Last Updated: February 28, 2026 | 10:45 AM ET
🔴 TOP STORY: President Trump Announces “Major Combat Operations” in Iran
In a dramatic escalation following the collapse of nuclear talks in Geneva, President Donald Trump announced early Saturday that the U.S. military has begun “major combat operations” against the Iranian regime.
- The Mission: Trump stated the goal is to “raze the missile industry to the ground” and ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon.
- The Appeal: In a direct video message, Trump urged the Iranian people to “take over your government” and told the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to lay down their arms or face “certain death.”
- Israeli Involvement: Simultaneously, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed a “preemptive strike” against Iranian targets. Explosions have been reported by state media in Tehran, Isfahan, and other major cities.
Latest News Feed
- 8:15 AM (Local Time): Air Raid Sirens in Israel Sirens sounded across Israel as the IDF warned of incoming retaliatory missile and drone attacks from Iran. A 48-hour state of emergency has been declared in Israel.
- Geneva Talks Fail: Diplomacy reached a dead end on February 26. Despite Omani mediators claiming “significant progress,” the U.S. reportedly demanded the total dismantling of the Fordow and Natanz facilities—a “red line” for Tehran.
- Economic Collapse: In the days leading up to the strikes, the Iranian rial plummeted to a record low of 1.42 million rials to 1 USD, sparking massive anti-regime protests in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar.
- Military Buildup: The U.S. has deployed the largest fleet of aircraft and warships in the Middle East since 2003, including multiple carrier strike groups.
| Area | Current Status | Risk Level |
| Nuclear Sites | Reports of strikes on Isfahan and Natanz facilities. | CRITICAL |
| Strait of Hormuz | U.S. Navy on high alert; potential for Iranian blockade. | HIGH |
| Regional Proxies | Hezbollah and Iraqi militias (Kataib Hezbollah) threaten “war of attrition.” | HIGH |
| Domestic Iran | Widespread internet blackouts; reports of renewed street protests. | ONGOING |
Expert Analysis
“We are seeing a ‘Maximum Pressure 2.0’ transition into direct kinetic action. The Trump administration is betting that the combination of internal economic unrest and external military force will trigger a regime collapse before Iran can reach ‘breakout’ nuclear capacity.” — Strategic Insight Bureau