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Trump says US began 'major combat operations' against Iran

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Trump says US began 'major combat operations' against Iran
Image source: Deutsche Welle

Why it matters

The Associated Press news agency reported that the first apparent strike happened near the offices of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Key takeaways

  • Israeli official: Regime targets and military sites are being attacked -— including ballistic missiles," appeared on the ticker of the Kan 11 television channel.
  • An unnamed Israeli defense official told Reuters the operation was planned for months and the launch date was decided weeks ago.
  • It wasn’t immediately clear whether the 86-year-old Khamenei had been in his offices at the time.
Skip next section What you need to know

What you need to know

TL;DR: Skip next section IN PICTURES: US, Israeli strikes rock Tehran

Skip next section IN PICTURES: US, Israeli strikes rock Tehran

IN PICTURES: US, Israeli strikes rock Tehran

TL;DR: Skip next section Trump says US launched 'major combat operations' against Iran

Skip next section Trump says US launched 'major combat operations' against Iran

Trump says US launched 'major combat operations' against Iran

TL;DR: US President Donald Trump said the US military had launched "major combat ​operations" ‌in Iran.

US President Donald Trump said the US military had launched "major combat ​operations" ‌in Iran.

"Our objective is ‌to defend ‌the ​American people by eliminating imminent threats ​from the Iranian ⁠regime," ​Trump said ​in ​a video ‌shared on ​social ⁠media.

Trump has vowed to destroy Iranian nuclear and military capabilities.

"We will ensure Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon," he said.

Skip next section Israeli strikes reportedly targeting Iranian 'regime and military sites'

Israeli strikes reportedly targeting Iranian 'regime and military sites'

TL;DR: Israeli strikes are targeting "regime and military sites," the Kan public broadcaster in Israel reported, citing an Israeli official.

Israeli strikes are targeting "regime and military sites," the Kan public broadcaster in Israel reported, citing an Israeli official.

"Israeli official: Regime targets and military sites are being attacked -— including ballistic missiles," appeared on the ticker of the Kan 11 television channel. 

The Associated Press news agency reported that the first apparent strike happened near the offices of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

It wasn’t immediately clear whether the 86-year-old Khamenei had been in his offices at the time.

He hasn’t been seen publicly in days amid growing tensions with the US.

An Israeli official told AP targets in the Israeli campaign included Iran's military, symbols of government and intelligence targets.

Meanwhile, an Iranian official told Reuters that Khamenei was ⁠not in ​Tehran and had ​been ​transferred ‌to a secure location.

US-Military pressure on Iran: Is a regime change the goal?

TL;DR: To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Skip next section Both Israel and Iran close their airspace

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

Skip next section Both Israel and Iran close their airspace

Both Israel and Iran close their airspace

TL;DR: After launching what it called a "preemptive" strike against Iran, Israel closed its airspace to civilian flights, and the airports ​authority asked the public not to go to any of the country's airports.

After launching what it called a "preemptive" strike against Iran, Israel closed its airspace to civilian flights, and the airports ​authority asked the public not to go to any of the country's airports.

Iran has also shut down its airspace and mobile phone services were cut.

Neighboring Iraq has also announced that it is closing its airspace. 

Skip next section Israeli strike on Iran coordinated with the US — reports

Israeli strike on Iran coordinated with the US — reports

TL;DR: The Israeli strike on Iran was coordinated with the US, both the Associated Press and Reuters news agencies cited unnamed sources as saying.

The Israeli strike on Iran was coordinated with the US, both the Associated Press and Reuters news agencies cited unnamed sources as saying.

An unnamed Israeli defense official told Reuters the operation was planned for months and the launch date was decided weeks ago.

Skip next section Sirens sounded in Israel in anticipation of retaliation

Sirens sounded in Israel in anticipation of retaliation

TL;DR: Meanwhile, sirens sounded across Israel on Saturday.

Meanwhile, sirens sounded across Israel on Saturday.

The Israeli military said it was a "proactive alert to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward the state of Israel."

Israel's airports authority said the country's airspace has been closed to civilian flights. 

US, Iran ramp up military posture amid Geneva nuclear talks

TL;DR: Skip next section Israel defense minister says launched 'preemptive' strike against Iran

Skip next section Israel defense minister says launched 'preemptive' strike against Iran

Israel defense minister says launched 'preemptive' strike against Iran

TL;DR: Israel has launched a "preemptive" strike against Iran, the country's Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Saturday.

Israel has launched a "preemptive" strike against Iran, the country's Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Saturday.

He described the attack as being done "to remove threats." He did not immediately elaborate.

An explosion rang out Saturday in Iran’s capital, Tehran, witnesses said. It wasn't immediately clear what the target was. 

There was no immediate comment from the Iranian government.

The attack comes amid soaring tensions between Iran and the US over Tehran's nuclear and missile programs. Washington has deployed a vast fleet of fighter jets and warships to the region to try to pressure Iran into a deal.

Skip next section Welcome to our coverage

Welcome to our coverage

TL;DR: Israel has announced launching a 'preemptive strike' on Iran, as talks between the Islamic Republic and the US over the former's nuclear and missile programs failed to reach a breakthrough.

Israel has announced launching a 'preemptive strike' on Iran, as talks between the Islamic Republic and the US over the former's nuclear and missile programs failed to reach a breakthrough.

Israel has also sounded sirens across the country and warned its citizens of missile strikes in anticipation of retaliation from Iran.

This blog will keep you updated on the latest regarding this unfolding conflict.

Deutsche WelleVerified

Curated by Sofia Andersson

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Published: Feb 28, 2026

Read time: 4 min

Category: World