Trump Launches Massive Iran Strikes, Calls for Regime Change

President Trump authorized a joint US-Israeli military campaign against Iran on Saturday, February 28, 2026, describing the operation as “massive and ongoing.” Explosions were reported across multiple Iranian cities including Tehran, with the US military preparing for several days of sustained strikes. Trump claimed Iran was developing long-range missiles threatening the US homeland, though CNN sources stated US intelligence does not support assertions that Iran would soon possess missiles capable of reaching American territory. Iran does maintain short-range ballistic missiles that could threaten US troops and bases in the Middle East.

Trump called for regime change in a video posted to Truth Social, telling Iranians to “take over your government” once US operations conclude and claiming to offer what previous presidents refused. He acknowledged American casualties were possible, stating the mission served future security interests rather than immediate concerns. Netanyahu similarly demanded Iranian regime change, thanking Trump for “historic leadership” and framing the strikes as necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The strikes came one day after indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva where Iran’s Foreign Minister said a deal was “within reach” if diplomacy remained prioritized, while Trump stated he was “not happy” with progress.

Iran responded with a near-total internet blackout affecting 96 percent of national connectivity and launched dozens of ballistic missiles toward Israel, with state media reporting 30 to 75 missiles in flight targeting “the whole of Palestine.” Israel’s air defenses activated as sirens sounded across the country. Iran’s airspace was closed and schools shut down as the country prepared what state media described as a “crushing response.” Videos verified by CNN showed strikes on Iran’s intelligence ministry complex in northern Tehran, while explosions were reported near the compound of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with state media reporting at least seven missiles struck the area.

Trump remained at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, monitoring operations while attending a MAGA Inc. super PAC meeting and dinner. The operation followed Trump’s earlier deployment of a massive armada to Iran and his threats of escalated military action. Iran’s leadership, including Supreme Leader Khamenei, had previously warned the US that “the strongest military force in the world may at times be struck so hard that it cannot get up again,” signaling preparedness for retaliation.

The timing of the strikes held symbolic significance in Judaism, occurring ahead of Purim when worshippers read the biblical passage of Zachor commanding remembrance of Amalek as Israel’s archetypal enemy. This marked the second time the US and Israel launched major strikes on Iran during nuclear negotiations, repeating a pattern from June 2025 when similar operations disrupted earlier diplomatic efforts. Trump’s framing of the campaign as liberation rhetoric contrasted sharply with his demands for unconditional Iranian surrender on nuclear matters and regime overthrow.

(Source: https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/israel-iran-attack-02-28-26-hnk-intl)