US and Israel attack Iran

[mjbou]

US and Israel attack Iran; Tehran retaliates across Middle East

US and Israel attack Iran as Tehran retaliates across Middle East

US President Donald Trump called for regime change in Tehran, telling Iranians "the hour of your freedom is at hand."

Updated 9:51 AM EST, Sat February 28, 2026

Here's the latest

• US and Israel strike Iran: The US and Israel have attacked Iran. Israel said its strikes targeted Iran’s supreme leader, president and head of the armed forces. The US is planning for several days of attacks, sources tell CNN.

• Trump calls for regime change: President Donald Trump described the US military campaign as “massive and ongoing,” and warned American lives may be lost. He also called on Iranians to “take over your government.”

• Iran retaliates: Iran launched an unprecedented wave of strikes toward Israel and US targets across the Middle East. Explosions were reported in the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar and in Dubai, where all flights to and from airports have been suspended.

• Global reaction: The United Arab Emirates called the conflict an “historic moment” in the Middle East, saying world leaders had failed to ensure the region’s stability. The leaders of some US allies expressed concern, while some Arab nations condemned Iran’s retaliation.

6 min agoIranian governor says toll rises in strike on school

From Leila Gharagozlou

More now on the strike that Iranian officials claim killed dozens at a girls’ school in southern Iran on Saturday.

Mohammad Radmehr, the governor of Mindab county, where the purported strike took place, said the toll had risen to at least 63 students with a further 92 injured. Others were still trapped under the rubble, he added.

“The destroyed building is a primary school for girls in the south of Iran. It was bombed in broad daylight, when packed with young pupils,” said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragghchi in a post on X.

Asked about the strike, CENTCOM spokesperson Tim Hawkins said “we are aware of reports concerning civilian harm resulting from ongoing military operations. We take these reports seriously and are looking into them. The protection of civilians is of utmost importance, and we will continue to take all precautions available to minimize the risk of unintended harm.”

CNN has also approached the Israeli military for comment.

16 min agoRussia condemns "reckless" airstrikes on Iran, as Finland and Ireland express concern

By Catherine Nicholls

Russia’s foreign ministry has released a statement condemning the US and Israel’s strikes on Iran earlier today, calling the attacks a “reckless step” and a “deliberate, premeditated, and unprovoked act of armed aggression.”

As we’ve been reporting, leaders of countries around the world are reacting to the developments, with some expressing concern that today’s events will lead to wider regional instability.

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2 min ago

Senate GOP leader praises Trump's military action and looks forward to a full briefing

By Kit Maher

Senate Majority Leader John Thune on Saturday praised President Donald Trump for taking military action to subvert what he said were clear threats posed by Iran.

Tehran, he said, had “refused the diplomatic off-ramps” presented by the administration before the US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

“For years, Iran’s relentless nuclear ambitions, its expanded ballistic missile inventory, and its unwavering support for terror groups in the region have posed a clear and unacceptable threat to U.S. servicemembers, citizens in the region, and many of our allies. Despite the dogged efforts of the president and his administration, the Iranian regime has refused the diplomatic off-ramps that would peacefully resolve these national security concerns. I commend President Trump for taking action to thwart these threats,” Thune said in a statement  on X.

Thune also thanked Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whom he said provided updates to him throughout the week, adding that he looks forward to an all-senator briefing.

“I thank Secretary Rubio for providing updates on these issues throughout the week, and I look forward to administration officials briefing all senators about these military operations,” Thune said.

CNN previously reported that Rubio had notified at least some of the members of the “Gang of Eight” in advance of the strikes — including Thune — but they were not given a full accounting of the legal justification, multiple sources familiar with the matter said.

25 min ago

Russia condemns "reckless" airstrikes on Iran, as Finland and Ireland express concern

By Catherine Nicholls

Russia’s foreign ministry has released a statement condemning the US and Israel’s strikes on Iran earlier today, calling the attacks a “reckless step” and a “deliberate, premeditated, and unprovoked act of armed aggression.”

As we’ve been reporting, leaders of countries around the world are reacting to the developments, with some expressing concern that today’s events will lead to wider regional instability.

• Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a post on X that “it is important that the United States is acting decisively. Whenever there is American resolve, global criminals weaken. This understanding must also come to the Russians.” He added that he expects that “in the end, the Middle East region will become safer and more stable.”

5 min ago

Iran's weapons systems are capable of striking all of the Middle East

By Lou Robinson and Mostafa Salem

Iran is believed to have thousands of missiles and drones capable of striking the entire region, according to previous analysis of the regime’s weapons systems.