DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP).—The United States and Israel launched a large-scale attack on targets in Iranin an offensive that marks a new episode in regional tension. US President Donald Trump urged the Iranian people to “take the reins of their destiny” and rise up against the Islamic leadership that has ruled the country since 1979.
The first bombings appeared to target the vicinity of the offices of the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian media reported attacks in different parts of the country, while columns of smoke were observed in Tehran. It was not clear whether the 86-year-old religious leader was in the complex at the time of the attack.
Iran confirms attacks against US military bases in Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claims to have launched missiles and drones against US military bases located in Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, as well as… pic.twitter.com/5L1v1KJ22N
— DW Español (@dw_espanol) February 28, 2026
“When we’re done, take control of your government. It will be yours. This will probably be your only chance for generations,” Trump said in a video in which he confirmed “major combat operations” underway. “For many years, they have asked for help from the United States, but they never got it,” he added.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported the message and noted that the joint operation seeks to create conditions for the Iranian people to change the political course of the country.
US and Israeli attack on Iran and Iranian military response
The offensive is the Trump administration’s second direct military action against the Islamic Republic in eight months. It comes amid rising tensions, with US warships moving into the region and negotiations stalled over Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran responded by launching missiles and drones at Israel, as well as attacks on US military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. The United Arab Emirates and Iraq closed their airspace as a preventive measure.
🇮🇷🇺🇸🇮🇱 | URGENT: The death toll rises to 40 after the United States and Israel launched a missile attack on a girls’ primary school in southern Iran. pic.twitter.com/8fVbcwSXzu
— AlertaNewsPlus (@AlertaNewsPlus) February 28, 2026
In a statement posted on the social network
The state agency IRNA reported the death of 40 students at a girls’ school in Minab, Hormozgan province, and at least 45 more people were injured. In the United Arab Emirates, shrapnel from an Iranian missile left one dead, according to the official press.
Iran’s nuclear program and Donald Trump’s justification
Israel described the offensive as a “comprehensive, coordinated and joint” operation that had been months in the planning. Trump justified the attack by pointing out that Iran continues to develop its nuclear program and missiles capable of reaching US territory.
The president acknowledged that there could be American casualties and stated that in war “that usually happens.” His stance contrasts with his initial promise to avoid protracted conflicts abroad.
Trump maintained that he seeks to “annihilate” the Iranian navy and weaken regional allies backed by Tehran. He also asked the Revolutionary Guard to lay down their arms and offered immunity to its members if they do so.
Iran has reiterated that it has the right to enrich uranium and that it will not negotiate its missile program or support for armed groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. Although it maintains that it has not enriched uranium since June, it has restricted the access of international inspectors to previously bombed facilities.
🔴 LAST MINUTE 🔴
Reza Pahlavi publishes a statement:
“My dear compatriots,
Moments of destiny are approaching for us.
The help that the President of the United States promised to the brave people of Iran has already arrived.
This is a humanitarian intervention; his… pic.twitter.com/y06amu7arz
— Action and Communication on the Middle East – ACOM (@ACOM_es) February 28, 2026
Impact of the Iran–Israel conflict on markets and the Middle East
The conflict could affect global markets, especially if the security of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a third of the world’s seaborne oil transits, is compromised.
In Tehran, authorities closed access to Khamenei’s complex after the first explosions. Witnesses reported detonations in different parts of the capital, although no official numbers of victims in that area have been confirmed.
Hours after the offensive began, the Revolutionary Guard announced a “first wave” of attacks against Israel. A missile attack against the headquarters of the United States Fifth Fleet was reported in Bahrain, while explosions were heard in Kuwait and Qatar.
Iraq reported that a drone strike hit a headquarters of the Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia, leaving two dead. Yemen’s Houthi rebels also announced that they will resume attacks against shipping in the Red Sea, in a scenario that keeps the region on alert.
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