Feb 28, 2026, 8:44 AM GMT
US says military campaign is named 'Operation Epic Fury'
In a post on social media, the Pentagon posted the name of the military operation: "Operation Epic Fury."
Iran live updates: 7th killed service member is identified
Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, was killed in Saudi Arabia.
ByDavid Brennan, Jon Haworth, Kevin Shalvey, Leah Sarnoff, Meredith Deliso, Nadine El-Bawab, and Bill Hutchinson
Last updated: Monday, March 9, 2026 3:00PM GMT
President Donald Trump announced "major combat operations" against Iran on Feb. 28, with massive joint U.S.-Israel strikes attack targeting military and government sites, officials said.
Iranian state television confirmed that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was among those killed in Tehran on the first day of strikes. His son Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen on Sunday to succeed him.
Iran is responding to the operation with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, regional U.S. bases and multiple Gulf nations. Israel is also intensifying its long-running strike campaign against the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon.
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Key Headlines
- Mar 09, 2026, 5:09 PM GMT
- Mar 09, 2026, 10:45 AM GMT
- Mar 09, 2026, 1:04 AM GMT
- Mar 08, 2026, 10:17 PM GMT
Here's how the news is developing.
Feb 28, 2026, 8:26 AM GMT
US operation could last several days, targeting military sites, government
Three U.S. officials confirm that the operation is expected to potentially last for several days with targets including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps military sites, government buildings, Iranian intelligence assets and defense installations.
Feb 28, 2026, 8:25 AM GMT
Iran launches missiles toward Israel, IDF says
The Israel Defense Forces says it has "identified missiles launched from Iran toward" Israel and that defensive systems were operating to intercept the threat.
Feb 28, 2026, 8:08 AM GMT
Trump calls for regime change: 'Take over your government'
At the end of his message, President Donald Trump called on the Iranian people to seize this opportunity for regime change.
"Finally, to the great, proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand," Trump said.
He added, "When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations."
Speaking to the Iranian people, Trump said: "No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. Now you have a president who is giving you what you want, so let's see how you respond. America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force. Now is the time to seize control of your destiny and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close within your reach."
