US and Israel Launch Major Assault on Iran, Trump Calls for Regime Change

Washington D.C. – The United States and Israel launched a major joint military operation against Iran on Saturday, February 28, 2026, escalating tensions in the Middle East. U.S. President Donald Trump has directly called on the Iranian public to rise up against the current Islamic leadership, signaling a potential shift towards regime change.

Operation Epic Fury: A Coordinated Strike

The U.S. Military has dubbed the assault “Operation Epic Fury.” The strikes, which began shortly after 8 a.m. Israel time, targeted Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to an Israeli official. Targets as well included Iran’s military infrastructure, symbols of government, and intelligence facilities. Several senior Revolutionary Guards commanders and political officials were reportedly killed, including the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, and Iranian defense minister Amir Nasirzadeh.

Trump’s Call for Regime Change

In a video posted on Truth Social, President Trump stated the U.S. Was undertaking a “massive and ongoing operation to prevent this remarkably wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America and our core national security interests.” He called on Iran’s military forces to lay down their weapons and urged Iranian civilians to “take over your government,” stating his objective was securing freedom and safety for the Iranian people. New York Times

Iranian Retaliation and Regional Impact

Israel’s military reported multiple rounds of Iranian missile launches targeting the country. At least two major U.S. Military bases in the region were also targeted by Iranian missiles. CBS News Iran’s foreign minister has stated, as far as he knows, that the supreme leader and president are still alive. AP News

Buildup to the Strikes

The U.S. Military had moved over a dozen naval ships and aircraft toward the Middle East in the weeks leading up to the strikes, as the Trump administration pursued a pressure campaign against Iran and engaged in indirect nuclear talks with Iranian officials. President Trump previously ordered airstrikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025. The Times of Israel

International Reactions

Former Israeli ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren, stated there “is not much choice” but to support regime change in Iran, noting that Iran would likely not have agreed to American demands regarding uranium enrichment and support for proxy organizations. The Times of Israel

Key Takeaways

• The U.S. And Israel have launched a major joint military operation against Iran.
• President Trump is openly calling for regime change in Iran.
• Iran has retaliated with missile launches targeting Israel and U.S. Bases.
• The situation is rapidly evolving and carries the risk of broader regional conflict.