Tel Aviv, February 28 — Israel and the United States have launched a coordinated military operation they say is aimed at eliminating what they describe as an existential threat from Iran. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed the action as both defensive and strategic in a national address, saying the move targets the Iranian regime he called a long-term, violent adversary.
Netanyahu praised U.S. support and singled out President Donald Trump for “historic” leadership. He argued that the Iranian leadership, which he described as having advocated violence for decades, must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons that could threaten Israel, the United States and the wider world. The prime minister said the joint action is intended to create conditions that would allow the Iranian people to determine their own future.
He urged Iranians of all backgrounds — Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Balochis and Ahwazis — to cast off what he called the “yoke of tyranny” and strive for a free, peaceful Iran.
The Israel Defense Forces announced the strikes under the name OPERATION ROARING LION, saying the campaign is a broad, joint effort with U.S. forces to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten Israel. The IDF statement accused the Iranian regime of continuing to finance, train and arm proxy forces around Israel’s borders and warned those activities pose a danger to the Middle East and beyond.
President Trump, in a message on Truth Social confirming the operation, urged members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, military and police to lay down their arms and accept offered immunity or face what he described as “certain death.” He also warned Iranian civilians to seek shelter as strikes were being carried out and framed the operation as an opportunity for Iranians to change their government.
The strikes come after weeks of intense nuclear diplomacy and heightened military posturing across the region. The full scope and consequences of the operation remain under assessment as analysts and officials work to determine immediate damage and potential regional fallout.
(This article is based on a syndicated feed. The Tribune publishes it as received and assumes no responsibility for its accuracy or completeness.)
