US forces have unleashed devastating airstrikes across Iran, escalating tensions into full-scale war. President Donald Trump declared major combat operations underway to dismantle threats from Tehran’s regime. Explosions rocked Tehran, sending smoke plumes skyward from key government districts.
Trump announces sweeping assault
President Trump revealed the offensive in an eight-minute social media video, labelling it a “massive and ongoing operation” against Iran’s “wicked, radical dictatorship”. Strikes targeted nuclear facilities, military bases, and missile sites, far exceeding last June’s limited attacks. Dozens of US warplanes from regional bases and carriers pounded positions, with operations potentially spanning days.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 28, 2026
Israel joins coordinated strikes
Israeli forces struck simultaneously, coordinating with US allies to neutralise imminent threats. Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed attacks aimed at removing dangers, including long-range missiles. One blast hit near Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s office, though his presence remained unclear. Targets encompassed storage sites, production facilities, and Revolutionary Guard assets.
Explosions spark panic in Iranian cities
Residents in Tehran witnessed chaos as blasts echoed through populated areas. Smoke billowed from Pasteur Street near the presidential palace and National Security Council. Schools emptied due to the fear, with children hiding and crying. Unconfirmed reports detailed strikes in Chabahar, Konarak, Ilam, Isfahan, and Karaj. Communications faltered, leaving landlines down and mobiles sketchy.
Failed talks led to escalation
Nuclear negotiations unravelled after last-ditch talks in Switzerland yielded no breakthrough. Trump demanded Iran halt enrichment, curb missiles, and cut regional alliances, but Tehran resisted. His recent Board of Peace speech warned of “bad things” without compliance. US deployments, including the USS Abraham Lincoln, signalled readiness for action.
Bracing for Iranian retaliation
Israel declared a state of emergency, closing schools, workplaces, and airspace while sounding air-raid sirens nationwide. Residents received alerts to seek shelters. US Ambassador Huckabee urged Americans in Israel to heed sirens. Trump urged Iranians to overthrow their government post-strikes, calling it a rare chance for change.
Sceptics question the strategy’s success in curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, advocating diplomacy instead. Tensions trace back to Trump’s January vow to aid anti-government protests, suppressed brutally by Tehran.
Footage of 21 Tomahawk cruise missiles headed towards Tehran this morning. pic.twitter.com/CYyJNjbICb
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) February 28, 2026
