US and Israel Launch Attacks on Iran as Tensions Escalate

President Trump says US has begun 'major combat operations' as Israel targets Iranian military and government sites

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The United States and Israel have launched attacks on Iran, with the first apparent strike near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said it responded by launching a 'first wave' of drones and missiles targeting Israel. President Donald Trump announced the start of 'major combat operations' in Iran, warning that American casualties are possible. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the joint attack was to 'remove an existential threat posed' by Iran.

Why it matters

The attacks mark a major escalation in tensions between the US, Israel and Iran over Iran's nuclear program and regional influence. The strikes could draw Iran into a wider conflict in the Middle East, with potential for further attacks and retaliation. The situation raises concerns about the potential for a broader war and its impact on regional stability and global energy supplies.

The details

The US and Israeli strikes targeted Iran's military, symbols of government, and intelligence sites, according to an anonymous official. Iran responded by launching missiles and drones at targets in Israel, prompting sirens and emergency protocols. Authorities in Tehran reported nationwide strikes, with smoke seen rising from the capital. The attacks come as Iran continues to develop its nuclear program and as the country faces growing domestic unrest.

  • The initial US and Israeli strikes occurred on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
  • Iran launched its 'first wave' of retaliatory strikes against Israel shortly after the initial attacks.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who announced the start of 'major combat operations' against Iran.

Benjamin Netanyahu

The Prime Minister of Israel who said the joint attack was to 'remove an existential threat posed' by Iran.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

The Supreme Leader of Iran whose offices were apparently targeted in the initial strikes.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard

Iran's paramilitary force that said it launched a 'first wave' of drones and missiles targeting Israel in retaliation.

Houthi rebels in Yemen

Iranian-backed rebels who vowed to resume missile and drone attacks on Red Sea shipping routes and on Israel in support of Iran.

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What they’re saying

“The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties. That often happens in war.”

— Donald Trump (Social media)

“Our joint operation will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands.”

— Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel (N/A)

What’s next

The situation remains highly volatile, with the potential for further escalation and retaliation between the US, Israel and Iran. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and calling for restraint to prevent a wider regional conflict.

The takeaway

The attacks mark a dangerous new phase in the longstanding tensions between the US, Israel and Iran, with the potential to draw the region into a broader war. The situation underscores the fragility of the Middle East and the high stakes involved in the dispute over Iran's nuclear program and regional influence.