On Saturday, 28 February 2026, Israel and the United States launched a joint military operation against Iran. The attack, described as preventive, began in the morning local time. The Israeli army named the operation “Roaring Lion.”
Israeli and American forces struck key targets in Tehran, Isfahan, Qom and other cities. Military installations, facilities linked to the nuclear program, and the seats of the highest authorities were attacked, including complexes associated with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the president, and the command of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to reports, several senior commanders and regime officials were killed.
President Donald Trump confirmed the start of “major combat operations” and called on Iranians to overthrow the current government. “This is an opportunity for the Iranian people to liberate themselves,” he said.
Iran responded immediately. It fired dozens of ballistic missiles toward Israel, and explosions were heard in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as defense systems activated. At the same time, American military bases in Gulf Arab states (including in Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait) were attacked.
The situation in the region is extremely tense and fast-moving. This is the largest direct confrontation with Iran in many years.
Trump announces the start of a war with Iran and calls on Iranians to overthrow the authorities of the Islamic Republic. Below are quotes from Trump’s address; I have selected the most important passages. I recommend it: the goal of the US is “regime change,” and now there are no doubts. The US armed forces have begun a military operation against Iran. (…) Our goal is to defend American citizens (…) For 47 years the Iranian regime has shouted “Death to America” (…) It has always been US policy that this terrorist regime cannot have nuclear weapons. (…) We tried to reach an agreement (…) but Iran rejected every one of our proposals. (…) Instead, Iran tried to build its nuclear program and its ballistic missile program, which threaten our friends in Europe, our troops, and soon could reach our American homeland. (…) That is why the US armed forces are carrying out a military operation. (…) We will destroy their missiles [ballistic], burn their missile factories [ballistic], destroy their navy, and make sure that [Iranian] militants no longer pose a threat to the region (…) we will make sure that Iran does not build a nuclear weapon (…) This regime will soon learn that no one should question the strength and power of the American armed forces (…) American heroes may lose their lives, and we may suffer losses, as often happens in wars, but we are doing this for the future, and it is a noble mission. (…) To members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the army and the police: Lay down your weapons and you will receive amnesty, and if not, the alternative is certain death. (…) To the great and proud Iranian nation: The hour of your freedom is near. Be careful, it will be dangerous (…) When we finish [the bombing], take power. (…) For years you asked the US for help, but you never received it. No American president was ready to do what I am doing. America supports you with overwhelming and devastating force. The time has come to take your fate into your own hands. (…) This is the time to act, so seize it.
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