reported that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Massoud Pezeshkian were among those targeted. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking to NBC News, asserted that Khamenei was alive “as far as I realize.”

Shift in Trump’s Approach

President Trump’s actions represent a shift from his previous rhetoric, where he expressed a preference for diplomatic solutions while considering “limited” strikes if an agreement on Iran’s nuclear program wasn’t reached. Alex Vatanka, of the Middle East Institute in Washington, suggested that the ultimate objective of the US and Israel is to see the current regime fall, citing the regime’s unpopularity within Iran as a key factor.

Departure from Non-Interventionist Stance

This military action appears to contradict President Trump’s stated policy, articulated in a May speech in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, of avoiding intervention in the internal affairs of other nations. He previously criticized past US interventionism as interfering in “complex societies that they did not even understand themselves.” However, Trump has previously authorized strikes against targets in the Caribbean and Venezuela, and claimed to have previously struck Iranian nuclear facilities last June without Congressional consultation.

Uncertainty Regarding Post-Regime Iran

Concerns remain about the potential consequences of a regime change in Iran. During a January parliamentary hearing, Secretary of State Marco Rubio conceded that there is no clear understanding of what would follow the fall of the current leadership, beyond a “hope that there was someone, within their system, with whom you could work.”

Criticism and Concerns About Prolonged Conflict

Democratic opposition members argue that Trump’s stated objectives – ending Iran’s nuclear program, dismantling its missile arsenal, crushing its network of affiliates, and changing the regime – point towards a protracted war. Former Republican representative Marjorie Taylor Greene voiced concerns that Trump was betraying his base, who she believes voted for him to end foreign interventions.

Recent History of Conflict

This latest escalation follows a ceasefire in the Iran–Israel war that took effect on June 24, 2025, mediated by the United States and Qatar Twelve-Day War ceasefire. The conflict has involved numerous attacks and counter-attacks, including Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Iranian responses targeting various locations.