by Ann Brown
February 28, 2026
Iran responded inside hours, launching retaliatory missile and drone strikes towards Israel and U.S. navy bases throughout the Gulf.
The USA and Israel have launched sweeping navy strikes throughout Iran, with President Donald Trump confirming that main fight operations are underway and brazenly urging Iranians to overthrow their authorities, AP Information studies.
Talking in a video tackle, Trump declared that the Iranian individuals ought to seize management of their future, calling this second a uncommon alternative for generational change. The strikes, which came about on Feb. 28, reportedly focused navy installations, strategic websites in Tehran, and areas close to the workplaces of Supreme Chief Ali Khamenei. Iranian state media mentioned assaults have been carried out nationwide, and smoke was seen rising above the capital.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the operation as a coordinated marketing campaign with the U.S. designed to weaken Iran’s ruling management.
Iran responded inside hours, launching retaliatory missile and drone strikes towards Israel and U.S. navy bases throughout the Gulf, BBC studies. Explosions have been reported in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. In Bahrain, the place the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet operates, video footage captured the second a missile struck, sending particles into the air as civilians fled.
Regional governments mentioned they have been intercepting missiles however warned of broader penalties. Issues are particularly excessive over the Strait of Hormuz, a significant world oil route.
Within the aftermath of the U.S. and Israel’s strikes on Iran, members of Congress responded alongside sharp occasion strains.
Republican allies rapidly voiced assist. Sen. Lindsey Graham mentioned he was “assured this operation shall be profitable and the liberation of the lengthy struggling individuals of Iran is at hand.” He added, “This operation has been well-planned. It is going to be violent, intensive and I imagine, on the finish of the day, profitable,” Spectrum Information studies.
Democrats have known as for warning and oversight. Rep. Jared Moskowitz formally requested briefings, saying, “It is a severe second that calls for full transparency and congressional oversight.” Sen. Andy Kim warned that Trump had “as soon as once more began a cycle of violence that has already escalated and will spiral uncontrolled. That is unacceptable.”
Home Minority Chief Hakeem Jeffries signaled potential legislative pushback, saying supporters of the Iran Conflict Powers Decision plan to compel a vote “as quickly as Congress reconvenes subsequent week.”
Inside Iran, the general public temper seems deeply divided. Social media movies present panic in components of Tehran as residents run from blast websites. In line with the BBC, some Iranians expressed cautious reduction on the prospect of political change. Others concern that airstrikes alone might not topple the regime and will as a substitute result in harsher inside repression.
The escalation follows mounting stress from Washington over Iran’s nuclear program. Trump just lately criticized Tehran’s negotiating stance, signaling frustration forward of the strikes.
As missile exchanges proceed throughout the area, world leaders are bracing for additional fallout.
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