US launched major combat operations in Iran: Trump

The United States and Israel have conducted coordinated military operations against Iran, with US President Donald Trump confirming that “major combat operations” are underway.

The strikes come amid heightened US pressure on Tehran to negotiate a new nuclear deal.

President Trump stated on Friday (February 27) that he was “not happy” with Iran’s stance in ongoing nuclear talks.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the strikes as “pre-emptive” actions targeting Tehran and declared a state of emergency across Israel in anticipation of possible retaliatory attacks.

A US official told Reuters on Saturday (February 28) that American forces were carrying out both air and sea attacks following Israel’s initial assault. Another US official told Al Jazeera that the primary objective of the joint US-Israeli air campaign was to disrupt Iran’s security infrastructure.

Eyewitness images showed smoke rising over Tehran, while explosions were reported in at least five Iranian cities. The full extent of casualties or damage remains unclear.

In response, Iran has closed its airspace until further notice.

Majid Akhwan, spokesperson for Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization, told Mehr News Agency that all flights have been suspended nationwide.

Iraq has also announced the closure of its airspace following the strikes, according to the Iraqi News Agency.