US and Israel Launch Major Attack on Iran

After weeks of escalating tensions, the United States and Israel launched a major joint strike on Iran on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The attacks targeted military and government sites, with U.S. President Donald Trump calling on the Iranian public to “seize control of your destiny.”

Joint Military Operation

The coordinated strikes represent a significant escalation in U.S. Intervention in Iran and mark the second time in eight months that the Trump administration has taken direct military action against the nation AP News. The operation, described as “massive and ongoing” by President Trump, aims to “defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats” from the Iranian regime ABC News.

Targets of the Strikes

According to three sources briefed on the operation, the strikes specifically targeted Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian ABC News. Other targets included Iran’s military infrastructure, symbols of government and intelligence facilities The Times of Israel. 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 The Times of Israel.

Trump’s Call for Regime Change

President Trump issued a video statement urging the Iranian people to “take over your government,” suggesting this may be their “only chance for generations” PBS. He has previously expressed concern over the Iranian regime’s handling of protests, citing it as potential justification for military intervention.

Iran’s Response and Regional Impact

Iran’s foreign ministry has condemned the airstrikes as a “gross violation” of its national sovereignty and vowed a “decisive” response AP News. Following the attacks, Iranian ballistic missiles reportedly targeted the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, all of which host U.S. Troops AP News. The UAE’s Defense Ministry reported that a missile was intercepted over the country, with debris killing an Asian migrant worker. Loud booms were also heard over Dubai.

Casualties and Duration

Reports indicate that a strike on an elementary school in Iran resulted in at least 53 young female student deaths and numerous injuries AP News. U.S. Officials have indicated that the operation could last for several days and acknowledged the possibility of American casualties ABC News.