Trump says US began 'major combat operations' against Iran

DW News · Feb 28, 2026 · Collected from RSS

Full Article

Skip next section What you need to knowWhat you need to know Israel has launched a 'preemptive strike' on Iran US President Trump also confirmed 'major combat operations' against Iran Explosions are reported across Tehran Sirens sounded in Israel as the IDF braces for Iranian retaliation This blog will bring you the latest on the unfolding situation in the Middle East between Iran and Israel on Saturday, February 28, 2026: Skip next section IN PICTURES: US, Israeli strikes rock TehranFebruary 28, 2026IN PICTURES: US, Israeli strikes rock Tehranhttps://p.dw.com/p/59ZIaSkip next section Trump says US launched 'major combat operations' against IranFebruary 28, 2026Trump says US launched 'major combat operations' against IranUS 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. https://p.dw.com/p/59ZEYSkip next section Israeli strikes reportedly targeting Iranian 'regime and military sites'February 28, 2026Israeli strikes reportedly targeting Iranian 'regime and military sites'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?To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video https://p.dw.com/p/59ZEHSkip next section Both Israel and Iran close their airspace February 28, 2026Both Israel and Iran close their airspace 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. https://p.dw.com/p/59Z23Skip next section Israeli strike on Iran coordinated with the US — reportsFebruary 28, 2026Israeli strike on Iran coordinated with the US — reportsThe 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. https://p.dw.com/p/59Z1pSkip next section Sirens sounded in Israel in anticipation of retaliationFebruary 28, 2026Sirens sounded in Israel in anticipation of retaliationMeanwhile, 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 talksTo view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video https://p.dw.com/p/59Z0fSkip next section Israel defense minister says launched 'preemptive' strike against IranFebruary 28, 2026Israel defense minister says launched 'preemptive' strike against IranIsrael 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. https://p.dw.com/p/59Z0dSkip next section Welcome to our coverageFebruary 28, 2026Welcome to our coverageIsrael 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. https://p.dw.com/p/59YzkShow more posts