The United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes on Iran early Saturday, February 28, 2026, targeting leadership compounds, nuclear facilities and missile sites in a pre-emptive operation that President Donald Trump described as the onset of "major combat operations" aimed at dismantling Tehran's regime and nuclear program. Explosions rocked Tehran and other Iranian cities, prompting retaliatory ballistic missile launches from Iran toward Israel and U.S. bases in the Gulf, escalating fears of a broader regional war.

US President Donald Trump travels to Scotland for a mix of diplomacy, business and leisure, as he stays at family-owned golf resorts
US President Donald Trump AFP

For live streaming coverage of the unfolding events, major news networks and online platforms are providing real-time updates, video feeds and expert analysis. ABC News offers a continuous special report on YouTube, featuring President Trump's video announcement and on-the-ground reports from Tehran. CNN's live blog and video stream includes footage of smoke rising over Tehran after the initial strikes, with correspondents reporting from Jerusalem and Washington. Al Jazeera's live updates page streams eyewitness accounts and Iranian state media reactions, accessible globally via their website and app. NBC News provides a dedicated live blog with embedded video of missile intercepts over Israel. CBS News streams ongoing coverage, including Trump's full statement dubbing the assault "Operation Epic Fury." BBC News offers a live page with maps and timelines, streaming from London and the Middle East. Fox News features a live feed focusing on U.S. military involvement and potential regime change. For alternative perspectives, NDTV's YouTube live stream covers Iranian retaliations and global reactions. DW's live blog includes European viewpoints and UN responses. France 24 streams multilingual coverage with focus on Gulf state impacts. The Associated Press maintains a live updates page with wire reports and photos. The Wall Street Journal's live coverage emphasizes economic ramifications, including oil price surges. Jerusalem Post provides Israel-centric streaming updates. On social media, Alex Jones hosts a live X stream discussing the strikes and potential World War III implications.

The strikes began around dawn Tehran time, with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirming a "pre-emptive attack" after months of joint planning with the U.S. Targets included the compound of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian in downtown Tehran, as well as missile silos and nuclear sites in Isfahan, Qom, Kermanshah and Karaj. Iranian state media reported explosions near an elementary school, claiming civilian casualties, though independent verification remains limited amid communication blackouts.

Trump, in a video posted to Truth Social, urged Iranians to overthrow their government, stating, "The hour of your freedom is at hand." He emphasized destroying Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear programs, framing the operation as essential to U.S. security. A senior U.S. official told reporters the assault involved over 500 aircraft and was designed for multiple waves.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responded with a "first wave" of drones and missiles, targeting Tel Aviv and northern Israel, where one civilian was injured by shrapnel. Strikes also hit U.S. bases in Iraq, Syria, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, with one fatality reported in Abu Dhabi from debris. Iranian military spokesman Amir Hatami vowed a "decisive response."

Airspaces across the region closed, disrupting flights. Airlines like IndiGo, Wizz Air and British Airways suspended routes to the Middle East. The UAE issued emergency alerts in Abu Dhabi, urging residents to shelter.

The attack follows a 12-day air war in June 2025 and stalled nuclear talks. Iran's suppression of protests, killing thousands, drew international condemnation. Analysts warn of escalation, with Russia and China denouncing the strikes as "illegal."

Oil prices surged 15%, stocks fell globally. UN Security Council convened an emergency session.

Humanitarian groups like Amnesty International called for civilian protections. Exiled Iranian crown prince urged protests.

As events evolve, live streams remain crucial for updates. YouTube searches for "US Israel attack Iran live" yield ongoing broadcasts from major outlets. Apps like Twitter (now X) host user-generated content, but verify sources.

The conflict's trajectory remains uncertain, with potential for prolonged engagement.