WASHINGTON – Early Saturday morning, a joint U.S.-Israel military attack on Iran began, striking 14 sites as the operation got underway.
President Donald Trump confirmed on February 28, 2026, that the United States and Israel has launched what he described as a “massive and ongoing” military campaign against Iran. In a video message posted to Truth Social, Trump said the primary objective was defending the American people by eliminating “imminent threats” from the Iranian regime. The Department of War is calling it Operation Epic Fury.
President Donald Trump confirmed on February 28, 2026, that the United States and Israel had launched what he described as a “massive and ongoing” military campaign against Iran. In a video message posted to Truth Social, Trump said the primary objective was defending the American people by eliminating “imminent threats” from the Iranian regime.
Trump said the strikes were aimed at Iran’s nuclear program and missile industry, arguing that the regime rejected opportunities to renounce its nuclear ambitions. He also framed the action as a response to decades of Iranian “menacing activities” that he said endanger U.S. troops, overseas bases, and allies, including Iran’s backing of proxy groups such as Hamas and the Houthis.
Israel described the operation as a preemptive strike, and the campaign was dubbed “Roaring Lion” by Israel, according to the reporting cited in the account of events.
In his message, Trump urged Iranian citizens to “take over your government” once military operations conclude, calling it their “only chance for generations.” He also issued an ultimatum to Iranian forces, calling on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard and police to lay down their arms in exchange for “total immunity,” warning that those who do not would “face certain death.” Trump acknowledged that American service members could be lost, saying he did not make the statement lightly while describing the operation as a “noble mission” for the future.
Trump’s remarks fit within a long-running posture toward Iran that has emphasized “maximum pressure,” including withdrawing from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and imposing significant economic sanctions, while repeatedly stressing that Iran must not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon and at times saying he preferred a deal over war under terms he considered acceptable.
Trump said the strikes were aimed at Iran’s nuclear program and missile industry, arguing that the regime rejected opportunities to renounce its nuclear ambitions. He also framed the action as a response to decades of Iranian “menacing activities” that he said endanger U.S. troops, overseas bases, and allies, including Iran’s backing of proxy groups such as Hamas and the Houthis.
Israel described the operation as a preemptive strike, and the campaign was dubbed “Roaring Lion” by Israel, according to the reporting cited in the account of events.
In his message, Trump urged Iranian citizens to “take over your government” once military operations conclude, calling it their “only chance for generations.” He also issued an ultimatum to Iranian forces, calling on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard and police to lay down their arms in exchange for “total immunity,” warning that those who do not would “face certain death.” Trump acknowledged that American service members could be lost, saying he did not make the statement lightly while describing the operation as a “noble mission” for the future.
Trump’s remarks fit within a long-running posture toward Iran that has emphasized “maximum pressure,” including withdrawing from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and imposing significant economic sanctions, while repeatedly stressing that Iran must not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon and at times saying he preferred a deal over war under terms he considered acceptable.
