Trump Announces “Major Combat Operations” in Iran — Operation Epic Fury Begins as U.S. and Israel Strike Targets
President Donald Trump announced on February 28, 2026, the start of “major combat operations” in Iran, named Operation Epic Fury, as U.S. and Israeli forces carried out strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear, missile and terrorist infrastructure.
Key takeaways
- President Trump confirmed the United States has begun major combat operations in Iran to prevent a nuclear weapon and eliminate imminent threats — Politico, CBS News, Truth Social video.
- Israel and U.S. strikes struck Tehran and facilities described as posing imminent threats; explosions and missile exchanges were reported across the region — Euronews, CBS News.
- Iran vowed retaliation and launched missiles at Israel and U.S. bases, activating regional air defenses and producing wider disruptions — Euronews, CBS News.
Main coverage
What the president said
In an eight-minute video posted on Truth Social, Mr. Trump framed Operation Epic Fury as a defense of the American people, saying the Iranian regime “can never have a nuclear weapon” and vowing to “destroy their missiles, raze their missile industry, annihilate their navy and neutralize their terrorist proxies.” The video and remarks are available via the posted clip and were summarized by CBS News.
Trump addressed Iran’s security forces directly, offering “complete immunity” if they “lay down your weapons” and urging civilians to “rise up and take over your government.” He also warned of U.S. casualties, calling fallen service members “courageous American heroes” taken for a “noble mission.” His language stressed both coercion and a call for internal revolt.
How the strikes unfolded
Early Saturday, Israeli forces launched pre-emptive strikes on Tehran described by Israeli officials as aimed at leadership and command centers. Hours later, U.S. strikes hit sites that Washington characterized as posing imminent threats, including elements of Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure. Reports described explosions and missile exchanges across the region, with intercepted missiles causing blasts in northern Israel and regional air defenses engaging threats — reporting by Euronews and CBS News.
An American official told reporters the campaign reflected a division of labor: Israel targeting political and military leadership, while U.S. forces focused on sites judged to pose “imminent” threats, as detailed by Politico and Euronews.
Iran’s response and regional ripple effects
Tehran vowed a “crushing” retaliation and launched missiles at Israel and at least two U.S. bases in the region, according to reporting by Euronews and CBS News. Regional air defenses were activated and disruptions were reported in the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain near U.S. facilities including Bahrain’s Fifth Fleet and Qatar’s Al Udeid base.
How we got here: recent history and failed diplomacy
The offensive follows months and years of rising tensions over Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. In June 2025, U.S. strikes on Fordow (near Natanz) and Isfahan (often called Operation Midnight Hammer in reporting) destroyed facilities that U.S. officials said were key to Tehran’s progress — coverage noted by Euronews and video reporting.
Diplomacy faltered in late 2025 and early 2026 amid mass protests in Iran and violent crackdowns. President Trump deployed a naval “armada” to the Persian Gulf on January 28 and attended talks in Geneva on February 27; officials debated options that ranged from strikes to cyber and psychological operations, with the Pentagon warning that limited strikes risked wider war — reported by Euronews, CBS News and Politico.
The nuclear question: Iran’s program and U.S. goals
U.S. officials framed Operation Epic Fury as aimed at halting Iran’s nuclear progress and its ability to field long-range missiles that could threaten U.S. forces, allies and possibly parts of Europe and the homeland. The U.S. emphasis was placed on sites posing “imminent” threats, while Israel focused on degrading command and leadership — a strategy intended to maximize pressure while attempting to limit civilian harm, though risks of wider escalation remain high (Politico, Euronews, CBS News).
Operational name and international framing
U.S. communications have named the campaign Operation Epic Fury. Media coverage links the campaign to broader regional dynamics, including Iran’s proxy networks, missile development and past attacks on shipping and military assets. The phrase “US Israel attack Iran” has appeared widely in coverage as the two countries coordinate strikes (Politico, Euronews, CBS News).
Implications for the Inland Empire
Economic impact: The Inland Empire could experience ripple effects from Operation Epic Fury. Higher oil and shipping costs after strikes and regional instability often raise fuel prices and delivery costs. As a major logistics hub, the region’s warehouses and trucking routes serving Southern California may face higher operating costs, delayed deliveries and pressure on small businesses.
Military and families: With many veterans and service members in the area and nearby bases such as March Joint Air Reserve Base, expanded deployments or reservist activations could affect household incomes, schools and local services.
Political and civic life: Local debate is likely to sharpen. Moderates will seek clear objectives, legal authority and civilian-protection plans. Elected officials and civic groups may request briefings from federal representatives; community meetings and hearings could follow.
Social effects and public safety: Diverse immigrant and faith communities — including Iranians and Arab Americans — may experience heightened anxiety, vigils or protests. Local law enforcement, health providers and community leaders should increase outreach to reduce fear and support families. Hospitals and emergency services are advised to review readiness plans.
Practical matters: Residents should expect possible short-term disruptions: travel advisories, shipping delays, higher gas prices and employer contingency needs. Those with relatives overseas should monitor official State Department notices and major outlets.
Where to find updates
This story is developing. For national developments and live reporting follow major outlets and video platforms cited here: Euronews, Politico, and CBS News live updates. Watch the president’s remarks at the posted YouTube video and a live coverage compilation.
Reporting notes and sources
Key reporting and footage for this piece were provided by major outlets and video platforms. For background and ongoing live updates see: Euronews, Politico, CBS News live updates, Trump video (Truth Social repost), live coverage compilation, and reporting on Feb. 27 by Euronews.
Note: This story will be updated as more verified information becomes available.
