President Donald Trump’s announcement about the United States launching “major combat operations” against Iran signals a significant shift in the strategic dynamics of the Middle East. For years, the tensions between Washington, Tel Aviv, and Tehran played out mostly behind the scenes—through sanctions, covert strikes, cyber warfare, and proxy battles that spanned the region. With Israel executing preemptive strikes in Tehran and the US confirming its involvement, the conflict now unfolding under the name Operation Epic Fury could turn out to be one of the most pivotal geopolitical events of the decade.

pic.twitter.com/BZuJDudLej — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 28, 2026

pic.twitter.com/BZuJDudLej

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 28, 2026

In an eight-minute video posted on Truth Social, President Trump outlined the rationale and goals of the operation:

Objective: “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime… We will ensure Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon.”

Objective: “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime… We will ensure Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon.”

Objective: “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime… We will ensure Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon.”

Targets: Destruction of Iran’s missiles, missile industry, navy, and terrorist proxies. Reference to past attacks on U.S. interests.

Targets: Destruction of Iran’s missiles, missile industry, navy, and terrorist proxies. Reference to past attacks on U.S. interests.

Targets: Destruction of Iran’s missiles, missile industry, navy, and terrorist proxies. Reference to past attacks on U.S. interests.

Message to Iranian Forces: “Lay down your weapons and have complete immunity or… face certain death.”

Message to Iranian Forces: “Lay down your weapons and have complete immunity or… face certain death.”

Message to Iranian Forces: “Lay down your weapons and have complete immunity or… face certain death.”

Appeal to Iranian People: “The hour of your freedom is at hand… Take over your government.” Trump urged civilians to shelter in place amid dangers.

Appeal to Iranian People: “The hour of your freedom is at hand… Take over your government.” Trump urged civilians to shelter in place amid dangers.

Appeal to Iranian People: “The hour of your freedom is at hand… Take over your government.” Trump urged civilians to shelter in place amid dangers.

At the core of this conflict is Iran’s long-disputed nuclear program. The fallout from the........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)