Middle East tensions surge as US and Israel hit Iran
On Saturday, February 28, the US and Israel began strikes on Iran, plunging the Middle East into a new battle. President Donald Trump declared that the strikes would end a security danger to the US and give Iranians an opportunity to overthrow their authorities.
Two anonymous US sources told Reuters that the US military launched strikes against Iran.
Israel’s military reported Iran launched missiles at Israel, and the Pentagon called the US strikes “Operation Epic Fury.”
The fresh conflict between Iran and its longtime enemies hampered diplomatic efforts to resolve Tehran’s nuclear dispute with the West.
Trump mentions 1979 hostage crisis
Trump’s social media video cited Washington’s decades-long dispute with Iran, including the 1979 seizure of the US embassy in Tehran, when students held 52 Americans hostage for 444 days, and other attacks the US has blamed on Iran since the 1979 Islamic revolution brought the clerics to power.
He advised Iranians to shelter because “bombs will be dropping everywhere”. When we’re done, take over your government, he added. Yours to take. This is likely your only chance for generations.”
Two anonymous US sources told Reuters that the US military launched strikes against Iran. The scope of air and marine activities was unclear. US officials expect the effort to extend several days.
An Iranian official told Reuters Iran was planning a devastating reprisal.
Trump built a large US military presence in the region to force Tehran to make nuclear concessions. He promised to prevent Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon by describing a “massive and ongoing” US assault against Iran.
Iran’s ballistic missile development has hampered talks. Trump said Iran was developing long-range missiles that threatened the US and would destroy its missile industry.
“Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime,” Trump stated.
Israel asks Iran to eliminate ‘yoke of tyranny’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the US-Israeli strike on Iran “will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands.”
Netanyahu stated that all Iranians should work towards removing the dictatorship of the regime and establishing a free and peaceful Iran.
A source told Reuters that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was in a safe place outside Tehran.
After Israel and Iran’s 12-day air battle in June and repeated US-Israeli threats to strike again if Iran continued its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, the attack occurred.
“To eliminate threats, Israel launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran,” Defence Minister Israel Katz said.
Israel attacked Muslim-majority Iran during Ramadan, the holy month of fasting from dawn to sunset. The strike occurred before Purim, which begins on Monday and marks Jews’ rescue from ancient Persia.
Israel says US-Israel planning took months
An Israeli defence official said the launch date was chosen weeks ago after months of planning with Washington.
Iranian media reported explosions in Tehran on Saturday, and the military said sirens sounded across Israel around 0815 a.m. local time to prepare the public for a missile strike.
The Israeli military blocked public airspace and closed schools and offices, except for necessary sectors. Israel blocked its airspace to civilian flights, and the airport authorities advised against visiting any airports.
In February, the US and Iran resumed nuclear talks to avoid a military conflict that could destabilize the region.
Israel demanded that any US deal with Iran entail the removal of Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure, not only stopping enrichment, and that Washington constrain Iran’s missile development.
Iran indicated it will negotiate nuclear program limitations in exchange for sanctions relief, but not missiles.
Tehran pledged defence against any attack. It warned neighbouring countries with US soldiers that it would attack American bases if Washington attacked Iran.
In the most direct US military action against Iran, the US joined Israel in attacking Iranian nuclear installations in June.
Tehran responded by firing missiles at Qatar’s largest air base, Al Udeid.
Western governments say Iran’s ballistic missile project threatens regional security and may deliver nuclear weapons. Tehran denies wanting nukes.