In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, the United States and Israel launched a coordinated military campaign against Iran on Saturday, February 28, marking a watershed moment in the long-running conflict between Tehran and its powerful rivals. Over the weekend, US and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iranian military infrastructure, including missile bases, command centers and defense installations. The campaign ended with the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (who has led the Islamic Republic since 1989), as president Donald Trump certain.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening in Iran now, after the strikes first made headlines.
Why did the United States and Israel attack Iran?
Trump said in a video message to the public that US and Israeli forces struck Iran because of its failure to adhere to the US president’s nuclear standards.
“They have rejected every opportunity to abandon their nuclear ambitions, and we can take them no longer,” Trump said in his statement on February 26. “Instead, they have tried to rebuild their nuclear program and continue developing long-range missiles that can now threaten our good friends and allies in Europe, our troops stationed abroad, and could soon reach the American homeland. … For these reasons, the United States military is engaged in a massive, ongoing operation to prevent this evil and extremist dictatorship from threatening America and our very essence.” National security interests.”
Did Iran attack the United States?
In response to the missile strikes, Iran launched ballistic missiles and drone strikes against Israel and US military bases across the Gulf region. Explosions were reported in cities such as Tel Aviv and Dubai. Tehran vowed “unprecedented revenge” and activated its armed forces in a large-scale counterattack, according to multiple media outlets.
Is the United States at war with Iran?
Trump said in his statement that casualties “often happen in war” when he warned that American service members could be injured or die.
The Republican president said: “The lives of brave American heroes may be lost, and we may fall victim. This often happens in war.” “But we’re not doing it now. We’re doing it for the future. It’s a noble mission. We pray for every military service member as they selflessly risk their lives to ensure that Americans and our children will never be threatened by a nuclear-armed Iran.”
