On February 28, 2026, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East reached a critical level as both the United States and Israel initiated significant military actions against Iran, citing national security and nuclear non-proliferation as primary motives.
U.S. Military Action and Nuclear Deterrence President Donald Trump announced via Truth Social that the United States has begun a major combat operation within Iran. The President stated that the mission aims to protect American citizens and allies from an “imminent threat”. Trump emphasized a strict policy: Iran will never be permitted to possess nuclear weapons.
This operation follows a history of conflict, including “Operation Midnight Hammer” in June 2025, which targeted Iranian nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Trump also held the Iranian government responsible for decades of violence against U.S. interests, specifically citing their support for the October 7, 2025, attacks on Israel, which resulted in the deaths and kidnappings of several Americans.
Israel’s Preemptive Strike and State of Emergency Simultaneously, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Israel launched preemptive strikes against Iran. Following the commencement of these attacks, the Israeli government declared a nationwide state of emergency, bracing for potential retaliatory strikes involving drones and missiles. Reports from Tehran confirmed the sounds of explosions and visible smoke in the capital, while Iranian state media experienced temporary disruptions.
Iran’s Internal Response In response to the strikes, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reportedly moved to a secure location. State media broadcasted his calls for citizens to resist the “enemy,” accompanied by footage of government supporters rallying against foreign intervention.
Current Status U.S. officials have confirmed that military operations are ongoing. While President Trump acknowledged the inherent risks to American service members, he asserted that comprehensive measures have been taken to minimize casualties in the region.
