Trump Launches Major Military Operation In Iran

United States President Donald Trump has confirmed that American forces have launched major combat operations across Iran in a coordinated strike with Israeli allies, targeting the regime’s missile capabilities, navy and any attempt to rebuild its nuclear programme.

In a video statement posted on Truth Social early Saturday, February 28, 2026, Trump declared: “A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people.”

He explained that the operation, which includes codenames such as Operation Epic Fury, aims to “destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground… We’re going to annihilate their navy” and ensure Iran never obtains nuclear weapons. Explosions have already been reported in Tehran, Bushehr, Isfahan, Qom, Kermanshah and several other provinces, with Iranian state media confirming attacks on military and security sites.

Trump issued a direct appeal to members of Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the regular armed forces and police. “To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces and all of the police, I say tonight that you must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity, or in the alternative, face certain death. So, lay down your arms. You will be treated fairly with total immunity or will face certain death.”

Turning to the Iranian people, the US leader added: “The hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered. Don’t leave your home. It’s very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations… America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force.”

The strikes come barely eight months after US and Israeli forces hit Iranian nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan in June 2025 under Operation Midnight Hammer. Trump said Iran had tried to rebuild its nuclear programme and long-range missiles despite repeated warnings and failed talks. The latest action follows months of tension, including deadly protests inside Iran that left tens of thousands dead and drew fresh US condemnation of the regime.

Iranian officials have vowed retaliation, while Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the joint operation as necessary to remove an existential threat. Internet blackouts and airspace closures have been reported across Iran, and the operation is expected to last several days.

NaijaChoice News understands that the development has sent shockwaves across the global energy market, with oil prices already climbing as traders fear possible disruption to supplies from the Persian Gulf. Many Nigerians monitoring the situation are concerned about the ripple effects on fuel costs and the wider economy back home.