The United States and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes against Iran early on Saturday morning in a escalation in Middle Eastern tensions.
The initial assault targeted a location near Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s office in Tehran, marking a dramatic response to Iran’s defiance in dismantling its nuclear weapons programme following weeks of diplomatic negotiations.
The airstrikes come as the US strengthens its military presence in the region, a move underscored by President Donald Trump’s stark warning.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 28, 2026
In a video message released shortly before the strikes, Trump asserted, ‘They will never have a nuclear weapon,’ delivering a blunt ultimatum to the Iranian regime.
He exhorted Iran to ‘lay down your arms or face certain death,’ a statement that reverberated ominously across the geopolitical landscape.
Hours after the initial assault, reports indicated that US and Israeli forces had targeted Naval Support Activity Bahrain and other strategic locations in the Jufair district and Mina Salman port in Manama.
🚨 BREAKING: STRIKES ON US MILITARY BASES IN JORDAN RIGHT NOWpic.twitter.com/AgqItg5o5H
— Jackson Hinkle 🇺🇸 (@jacksonhinklle) February 28, 2026
Witnesses described hearing multiple explosions near high-rises along the waterfront, with Bahrain’s Interior Ministry later confirming that the situation remains active and under review, though no immediate damage or casualties have been reported.
Iran has retaliated by announcing that it has initiated a ‘first wave of extensive missile and drone attacks’ across Israel. While Iranian media claimed further attacks aimed at US assets in Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, reports confirm that only Bahrain was directly hit, while Qatar managed to intercept one projectile.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the collaborative efforts between Israel and the US, asserting that the offensive was designed to eliminate what he described as the ‘existential threat’ posed by Iran. ‘For 47 years, the Ayatollahs’ regime has chanted ‘Death to Israel,’ ‘Death to America,’
Netanyahu said, voicing his gratitude to President Trump for his ‘historic leadership’ in confronting a regime he deemed a terrorist threat.
Netanyahu further urged citizens to remain resolute, invoking the spirit of perseverance as the operation, dubbed ‘Lion’s Roar,’ unfolds in the coming days.
He called on all factions within the Iranian populace including Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Baloch, and Ahwazis to rise against tyranny and embrace the opportunity for freedom.
In parallel, the exiled Iranian Prince Reza Pahlavi voiced strong support for the airstrikes, describing the US intervention as ‘humanitarian,’ aimed not at the Iranian people but at dismantling the repressive apparatus of the Islamic Republic.
He pressed his compatriots to prepare for a resurgence against the regime, underscoring that the final victory will ultimately depend on the will and bravery of the Iranian people themselves.
As the situation evolves, Pahlavi advised caution to the Iranian military and security forces, urging them to align with the interests of the Iranian people rather than the regime that has long oppressed them. ‘Your duty is to defend the people, not a regime that has taken our homeland hostage through repression and crime,’ he implored.
The backdrop to these developments is a growing regional concern, with Saudi Arabia issuing a forceful condemnation of Iranian aggression.
The Kingdom expressed full solidarity with the neighbouring countries such as UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan affected by this alleged violation of sovereignty, reaffirming their support and capabilities to assist in defence strategies.
Saudi officials warned of dire consequences if such aggressions persisted, highlighting the need for international unity against Tehran’s belligerence.
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