Trump Declares Major U.S. Combat Operations Underway in Iran
In a dramatic statement, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States has commenced "major combat operations" in Iran. This declaration comes amidst reports of significant explosions rocking Tehran, Iran's capital city, with smoke visibly rising from the skyline according to Associated Press photographs dated February 28, 2026.
Escalation in Regional Tensions
The announcement represents a substantial escalation in the already tense relationship between the United States and Iran. While specific details regarding the scale, location, and objectives of these combat operations remain undisclosed, the use of the term "major" suggests a coordinated military campaign beyond isolated strikes or minor engagements.
Trump's statement, delivered without immediate corroboration from current U.S. military or administration officials at the time of his announcement, has sent shockwaves through international diplomatic and security circles. The timing, following visible explosions in Tehran, strongly implies a direct connection between the military action and the events in the Iranian capital.
Context and Immediate Aftermath
The situation unfolds against a complex backdrop of longstanding geopolitical friction. Iran has been a focal point of U.S. foreign policy for decades, with tensions frequently simmering over nuclear programs, regional influence, and support for proxy groups.
Eyewitness accounts and imagery from Tehran depict a scene of disruption, though the full extent of damage and casualties from the explosions remains unclear. The initiation of declared U.S. combat operations signals a potential shift from covert actions or proxy conflicts to more direct and overt military confrontation.
International Reaction and Concerns
This development is likely to trigger immediate and severe international concern. Key allies and adversaries will be scrutinizing the situation, assessing the implications for regional stability, global oil markets, and international security frameworks. The move risks drawing other regional powers into the conflict and could destabilize an already volatile Middle East.
The declaration by a former president, rather than the sitting administration, adds a layer of political complexity to the crisis. It raises questions about the chain of command, the authority behind the announcement, and the current administration's position on the operations.
As the situation develops, the world watches closely. The commencement of major combat operations in Iran by the United States, as declared by Donald Trump, marks a perilous new chapter in international relations, with consequences that will reverberate far beyond the immediate conflict zone.
