WASHINGTON/DUBAI/CAIRO, Feb. 28 (GeokHub) — The United States and Israel carried out coordinated strikes on Iran on Saturday, sharply escalating tensions in the Middle East and raising fears of a prolonged regional conflict. President Donald Trump said the operation was aimed at neutralizing security threats posed by Tehran and preventing it from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Iran responded by launching missiles toward Israel, according to Israeli military officials. The Pentagon confirmed that the U.S. campaign has been designated “Operation Epic Fury.”
Military Operation and Objectives
Trump described the action as a “massive and ongoing” campaign targeting what he called imminent threats from the Iranian government. He said the objective was to protect American citizens and ensure Iran does not develop nuclear weapons.
In a video address, Trump referenced the decades-long hostility between Washington and Tehran, including the 1979 U.S. embassy hostage crisis, and reiterated that the United States would not tolerate Iran’s missile and nuclear advancements.
U.S. officials said the scope of the strikes includes air and sea operations and could continue for several days. Details about specific targets were not immediately disclosed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the strikes as a pre-emptive measure, stating the action would create conditions for long-term regional security. Israel’s Defense Minister said the operation had been planned for months in coordination with Washington.
Regional Impact and Security Measures
Explosions were reported in Tehran, and Israeli authorities activated nationwide sirens as a precaution against incoming missile fire. Israel temporarily closed its airspace, suspended school operations, and restricted non-essential workplace activities.
An Iranian official said Tehran was preparing a strong response. Reports indicated that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been moved to a secure location.
The confrontation comes after renewed diplomatic talks earlier this month aimed at resolving disputes over Iran’s nuclear program. Negotiations had stalled over issues including uranium enrichment and Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities.
Oil Markets and Global Concerns
Energy markets reacted cautiously as investors assessed the risk of supply disruptions in the oil-rich region. Analysts warn that prolonged hostilities could impact global energy flows and broader geopolitical stability.
The latest escalation follows previous clashes in June, when U.S. and Israeli forces targeted Iranian nuclear facilities and Iran retaliated with missile strikes on American military installations in the Gulf region.
With diplomatic channels now overshadowed by military action, global leaders are closely watching whether the conflict expands or returns to negotiations.
