{"id":7333,"date":"2026-02-28T10:12:18","date_gmt":"2026-02-28T10:12:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/foreignnewstoday.com\/?p=7333"},"modified":"2026-02-28T10:12:18","modified_gmt":"2026-02-28T10:12:18","slug":"us-israel-launch-attack-on-iran-after-regime-refuses-to-scrap-nuclear-program-report","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/foreignnewstoday.com\/?p=7333","title":{"rendered":"US, Israel launch attack on Iran after regime refuses to scrap nuclear program: report"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<br \/><\/p>\n<div>\n<p>The US and Israel <a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2026\/02\/28\/world-news\/us-israel-attack-iran-live-updates-after-airstrikes-launched\/\">launched airstrikes against Iran Saturday morning<\/a> in response to the regime\u2019s refusal to dismantle its nuclear program after weeks of negotiations \u2014 \u00a0targeting military infrastructure and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei\u2019s compound in Tehran.<\/p>\n<p>The attacks \u2014 which the Department of War called \u201cOperation Epic Fury\u201d \u2014 follow a <a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2026\/02\/18\/world-news\/trump-ready-for-sustained-strikes-on-iran-with-massive-middle-east-buildup\/\">massive US military buildup<\/a> in the Middle East and come after President Trump repeatedly warned Tehran that it would face consequences if it didn\u2019t make a deal with the US.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Iran\u00a0then launched missiles towards Israel in a retaliatory attack as officials claimed the response would be \u201ccrushing.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime,\u201d Trump said in an eight-minute video address on Saturday. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><figcaption>A plume of smoke rises following a reported explosion in Tehran on February 28, 2026.  <span class=\"credit\">AFP via Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cIts menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas and our allies throughout the world. For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted \u2018Death to America\u2019 and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder targeting the United States, our troops and the innocent people in many, many countries.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside class=\"single__inline-module aligncenter wp-block-nypost-editor-primary-tag\">\n<\/aside>\n<p>US officials had been pushing for Iran to agree to dismantle its nuclear program for weeks, but the regime\u2019s refusal led to the joint daylight attack.<\/p>\n<p>Seven missiles struck in the area around Khamenei\u2019s fortified complex in central Tehran, Reuters reported, with additional strikes near the presidential palace.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><figcaption>People run for cover following an explosion, after Israel said it launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026. <span class=\"credit\">REUTERS<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The 86-year-old supreme leader was not in Tehran when the strikes were launched, having been transferred to an undisclosed secure location, according to the outlet, citing sources.<\/p>\n<p>The full extent of the American assault on Iran remains unclear.<\/p>\n<p>Airstrikes were also reported in other enclaves, including Isfahan, Qom, Karaj and Kermanshah.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Israeli military officials were prepared for the \u201cinitial phase\u201d to last over several days, with the first strikes taking place during the day as a surprise to Iran, Israel\u2019s Channel 12 reported.<\/p>\n<p>Neighboring Iraq closed its airspace after the daylight attack began.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><figcaption>President Trump delivers a video message after the US carried out strikes against Iran. <span class=\"credit\">Donald J. Trump\/Truth Social<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Trump called upon the Iranian citizens to overthrow the \u201cviolent\u201d regime as it was their destiny.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTo the great proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered, don\u2019t leave your home, it\u2019s very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, we will take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations,\u201d Trump said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor many years, you have asked for America\u2019s help, but you never got it. No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. Now you have a president who is giving you what you want, so let\u2019s see how you respond. America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow is the time to seize control of your destiny and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close, within your reach. This is the moment for action, do not let it pass,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><figcaption>Benjamin Netanyahu issues a statement following the airstrikes. <span class=\"credit\">Benjamin Netanyah\/X<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><figcaption>A graphic captured the airspace over Iran before the strikes on Saturday morning. <span class=\"credit\">BuBBliK\/X<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed Trump\u2019s speech, decrying the attacks Iran launched against Israel and the US over the regime\u2019s 47 year tyanny.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis murderous terrorist regime must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>Sirens sounded throughout Israel as a \u201cproactive\u201d measure alerting the public of a potential retaliatory strike, the IDF announced.<\/p>\n<p>US Israeli ambassador Mike Huckabee warned Americans to prepare for possible airstrikes<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are encouraging all Embassy team &amp; families &amp; US citizens in Israel to be prepared for Home Front Command alerts &amp; sirens. Stay near shelters &amp; take immediate action at the sound of alerts or sirens,\u201d Huckabee\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/GovMikeHuckabee\/status\/2027639486293676326?s=20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">wrote on X.<\/a><\/p>\n<figure class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><figcaption>A trail of smoke appears in the sky after a missile was intercepted on February 28, 2026 in Pardes Hanna-Karkur, Israel <span class=\"credit\">Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><figcaption>People watch as smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran on February 28, 2026. <span class=\"credit\">AP<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Israel also suspended public activity, declaring only \u201cEmergency Activity\u201d going into effect, prohibiting education, work, and social gatherings.<\/p>\n<p>Trump had reportedly been weighing options ranging from a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/middle-east\/us-not-seeking-zero-enrichment-talks-irans-foreign-minister-says-2026-02-20\/\"> limited strike to pressure Iran<\/a> into a deal to a military campaign <a href=\"https:\/\/www.axios.com\/2026\/02\/21\/trump-iran-plan-kill-khamenei-regime-change-deal\">aimed at killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei<\/a> and his son, Mojtaba, who is viewed as a possible successor.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The president had given the Iranian officials a 10-15 day deadline to reach an agreement on a nuclear deal on Feb. 19, asserting the regime would face \u201creally bad things\u201d if it didn\u2019t.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The warning came after days of indirect negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, between US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and the president\u2019s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The discussions were mediated by Oman.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Trump has long insisted that he would not accept a deal that would allow Iran to continue to enrich uranium, fearing the regime would use it to build a nuclear weapon.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Tehran insists it is only seeking to enrich uranium for civilian purposes.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><figcaption>Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the southern Lebanese area of al-Qatrani <span class=\"credit\">AFP via Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><figcaption>Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran on Feb. 19, 2026. <span class=\"credit\">ZUMAPRESS.com<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><figcaption>Iranians mourn protesters killed during anti-government demonstrations in Tehran, Iran, on Feb. 18, 2026. <span class=\"credit\">Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The US assault marks the first American-led strikes against the\u00a0Islamic Republic since<a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2025\/06\/22\/us-news\/inside-operation-midnight-hammer-us-dropped-14-bunker-buster-bombs-on-irans-fordow-nuke-site-in-biggest-ever-b-2-raid\/\"> Operation Midnight Hammer<\/a> last June, which targeted the Fordow Uranium Enrichment Plant, the Natanz Nuclear Facility and the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center.<\/p>\n<p>The US Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bombers battered the facilities with \u201cbunker buster\u201d bombs, while the Navy fired sea-based Tomahawk missiles in the successful strike.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Amid the latest back-and-forth with Iran, Trump deployed two powerful carrier strike groups to the Middle East.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2026\/02\/20\/us-news\/uss-gerald-r-ford-enters-mediterranean-sea-as-iran-tensions-rise\/\">USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier<\/a> entered the Mediterranean Sea on Feb. 20, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"single__inline-module inline-module inline-module--newsletter aligncenter inline-module--nypostbusinessunit aligncenter wp-block-nypost-editor-newsletter\" data-source-unit=\"Inline Newsletter Module Morning Report\">\n<div class=\"inline-module__inner\">\n<div class=\"inline-module__title-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"inline-module__unsubmitted-title-wrapper\">\n<h3 class=\"inline-module__title headline headline--combo-sm-md\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tStart your day with all you need to know\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n<p class=\"inline-module__cta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMorning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><h3 class=\"inline-module__title headline headline--combo-sm-md\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThanks for signing up!\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>A dozen Navy destroyers and three littoral combat ships are also believed to be accompanying the nuclear-powered carriers.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The US also moved <a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2026\/02\/18\/world-news\/trump-sends-uss-gerald-ford-f-22s-f-35s-toward-iran-ahead-of-possible-strikes\/\">more than 50 fighter jets<\/a> as part of the military buildup, according to Axios.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The airfleet includes F-16 Falcons, F-22 Raptors and F-35 jets, according to independent flight trackers.<\/p>\n<p>The latter jets have stealth capabilities, allowing them to strike Iran without being detected by the nation\u2019s air defenses.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><figcaption>Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. in the Arabian Sea on Feb. 6, 2026. <span class=\"credit\">US NAVY\/AFP via Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><figcaption>The USS Gerald R. Ford in the waters off the coast of Gibraltar on Feb. 20, 2026. <span class=\"credit\">David Parody \/ SWNS<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The jets joined other warplanes that had been deployed to Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia in recent weeks.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Ahead of the assault, Iran vowed that it would retaliate against American troops in the region if the US were to launch a strike.<\/p>\n<p>Tehran attacked Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar last year in response to Operation Midnight Hammer. There were no US casualties in that attack.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Earlier this year, Trump weighed military action against Iran over a deadly crackdown on anti-regime protesters, who have been calling for change over the country\u2019s ailing economy.<\/p>\n<p>The regime killed as many as 30,000 protesters, according to <a href=\"https:\/\/time.com\/7357635\/more-than-30000-killed-in-iran-say-senior-officials\/\">some estimates<\/a>, as it clamped down on dissent and demands for regime change.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><em>With Post wires<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2026\/02\/28\/us-news\/us-israel-launch-attack-on-iran-after-regime-refuses-to-scrap-nuclear-program-report\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The US and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran Saturday morning in response to the regime\u2019s refusal to dismantle its nuclear program after weeks of negotiations \u2014&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7334,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7333","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-north-america"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/foreignnewstoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7333","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/foreignnewstoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/foreignnewstoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foreignnewstoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foreignnewstoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7333"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/foreignnewstoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7333\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foreignnewstoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/7334"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/foreignnewstoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7333"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foreignnewstoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7333"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foreignnewstoday.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7333"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}