Major escalation just happened in Iran today (February 28, 2026).
‘By Hotspotnews
The United States and Israel launched a large-scale joint military attack on Iran, with President Donald Trump announcing that “major combat operations” are underway. The stated goals include destroying Iran’s missile and military capabilities, preventing nuclear weapon development, and creating conditions for regime change — Trump directly urged Iranians (in a video message) to “take over your government” once the operations conclude, framing it as their “hour of freedom” and possibly their only chance in generations.
Key details from reports:
– Strikes targeted leadership sites (including areas near Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s offices and the presidential compound in Tehran), military installations, and other locations across cities like Tehran, Isfahan, Tabriz, Qom, Kermanshah, and more.
– Smoke was seen rising over Tehran, with explosions reported nationwide.
– Tragically, Iranian state media claims civilian casualties, including at least 53 killed (mostly students) when a girls’ elementary school in southern Iran (Minab, Hormozgan province) was reportedly hit.
– A senior adviser to Khamenei (Ali Shamkhani) was killed in the strikes.
Iran immediately retaliated:
– Launched missiles and drones toward Israel (some intercepted over areas like Haifa).
– Targeted U.S. military bases and assets across the region, including in Qatar, UAE (e.g., Al Dhafra base near Abu Dhabi), Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and possibly others — explosions and air defense activations reported in the Persian Gulf.
– Several Gulf states (like Saudi Arabia) said they repelled attacks and reserved the right to respond.
The conflict has caused:
– Widespread flight suspensions across the Middle East.
– Panic in Tehran, with residents sheltering and schools emptying.
– Global airlines halting operations in the area.
– U.S. advisories for citizens to shelter in place or leave if possible.
This appears to follow failed nuclear negotiations, long-standing tensions over Iran’s program, regional proxy conflicts, and recent internal unrest in Iran. The situation remains fluid and ongoing, with risks of further escalation across the Middle East.
Many Iranians (especially opposition voices and diaspora) have expressed support for action against the regime, seeing it as potential liberation after decades of repression — though civilian deaths are drawing strong condemnation.
The region is extremely tense right now. If you’re following this for personal/family reasons or travel, stay tuned to official alerts.