US and Israel Launch Joint Attack on Iran Amid Nuclear Tensions
- The US and Israel have launched a joint military strike on Iran, with explosions reported in Tehran and several other cities
- President Trump called it “ a major combat operation” to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, while Israel declared a state of emergency
- Talks over Iran’s nuclear program had reportedly made progress, but the strikes went ahead, raising fears of wider regional conflict
Source: Getty Images
IRAN– The United States and Israel have launched a joint military strike on Iran, with explosions reported across the country, including in Tehran, on 28 February 2026.
According to the BBC, Iranian media showed plumes of smoke rising over the capital’s Jomhouri and Hassan Abad squares, while the country’s airspace has been closed following the attacks. The extent of casualties remains unknown.
Trump confirms attack
US President Donald Trump confirmed the operation in a video, calling it “major combat operations” aimed at eliminating imminent threats from Iran and preventing the country from acquiring nuclear weapons.
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In the video, Trump called the Iranian people a group who endanger the American people, troops, and allies across the world. He emphasised that the attack was to defend the American people by eliminating 'imminent threats by the Iranian regime'.
Trump then went on to detail decades of tension between the two countries. Trump further vows to destroy Iran's nuclear and military capabilities. Trump emphasises that the US will ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon. He urged Iranian citizens to remain in shelter and suggested that the Iranian people would have a chance to “take over your government” once the attacks conclude.
Israel fights alongside the US
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the operation as a “pre-emptive attack” and called on Iranians to overthrow what he described as a “tyrannical” regime. Israel has also declared a “special and permanent state of emergency”, with airspace closed and citizens advised to avoid gatherings. Sirens were heard across the country warning of potential retaliatory missile attacks.
The strike comes after weeks of high-level negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. Despite recent talks mediated by Oman, which reportedly offered Iran’s irreversible downgrade of its uranium stockpile, the US and Israel proceeded with military action. Prior demands from Washington also included limits on Iran’s ballistic missile program and ending support for regional proxies, which Tehran rejected as being breaches of its sovereignty.
US-Israel-Iran tensions
Earlier tensions escalated after Iran’s brutal crackdown on anti-government protests, which killed thousands, and US accusations of secret nuclear weapon development. Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful, although it has enriched uranium at near weapons-grade levels, raising longstanding global concerns.
Meanwhile, Bahrain reported a missile attack on the US Navy’s 5th Fleet service centre, further heightening regional tensions. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with fears that the conflict could escalate into a wider regional war. There are concerns of potential global implications as both countries emphasise preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Iran announced its willingness to enter 'peace talks'
The President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, previously expressed willingness to enter talks with the United States to resolve their differences following a weekend attack by the US on three Iranian sites. Despite the strikes, Iran continues to deny any attempt to build a nuclear weapon, even as the country faces heavy casualties from ongoing Israeli bombings. Pezeshkian reportedly told Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that Iran is prepared to negotiate with the US and described the recent events as a major victory, claiming the nation has effectively ended the conflict.
Source: Getty Images
Previously, Briefly News reported that EFF leader Julius Malema stirred controversy after expressing support for Iran in its recent attacks on Israel. He argued that Iran has the right to defend itself, describing the country as “under siege by Western imperialism” for asserting its independence.
Malema also criticised the United States, Israel, and their allies, accusing them of bullying Iran. Touching on the ongoing conflict, he suggested that Israel should experience the consequences of the violence it has inflicted on Gaza. The remarks came shortly after President Donald Trump confirmed on 22 June 2025 that the US carried out a bombing raid on three Iranian nuclear sites.
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Source: Briefly News
