Trump Announces Major Joint US-Israeli Strikes Against Iran

The United States and Israel have engaged in a series of major combat operations against Iran, beginning February 28, 2026, with the stated goals of eliminating nuclear threats and removing the current regime. These joint strikes have targeted high-ranking government officials, military commanders, and critical infrastructure across the Islamic Republic.

President Donald Trump announced the commencement of major combat operations in Iran on February 28, 2026. The initial wave of joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeted military and government sites. According to reports, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in Tehran during the first day of these operations, leading to the selection of his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as his successor.

Operation Epic Fury

On March 1, 2026, the White House formally authorized Operation Epic Fury. The administration described the initiative as a strategic effort to dismantle the Iranian regime’s capabilities and end its regional influence.

Operation Epic Fury — a precise, overwhelming military campaign to eliminate the imminent nuclear threat posed by the Iranian regime, destroy its ballistic missile arsenal, degrade its proxy terror networks, and cripple its naval forces.

The White House

President Trump characterized the campaign as a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America and our core national security interests.

Targeting of Regime Leadership

Military operations have continued through April 4, 2026, with waves of attacks striking sites throughout the day. An Israeli official stated that strikes on April 4 specifically targeted Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, as well as other top military and regime commanders.

Iranian sources have confirmed the deaths of several senior officials. Among the casualties are the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, and the Iranian defense minister, Aziz Nasirzadeh.

The campaign has targeted symbols of the Iranian government, intelligence facilities, and military installations. In addition to the leadership strikes, President Trump postponed planned military strikes on Iranian power plants for five days during the progression of the conflict.

Iranian Retaliation and Regional Escalation

Iran has responded to the joint assault with missile and drone attacks. These projectiles have targeted Israel, multiple Gulf nations, and regional U.S. Military bases. Iranian forces have attempted to block shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

In response to the maritime disruptions, President Trump issued an ultimatum on April 4, 2026, giving Iran 48 hours to open the Strait of Hormuz or face further military strikes.

The conflict has also expanded into Lebanon, where Israel has intensified its strike campaign against the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia and expanded ground operations in the southern region of the country.

U.S. Military Losses and Search Operations

The U.S. Military has sustained losses during the operations. On April 4, 2026, a U.S. Fighter jet was shot down by Iranian forces over Iranian territory. Iran claimed the aircraft was downed using a new air defense system.

The downed aircraft, a two-seater F-15E, resulted in a search and rescue operation. While one crew member has been rescued, a second crew member remains missing. As of April 4, 2026, the search for the missing crew member has entered its second day.

Other U.S. Assets have been affected by Iranian fire, including two helicopters and another jet that were hit on Friday, April 3, 2026.