On Saturday, February 28, the United States and Israel launched a large-scale military operation against Iran, carrying out coordinated strikes on nuclear, military, and government sites. The mission has been named "Operation Lion's Roar."

As reported by Hvylya, citing The New York Times and US officials, the attacks are specifically targeting the country's military apparatus.

Explosions have been reported in Tehran, as well as in the cities of Qom, Kermanshah, Isfahan, and Karaj. Iran has completely closed its airspace. The Guardian, quoting an Iranian official, reports that several ministries in the southern part of the capital were also targeted.

The operational plan presented to US President Donald Trump involves a division of targets. Israel is focusing its strikes on storage and production sites for ballistic missiles—of which Iran is estimated to have more than 2,000—as well as launch platforms. American forces are attacking the Iranian nuclear project and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) facilities. Dozens of US strikes are being carried out by attack aircraft from Middle Eastern bases and aircraft carriers.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the preemptive strike, noting that the residences of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei are among the targets. Meanwhile, Reuters reports that Khamenei has already been moved to a secure location.

Trump's Statement

In a video address on the Truth Social network, US President Donald Trump announced the start of a major combat operation. He accused Tehran of sponsoring militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine, and of killing its own citizens during street protests.

Donald Trump stated: "Our goal is to protect the American people by eliminating the urgent threats posed by the Iranian regime—a brutal group of very dangerous people."

The US President called on the IRGC to lay down their arms in exchange for full immunity, threatening them with total destruction should they refuse. He also appealed to the civilian population to remain safe amid the ongoing aerial bombardment.

"To the great and proud people of Iran: the time for your freedom has arrived. When we are finished, you will be able to take power into your own hands," Trump said.

Netanyahu Addresses the Iranian People

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as reported by Clash Report, dubbed the joint campaign "Operation Lion's Roar." He thanked Trump for his "historic leadership" and stated that the "terrorist regime" must not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons.

"For 47 years, the Ayatollah regime has chanted 'Death to Israel,' 'Death to America.' This terrorist regime must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons," he declared.

Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the residents of the country: "The time has come for all the peoples of Iran—Persians, Kurds, Azerbaijanis, Balochis, and Ahwazis—to cast off the yoke of tyranny and create a free and peaceful Iran."

Iran Attacks Israel

In response to the bombardment, Iran launched missiles toward Israeli territory. The IDF reported that air defense systems are actively working to intercept aerial targets. Home Front Command sent urgent alerts to citizens' mobile phones, instructing them to enter protected spaces immediately. Sirens continue to sound in several parts of Israel, and residents are prohibited from leaving shelters until further notice from the military.

"You must remain in shelters until further notice. Leaving the protected space is permitted only after receiving appropriate instructions," the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement.

Tensions between Iran and the US have been escalating for a long time. Indirect negotiations between the countries reached a deadlock last year, primarily due to the US demand for Iran to completely cease uranium enrichment on its territory. Tehran has consistently denied any intention of creating nuclear weapons.

Earlier, it was reported that the United States began the emergency evacuation of diplomats from Israel.