US and Israel Launch Major Combat Operations in Iran Strike

The United States and Israel launched a massive, joint military operation against Iran on February 28th, 2026, targeting multiple cities including the capital, Tehran. US President Donald Trump confirmed the start of major combat operations, stating the objective is to prevent the Iranian regime from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Explosions were reported near Leadership House, the office of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, as well as in Isfahan, Qom, and Kermanshah. In response, Iran launched missiles toward Israel, triggering sirens in Haifa, while regional tensions escalated with reported attacks on the US Navy Fifth Fleet center in Bahrain and intercepted strikes in Qatar near Al Udeid Air Base. Airspace across the Middle East, including Iraq, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates, has been closed or restricted. Consequently, global airlines like Lufthansa and Wizz Air have suspended flights through early March. Both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have called on the Iranian people to seize this moment to change their government. As of now, the full extent of casualties remains unknown.

[00:00] Daniel Brooks: From Neural Newscast, I'm Daniel Brooks.
[00:04] Announcer: And I'm Elisa Moro.
[00:06] Daniel Brooks: The United States and Israel have launched a major joint military offensive against multiple targets in Iran.
[00:13] Daniel Brooks: We will look at the confirmed strikes in Tehran and the official objectives stated by President Trump.
[00:20] Announcer: We also cover the retaliatory missile strikes targeting Israel and U.S. naval assets in Bahrain.
[00:27] Announcer: Additionally, we examine the widespread regional airspace closures and the resulting chaos for global commercial aviation.
[00:35] Daniel Brooks: The United States and Israel launched a coordinated preemptive strike against Iran earlier today.
[00:42] Daniel Brooks: The operation targeted several major cities, including Tehran and Isfaman.
[00:48] Announcer: Explosions were heard across Tehran shortly after 9.30 local time.
[00:53] Announcer: Smoke has been specifically reported near Leadership House and Jamhuri Square.
[00:59] Daniel Brooks: President Trump confirmed the massive combat operations on social media.
[01:04] Daniel Brooks: Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu urged the Iranian people to seize their destiny.
[01:10] Announcer: The imagery from the capital is striking.
[01:13] Announcer: Dark columns of smoke are rising above residential buildings and small shops near the center of government.
[01:20] Daniel Brooks: In other news, Iran has launched missiles toward Israel.
[01:24] Daniel Brooks: This has forced residents in Haifa to seek cover as air defenses attempt interceptions.
[01:31] Announcer: The regional impact has widened to Bahrain and Qatar.
[01:35] Announcer: U.S. naval and air facilities have reported missile attacks or intercepted threats in those areas.
[01:42] Daniel Brooks: This escalation has caused immediate chaos for global travel.
[01:48] Daniel Brooks: Major carriers like Lufthansa and Virgin Atlantic have suspended flights to the region.
[01:54] Announcer: Airspace closures in Iraq, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates mean these disruptions will likely persist through the first week of March.
[02:02] Announcer: I'm Daniel Brooks.
[02:04] Announcer: And I'm Elise Moreau.
[02:06] Announcer: Neural Newscast is AI-assisted, human-reviewed.
[02:09] Announcer: View our AI Transparency Policy at neuralnewscasts.com.
[02:14] Elise Moreau: Neural Newscast uses artificial intelligence in content creation
[02:17] Elise Moreau: with human editorial review prior to publication.
[02:20] Elise Moreau: While we strive for factual, unbiased reporting, AI-assisted content may occasionally contain
[02:26] Elise Moreau: errors. Verify critical information with trusted sources. Learn more at neuralnewscast.com.

US and Israel Launch Major Combat Operations in Iran Strike
Broadcast by