During mid-morning hours local time on 28 February 2026, Israel launched pre-emptive strikes against Iran. President Trump then confirmed U.S. involvement in “major combat operations,” which are ongoing. Based on commentary from both Israel and the U.S., this is going to be a sustained military campaign targeting Iranian military and political leadership, military-industrial assets, and wide-ranging military targets—including nuclear sites—across Iran, with the goal of destroying command and control structures, degrading offensive and defensive capabilities, and ultimately bringing about regime change. Multiple U.S. embassies have issued shelter-in-place warnings while most of the region has closed airspace. Airlines have cancelled flights in response. Iran vowed a "crushing response" in retaliation and has targeted military bases in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
- Abide by local guidance regarding shelter-in-place orders.
- If in Israel, remain near bomb shelters and take immediate action at the sound of sirens.
- Be prepared for ongoing major airspace disruptions.
Military Campaign
- Initial Israeli strikes reportedly targeted senior leaders within the regime across Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj and Kermanshah. Unconfirmed reports indicate Ayatollah Khamenei was not in Tehran at the time.
- Initial targets included intelligence and defense ministries, the Presidential Palace, and the Office of the Supreme Leader.
- Israeli PM Netanyahu says the US–Israeli operation, named "Lion's Roar," will "create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands".
- According to a statement from President Trump, the U.S. intends to destroy Iran's missile forces, missile industry, navy, nuclear program, and proxies as part of "Operation Epic Fury." Unconfirmed reports that Iranian Navy/IRGC Navy bases have been hit to preempt mining of the Straits of Hormuz.
- President Trump urged the people of Iran to seize their future saying "I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take". He also offered immunity to members of the IRGC, army, and police who lay down their arms or face death if they stand with the regime.
- Cyberattacks targeted Iran's official news agency, ISNA, and a popular Iranian prayer app was hacked with messages encouraging armed forces to defect, saying "help has arrived."
Situation Report
- Airspace is closed in Israel, Iran, Jordan, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Syria, Lebanon and Iraq. Multiple airlines have cancelled flights to the region in response.
- U.S. embassies in Israel, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates issued shelter-in-place warnings to citizens in the region.
- In retaliation, Iran initially launched dozens of ballistic missiles targeting Israel.
- Iranian retaliatory strikes were reported in Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates targeting military bases. The vast majority of missiles were successfully intercepted though impacts were reported at the naval base hosting the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.
- Iran has shutdown internet access.
forecast
- This operation will last for days if not weeks as the U.S. and Israel seek to degrade the Iranian regime, both politically and militarily, to the point of regime change. Statements from both Trump and Netanyahu confirm this goal.
- Iran will continue to retaliate by targeting Israel and U.S. military bases in the region.
- As regime change is the goal, Iran will respond with all possible options in order to guarantee its survival—all targets are now viable including oil & gas infrastructure and U.S. military bases.
Recommendations
- Abide by local guidance regarding shelter-in-place orders.
- If in Israel, remain near bomb shelters and take immediate action at the sound of sirens.
- Be prepared for ongoing major airspace disruptions.
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