Tehran responds with ballistic missiles as regional tensions escalate
Trump calls for regime surrender; Netanyahu names operation “Lion’s roar”
February 28, 2026
The United States and Israel have launched a large-scale military operation against Iran, marking a dramatic escalation in Middle East tensions. The joint strikes began early Saturday morning, with explosions reported in Tehran and other cities. Iranian authorities confirmed missile launches toward Israel in response, triggering air raid sirens across Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and northern Israel.
Coordinated military operation
According to Israeli defense officials, the operation began at approximately 08:10 local time. Israeli forces reportedly focused on long-range surface-to-surface missile stockpiles, launchers, and production facilities. U.S. forces targeted elements of Iran’s nuclear program as well as infrastructure linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The Pentagon has reportedly designated the operation “Epic Fury,” while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to it as “Lion’s Roar.” Iran named its retaliatory campaign “Fateh Khyber,” a reference to a 7th-century Islamic battle.
Iranian state media reported that at least seven missiles struck the Pasteur district of Tehran, where the compound housing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is located. An Iranian official told Reuters that Khamenei had been moved to a secure location outside the capital.
Missile retaliation and civil defense measures
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that Iran launched multiple waves of ballistic missiles toward Israeli territory. Air defense systems were activated to intercept incoming threats. While no immediate casualties were reported, authorities instructed residents across northern and central Israel to take shelter.
The IDF emphasized that defensive systems are not absolute and urged strict compliance with Home Front Command instructions.
Both Iran and Israel closed their airspace following the strikes. Russia announced the suspension of flights to both countries until further notice.
Trump’s address: Regime change as objective
In an eight-minute televised address, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed American participation and declared that the objective of the operation is the dismantling of what he described as Iran’s “terrorist regime.” He called on members of the IRGC, armed forces, and police to surrender, offering full immunity in exchange.
“Lay down your weapons and you will be treated fairly, or face certain death,” Trump stated. He also urged the Iranian people to remain indoors due to the ongoing bombardment and suggested that this moment represents a historic opportunity to “take control of your government.”
The U.S. president acknowledged the possibility of American casualties but stated that “every possible measure” had been taken to minimize risk to U.S. personnel.
Regional and international reactions
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated that Lebanon would not allow itself to be drawn into war amid concerns that Hezbollah could become involved. Cyprus activated its national emergency evacuation plan “ESTIA” to facilitate potential civilian evacuations from the wider Middle East region.
Cyberattacks were also reported inside Iran, affecting major news agencies and mobile applications, according to semi-official Iranian sources.
U.S. officials indicated that the military operation is expected to continue for several days.
As missile exchanges continue and air defenses remain on high alert, the region faces one of its most volatile confrontations in recent years.
