President Trump announced early Saturday that the United States, in coordination with Israel, launched a major military operation against Iran on February 28, 2026. The strikes, called Operation Epic Fury, targeted sites connected to Iran’s nuclear program, military infrastructure, and senior leadership. Video on social media shows explosions in Tehran. Iranian state media later confirmed that multiple facilities in and around the capital had been struck, and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed.

The operation was a direct response to escalating Iranian aggression, including attacks on American personnel and allies in the area and continued nuclear enrichment activities. In remarks delivered from the White House, President Trump said the strikes were intended to “protect American lives” and prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Administration officials emphasized that the mission was carried out with Israeli coordination and intelligence sharing, emphasizing the longstanding strategic partnership between America and Jerusalem.

Israeli leaders described the joint operation as a necessary preemptive step to counter an existential threat. Israeli officials, including the Nameless One of our Israel at War articles, have warned that Iran’s support for armed groups hostile to Israel, demands decisive action. The Israeli government has long maintained that it will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons capability, and Saturday’s operation was part of that security pledge.

Governor Kim Reynolds supports American troops in the area, writing on X, “Kevin and I are praying for our Iowa National Guard soldiers and all American military forces serving in the Middle East as the United States executes this mission. Please join us in keeping them in our thoughts and prayers.”

Senator Chuck Grassley also posted on X, stating, “I’m following closely what’s happening in Iran & the region. Barbara and I are praying for the safety of our troops. Regime change is badly needed; Must stop nuclear enrichment. Can’t have unpredictable leadership in Iran with a nuclear bomb.”

Senator Joni Ernst said, “Through Operation Epic Fury, President Trump is standing up for American lives that have been taken and targeted by the Iranian regime and its terrorist proxies. This mission is critical to ensuring the regime that chants “Death to America” never has a nuclear weapon to make a more peaceful Middle East and world.” In a follow-up post, Ernst added, “Join me in praying for the members of the Iowa National Guard and American servicemembers in the region. These folks represent the best of our nation, and I am incredibly thankful for their brave and selfless dedication to defending our freedoms and keeping our citizens safe. God bless every single one of them.”

Representative Zach Nunn re-shared a White House video of the president’s remarks and wrote, “Operation EPIC FURY is a direct consequence of Iran—the #1 sponsor of terrorism—killing Americans, attacking allies, and seeking nuclear weapons. At every turn, Iran’s regime slapped away peace talks, launched weapons against the US and our allies, and slaughtered thousands of Iranians who bravely stood up against the regime. “ He added, “As President Trump had said: the future of Iran rests in the hands of the Iranian people. I do not support boots on the ground—and as a combat veteran, I do not take military action lightly. We pray for our servicemembers and allies in the region. May God bless them and may He keep them safe.”

Representative Ashley Hinson also expressed support, writing, “President Trump is taking decisive action with Operation Epic Fury to protect American interests from the tyrannical Iranian regime — a regime that chants “Death to America” and has backed terror across the region.” She continued, “This operation makes clear that the United States will not sit back while Iran threatens our troops, our allies including Israel, or our homeland — and under this president, Iran will never obtain a nuclear weapon. My prayers are with the brave service members carrying out this mission and the families supporting them at home. God Bless the USA.”

On Monday, March 2nd, Secretary of War Pete Hagseth stated in public remarks, “The regime who chanted “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” was gifted death from America and death from Israel.

The operation began around 8:15 a.m. local time in Iran, which coincided with Shabbat in Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. The Sabbath before Purim is known as Shabbat Zachor, the Sabbath of remembrance, when a special passage recalling the biblical command to remember Amalek is read in synagogues. 

Congregations were reading that portion as air raid sirens sounded in parts of Israel, linking a modern connection with ancient themes of survival and remembrance embedded in Jewish tradition.

The Nameless One calls upon Israel to remember the destruction of Amalek, by citing Deuteronomy 25:17 “Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt. 18 When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and attacked all who were lagging behind; they had no fear of God. 19 When the Lord your God gives you rest from all the enemies around you in the land he is giving you to possess as an inheritance, you shall blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget!”

He adds, “Let’s pray for the brave American and Israeli soldiers who are fighting the Islamic republic of Iran, and let’s hope and pray the war will end with the full collapse of the regime in Iran and the destruction of their proxies and supporters.”

A prayer for the ages.

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)