U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that the United States played a direct role in Israeli military strikes targeting sites in Iran, significantly escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Speaking in an eight minute video message posted on Truth Social, Trump stated that American forces carried out what he described as “powerful strikes” alongside Israel. He accused Iran of attempting to rebuild its nuclear weapons program and expand long range missile capabilities that could threaten U.S. allies and American interests abroad.
Earlier on February 28, 2026, Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Israeli forces were firing missiles toward Tehran. He described the operation as a preemptive measure aimed at neutralizing threats allegedly posed by Iran.
As Israeli authorities urged residents to seek shelter in protected areas, the country’s military reported that missiles had been launched from Iranian territory in retaliation. Air defense systems were deployed to intercept the incoming projectiles, as tensions quickly escalated between the two longtime adversaries.
Trump claimed that diplomatic efforts to halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions had failed, insisting that Tehran must now face consequences. He added that U.S. forces would intensify operations targeting Iran’s missile infrastructure and production facilities.
The latest confrontation follows Israeli strikes on Iranian targets in June 2025, which were met with retaliatory missile attacks on major Israeli cities. Analysts warn that the renewed exchange of fire risks triggering a broader regional conflict.
U.S. officials have cautioned that Iran could retaliate by targeting American troops stationed in countries such as Qatar, as well as U.S. citizens in the region. Americans have been advised to remain in secure locations as the situation continues to unfold.
Arsene Byiringiro/The kaminuza star