On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel conducted coordinated military strikes against Iran, targeting nuclear sites, ballistic missiles, and regime leadership in an operation dubbed Operation Epic Fury. President Donald Trump announced the action in an eight-minute video, urging Iranians to overthrow their government after the strikes conclude. Iranian officials have retaliated with missile launches at Israel and a US base in Bahrain, though no casualties were reported.
The strikes began early on February 28, 2026, with US and Israeli forces hitting multiple targets across Iran, including nuclear infrastructure, ballistic missile facilities, and the compound of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. Satellite imagery showed the compound leveled, and Israeli officials claimed Khamenei's body was found under rubble from an air strike, a development Trump confirmed on Truth Social, calling him "one of the most evil people in History." Trump stated the operation aims to eliminate imminent threats from the Iranian regime and topple its leadership, warning that "the lives of courageous American heroes may be lost" but framing it as a noble mission for the future.
In his address, Trump directly appealed to Iranians: "To the great, proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered... When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take." He offered "complete immunity" to members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), military, and police if they lay down arms, or "certain death" otherwise. The president noted the strikes followed a US military buildup in the region and recent failed diplomatic efforts, including Iran's offer to reduce its nuclear program below 2014 deal levels.
Iran responded by firing missiles and drones at Israel, where most were intercepted by defense systems, and at US bases in Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. A missile hit an empty warehouse at a US naval base in Bahrain, causing no injuries. Exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi hailed the strikes as aid to the Iranian people against the regime's "repressive apparatus," urging citizens to prepare for action while warning security forces their oath is to Iran, not Khamenei.
The operation launched without congressional authorization, though the Gang of Eight was notified shortly before. Democrats are divided: Progressives like Sens. Bernie Sanders and Tim Kaine called it an "illegal war" and pushed for an immediate vote on a bipartisan war powers resolution with Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie to block further action without approval. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer demanded briefings, stating Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons but Congress needs to vote. However, Sens. John Fetterman and Rep. Josh Gottheimer praised Trump for defending national security and Israel. Republicans, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, lauded the strikes, with Graham declaring "the mothership of terrorism is about to go down" and calling Trump the "gold standard" for Republican foreign policy. No ground troops are planned, per reports.
