President Donald Trump called for regime change in Iran after the US and Israel launched strikes on the country this morning. The attacks hit cities like Tehran, Qom, Isfahan, Kermanshah, and Karaj. Explosions echoed through the streets. Trump said the goal is to end Iran's missile threats and nuclear push. He urged Iranian forces to drop their weapons.
Key Takeaways
- US and Israel struck Iran on February 28, 2026, targeting military sites and leader compounds.
- Trump demands regime change and calls on IRGC members to surrender for immunity.
- Iran fired back with ballistic missiles at Israel and US bases in the region.
- Markets face risks from possible wider conflict after June's brief war.
Background
Tensions built for months. Back in January, Trump backed anti-government protests in Iran. He sent an armada to the Middle East, including carriers like the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford. The US laid out demands: stop uranium enrichment, limit missiles, end support for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
By February, Trump said regime change would be the best outcome. US officials planned for long operations, not just quick hits. Israel prepped too. Their defense minister called it a preemptive move to remove threats. The operation, named Roaring Lion by Israel and Operation Epic Fury by the US, came after months of planning.
This isn't the first clash. In June last year, US bombers and subs hit nuclear sites at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. That sparked a short war. Dozens died in Israel. Hundreds in Iran. Trump brokered a ceasefire then. Today feels bigger. Strikes hit the Supreme Leader's compound. Ali Khamenei lost contact. Reports say top officials died too.
Check out details on the US and Israel Strike Iran in Joint Preemptive Attack. And see how it sparked panic in Tehran.
Iran's regime faced heat before. Trump killed General Qassem Soleimani years ago. Iran hit back at a US base in Iraq. Over 100 Americans hurt. Now, with nuclear fears and proxy wars, things boiled over.
Key Details
Strikes started early Saturday. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed IDF action. US officials said attacks came by air and sea. Dozens of US planes from regional bases and carriers joined in. Targets included missile launchers, drone bases, and IRGC sites.
Explosions rocked Tehran. Seven missiles hit the area near Khamenei's home, the presidential palace, and National Security Council. Satellite images show heavy damage. Ali Shamkhani, a top security advisor, got killed. Thousands of IRGC troops wounded or dead at bases. Bushehr port took hits too. No word yet on the nuclear reactor there.
Iran's Response
Iran didn't wait. They launched dozens of ballistic missiles. First wave hit Israel. Sirens wailed nationwide. IDF intercepted most. A second barrage followed. Missiles targeted US bases in Jordan, Syria, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and UAE. Houthis said they'd restart Red Sea attacks.
Trump posted a video on Truth Social. He called it a massive operation against a wicked regime.
"We're undertaking a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America and our core national security interests." – President Donald Trump
He told IRGC to lay down arms for immunity. Or face certain death. Civilians? Rise up, he said. Take your government.
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu spoke too. He said the strikes remove an existential threat. Iran's leaders chanted death to Israel and America for 47 years. No nukes for them, he added.
US confirmed no small strike. This is major combat. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted Iran's missile stance as a big issue. Trump told Netanyahu months ago he'd back strikes if no deal came.
More on the US confirming strikes amid Israel emergency.
What This Means
Markets shook already. Remember June? Stocks dipped on war fears. Oil jumped. That was brief. This could drag on. Trump wants regime change. Not just a slap. Iran hit back hard. More missiles likely. US bases at risk. Israel under alert.
Oil prices spiked today. Traders watch every hour. Next 24 to 48 hours matter most. Will Iran close the Strait of Hormuz? That chokes global supply. Airlines scramble. Shipping halts. Stock futures fell overnight.
For regime change in Iran, it's high stakes. Khamenei cut off. Protests might flare. IRGC reeling. But loyalists could rally. Proxies like Houthis activate. Red Sea chaos returns. US carriers stay put. More strikes coming?
Investors eye safe havens. Gold up. Bonds too. Tech stocks wobble. Energy surges. Broader economy? Inflation risks if oil stays high. Fed watches close. Trump ties this to national security. Markets hate uncertainty. Weeks of ops mean volatility.
Consumers feel it soon. Gas prices climb. Grocery costs rise with shipping hits. Jobs in energy shift. Defense stocks gain. But recessions loom if war spreads. Analysts say brace for swings. Don't bet big yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the US and Israel target in Iran?
Military bases, missile sites, drone facilities, and leader compounds in Tehran, Qom, Isfahan, Kermanshah, Karaj, and Bushehr. The Supreme Leader's area took direct hits.
How did Iran respond to the strikes?
Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel and US bases across the Middle East. A second wave hit Israel. Houthis plan Red Sea attacks.
What is Trump's goal with these strikes?
Destroy Iran's missiles and nuclear push. Topple the regime. He calls on troops to surrender and people to rise up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the US and Israel target in Iran?
Military bases, missile sites, drone facilities, and leader compounds in Tehran, Qom, Isfahan, Kermanshah, Karaj, and Bushehr. The Supreme Leader’s area took direct hits.
How did Iran respond to the strikes?
Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel and US bases across the Middle East. A second wave hit Israel. Houthis plan Red Sea attacks.
What is Trump’s goal with these strikes?
Destroy Iran’s missiles and nuclear push. Topple the regime. He calls on troops to surrender and people to rise up.
