Iran retaliates after US and Israel launch joint strike

“The public is asked to act responsibly and follow the instructions."

Explosions were heard in cities across Iran on February 28 after US President Donald Trump confirmed that 'major combat operations' were underway on his Truth Social.

The ‘pre‑emptive’ strikes were also carried out by Israel after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Iran as an ‘existential threat’ to his country.

He went on to thank Trump in a statement: “My brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel, a short time ago, Israel and the United States embarked on an operation to remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran.

“I thank our great friend, President Donald Trump, for his historic leadership.”

However, Iran was quick to respond, with the Israeli Defense Forces confirming that retaliatory strikes had been launched toward Israel.

An IDF spokesperson said: “A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat.

“In the past few minutes, the Home Front Command has sent a precautionary directive directly to mobile phones in the relevant areas.

“The public is asked to act responsibly and follow the instructions – they save lives.

“Upon receiving an alert, the public is instructed to enter a protected space and remain there until further notice. Leaving a protected space is permitted only after receiving explicit instructions.

“The public is requested to continue acting in accordance with the Home Front Command’s guidelines.”

Trump, who bombed Iran last year over concerns about its nuclear weapons and sent fighter jets earlier this month, has now escalated further by claiming that the US and Israel “are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground.”

The joint attack also aims to 'annihilate' Iran's navy, with Trump suggesting that Iran has rejected every opportunity to renounce its nuclear ambitions and has continued developing long-range missiles that could threaten allies in Europe and, eventually, the US homeland.

Trump took to Truth Social to confirm the US has launched "major combat operations" against Iran in an eight-minute video.

He said Tehran's "menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world".

"For 47 years," Trump adds, "the Iranian regime has chanted 'Death to America' and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed."

He goes on to reference the US embassy crisis from 1979 and 1981, where 66 hostages were held for 444 days, as well as other incidents with Tehran, per Sky News.

"It's been mass terror, and we're not going to take it any longer", he adds, before claiming that Iran attempted to rebuild its nuclear programme and was developing long-range missiles.  

Trump goes on to say "we are going to destroy their missiles" and "annihilate their navy", and adds that while steps have been taken to avoid casualties, "Americans may be lost".

He then warns the Islamic Revolutionary Guard to "lay down their arms" or "face certain death".

Addressing the people of Iran, Trump says "the hour of your freedom is at hand" and warns them "bombs will dropping everywhere".

"When we are finished, take over your government, it will be yours to take", he adds.

"This will be, probably, your only chance for generations. For many years, you have asked for America's help, but you never got it.

"No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight."