Middle East Ablaze: US and Israel Launch Large-Scale Military Operation Against Iran

“Epic Fury” and “Shield of Judah”: Washington and Tel Aviv Join Forces

February 28, 2026, will go down in history as the day of the largest military confrontation in the Middle East in decades. US President Donald Trump, in an emergency video statement to the nation via the Truth Social platform, announced the start of a joint military operation with Israel. The American component of the mission is codenamed “Epic Fury,” while Israeli forces are operating under the “Shield of Judah” plan.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (confirming Israel Katz's previous statements) validated the preemptive strike, emphasizing that the goal is the complete elimination of threats to national security. According to the transcript of Trump’s speech on CBS News, the strikes are aimed at destroying Tehran's nuclear infrastructure and missile potential. “Bombs will be falling everywhere. When we are finished, take control of your government,” the American leader posted on X, addressing the Iranian people.

Attack Chronicle: Tehran Under Massive Bombardment

Geography of Strikes and Initial Destruction

The main strikes are being carried out by US Air Force and Navy assets from air and sea. Explosions have been reported at critical points across Iran:
Tehran: approximately seven hits recorded in the Daneshgah Ave, Jomhuri, and Pasteur districts. Columns of smoke rose in the immediate vicinity of the Supreme Leader’s residence and the Presidential Palace.

Other Regions: attacks were launched against Isfahan, Qom, Kermanshah, and Karaj.

The scale of the current operation significantly exceeds the clashes of June 2025. Sources indicate the plan had been in development for several months. In Israel, a state of emergency has been declared: airspace is closed, classes at educational institutions are canceled, and mass gatherings are prohibited.

Tehran’s Response: Ballistic Salvo Against Israel

The Iranian side reacted immediately. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the launch of the first wave of ballistic missiles at Israeli territory. Air raid sirens are sounding in the north of the country and around Tel Aviv, where smoke plumes have already been detected.
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was urgently evacuated to a secure location outside the capital. Official Iranian representatives stated they are preparing a “crushing response” that could target US bases throughout the region.

International Reaction: Moscow Criticizes Washington

The Russian Federation reacted swiftly to the escalation. Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, via his channel on the MAX messenger, harshly criticized Trump’s actions. He called previous US diplomatic contacts with Iran a “cover operation,” noting that the American president, who positioned himself as a peacemaker, has “shown his true face.”

Medvedev also focused on the historical context, reminding that US statehood is only 249 years old, while the continuity of the Persian Empire spans over 2,500 years.

What to Expect in the Coming Days?

Israel is preparing for four days of intense strikes in the first phase of the operation. The international community fears the conflict will escalate into a full-scale regional war involving third countries, with catastrophic consequences for the global energy market.

The editorial team continues to monitor developments in real time.