Notes:
This post is "live" and ongoing. It will be continually updated as events regarding Iran continue to unfold. To see the latest developments, go to the Updates section.
My personal commentary appears indented, in black, in italics, throughout this review and in the Commentary section.
On Jan 2, 2026, Trump posted the following on Truth Social:
If Iran shots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J.TRUMP
Trump's post is in response to anti-government protests in Iran which began about a week ago.
The protests are a result of degrading economic hardships, currency devaluation, and poor living conditions in Iran. They are the largest protests in Iran since the Mahsa Amini protests which began in September of 2022.
Mar 6, 2026 Update
Trump says Cuba's next: Here's how it could play out
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5770748-trump-pressure-cuba-regime-change/
Trump floats ‘friendly takeover' of Cuba
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5759118-cuba-friendly-takeover-trump/
Donald Trump responds to fears of Iran retaliation on US homeland
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5771126-donald-trump-us-fears-iran-retaliation/
Trump clarifies his goals for Iran
https://thehill.com/newsletters/1230-report/5771557-trump-calls-iran-surrender/
President Trump calls for full regime change in Iran after US-Israeli strikes
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5771021-donald-trump-iran-leadership-clean-out/
Trump posted the following on Truth Social:
There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER! After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. IRAN WILL HAVE A GREAT FUTURE. "MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!)." Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP
Mar 5, 2026 Update
'WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?': Trump admin unable to explain attack on Iran | MS NOW | YouTube
US military sets Iranian drone carrier ship on fire
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5770529-us-military-strikes-iranian-drone-carrier/
Thomas Massie: Iran war 'will radicalize new generations of terrorists'
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5768929-war-powers-resolution-debate/
Hegseth criticizes media for making US deaths in Iran war front-page news
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5766791-iran-drone-strike-kuwait/
Canada's Mark Carney, Australian leader call for Iran war de-escalation
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5768793-carney-albanese-deescalation-iran/
Sen. Mark Kelly blasts Donald Trump, his administration over Iran strategy
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5768779-mark-kelly-donald-trump-administration-iran-efforts/
Trump wants to be involved in picking Iran's next supreme leader | AP News
https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-march-05-2026-6a76668997a43855cc37eff7f4829615
Mar 4, 2026 Update
Canadian PM Carney says US and Israel's strikes on Iran mark ‘failure of the international order'
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5766143-canada-iran-nuclear-threat/
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Gen. Dan Caine preview Iran military operation
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5766617-hegseth-caine-bombing-campaign-iran/
Hegseth teases next phase of Iran war
https://thehill.com/newsletters/1230-report/5767144-iran-war-phase-next/
Kelly: Iran operation ‘not going well' for Trump administration
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5767139-mark-kelly-criticizes-trump-iran/
https://x.com/SenMarkKelly/status/2029227403927535914
Iranian leader of Trump assassination plot killed, Pete Hegseth says
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5767029-iranian-leader-killed-trump/
Senate Republicans defeat War Powers measure to halt Iran strikes
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5767815-senate-war-powers-iran/
Trump under pressure as he seeks to make case on Iran
https://thehill.com/homenews/5768063-trump-regime-change-iran/
Spain 'categorially' denies White House claim it will cooperate on Iran war
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5767857-spain-denies-us-iran-cooperation/
Fox News poll: Majority says Donald Trump's handling of Iran made US less safe
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5767714-trump-iran-poll-results/
Leavitt says Americans stranded in Middle East had prior warning not to travel
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5767421-americans-evacuated-middle-east/
Analysis: Trump's and Hegseth's comments about US troop deaths in Iran war | CNN Politics
https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/04/politics/us-troop-deaths-iran-trump-hegseth
Spain's Pedro Sánchez hits back at Trump threat to sever trade saying 'no to war'
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c93wwq1n542o
Mar 3, 2026 Update
Speaking with reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said:
I might have forced their [Israel's] hand. We were having negotiations with these lunatics, and it was my opinion that they were going to attack first. If we didn't do it, they were going to attack first. I felt strongly about that.
In addition to what is posted below for the Mar 2, 2026 Update, Rubio also said the following yesterday:
We knew that there was going to be an Israeli action, we knew that that would precipitate an attack against American forces, and we knew that if we didn't preemptively go after them before they launched those attacks, we would suffer higher casualties.
Trump claims he ‘forced' Israel into Iran war, contradicting Rubio's account - Roll Call
https://rollcall.com/2026/03/03/trump-claims-he-forced-israel-into-iran-war-contradicting-rubios-account/
Exclusive: Diplomats claim Witkoff undermined Iran talks
https://www.ms.now/news/exclusive-diplomats-claim-witkoff-undermined-iran-talks
Maddow: Trump's CLOWN CAR CABINET now an alarming liability as threat from Iran spikes - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tKHVIDF4oU
Marco Rubio briefs senators on Trump's Iran strikes
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5766074-rubio-briefing-senators-iran/
Rubio grilled over why US started Iran attacks
https://thehill.com/newsletters/defense-national-security/5766040-rubio-grilled-over-why-us-started-iran-attacks/
Benjamin Netanyahu says US-Israel action in Iran won't be 'endless war'
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5765600-netanyahu-israel-iran-strikes/
Trump claims he ‘forced' Israel into Iran war, contradicting Rubio's account - Roll Call
https://rollcall.com/2026/03/03/trump-claims-he-forced-israel-into-iran-war-contradicting-rubios-account/
House Republican: ‘We're seeing … multiple definitions' for Iran mission
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5765223-warren-davidson-trump-iran/
Senator Angus King deplores Rubio's explanation for Iran attacks
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5764699-sen-king-rubio-iran-preemptive/
Trump criticizes UK and Spain over Iran strikes
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5764930-trump-lambasts-uk-spain-iran/
Speaker Johnson pushes against war powers resolution: 'frightening'
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5763946-war-powers-resolution-iran/
Senate Republicans warn Trump about expanding Iran mission
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5764012-senate-republicans-trump-iran/
Trump threatens to halt trade with Spain over air base access
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8r1mzd8vygo
Mar 2, 2026 Update
Hegseth, Trump leave door open for boots on the ground in Iran | The Hill
Hegseth gives fiery defense of Iran war; Caine predicts more US losses | The Hill
Trump: 'I don't care about polling' showing Iran strikes unpopular | The Hill
Iranian-backed militias in Middle East join war | The Hill
Kuwait 'mistakenly' shoots down 3 US F-15s: Pentagon | The Hill
Voters split on whether Iran strikes were necessary: Survey | The Hill
5 questions for Trump amid the Iran crisis | The Hill
Centcom raises 'Epic Fury' death toll to 6 service members | The Hill
Trump tells CNN the ‘big wave' is yet to come in war with Iran | CNN Politics
https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/02/politics/trump-interview-iran-jake-tapper
Trump posted the following on X:
If I didn't terminate Obama's horrendous Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA), Iran would have had a Nuclear Weapon three years ago. That was the most dangerous transaction we have ever entered into, and had it been allowed to stand, the World would be an entirely different place right now. You can blame Barack Hussein Obama, and Sleepy Joe Biden.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said:
There absolutely was an imminent threat, and the imminent threat was that we knew that if Iran was attacked, and we believed they would be attacked, that they would immediately come after us.
Citing a department of Defense assessment that said Iran planned a strike against the U.S. that would have resulted in "more casualties and more deaths" Rubio added:
We went proactively in a defensive way to prevent them from inflicting higher damage.
Rubio's "imminent threat" statement is ridiculous on two counts.
First, who is going to attack Iran? If it's Israel, then Trump would know about it because he's on good terms with Netanyahu, he's in close contact with him because of what's happening right now, and he would convince him to not attack Iran because it might cause Iran to attack the U.S., right? What other country besides Israel would attack Iran, and for what reason?
Second, how would Iran "come after us" after an actual attack? What exactly would Iran do?
If you say, "Well, if they have ICBM capability, then they could launch missiles bound for the U.S.," then first of all, do we know for sure that Iran has that capability, and second, do you think Iran would REALLY send missiles at the U.S. knowing full well that the country would experience the full force of the American military?
And you expect me to believe a DOD assessment that claims Iran is planning a strike against the U.S.? Nope, I'm not buying it.
Explain to me how Iran is an "imminent threat" to anyone.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth spoke at a press briefing. Here's some of what he said (bold added for emphasis):
We didn't start this war, but under President Trump, we are finishing it. Their war on Americans has become our retribution against their ayatollah and his death cult. It took the 47th president, a fighter who always puts America first, to finally draw the line after 47 years of Iranian belligerence. He reminded the world, as he has time and time again, being an American means something unbreakable. If you kill Americans, if you threaten Americans anywhere on Earth, we will hunt you down without apology and without hesitation and we will kill you.
Iran was building powerful missiles and drones to create a conventional shield for their nuclear blackmail ambitions. Let me say that again: a conventional shield for their nuclear blackmail ambitions, our bases, our people, our allies, all in their crosshairs. Iran had a conventional gun to our head as they tried to lie their way to a nuclear bomb.
The former regime had every chance to make a peaceful and sensible deal. But Tehran was not negotiating; they were stalling, buying time to reload their missile stockpiles and restart their nuclear ambitions. Their goal: Hold us hostage, threatening to strike our forces.
America, regardless of what so-called international institutions say, is unleashing the most lethal and precise air power campaign in history. B-2s, fighters, drones, missiles, and of course classified effects. All on our terms with maximum authorities. No stupid rules of engagement, no nation-building quagmire, no democracy building exercise, no politically correct wars. We fight to win, and we don't waste time or lives.
Before I turn it over to General Caine for the operational update, let me speak straight to you, the Joint Force, our warriors on the front lines. This is your moment. This is the generational turning point America has waited for since 1979 and since the rudderless wars of hubris, my generation, our generation endured, don't listen to the noise, just stay focused.
QUESTION: Thank you for your time. What percentage of Iranian long-strike capabilities are still in the fight? And what is our exit strategy here, and when will it be deployed?
HEGSETH: Well, they — they have long range strike capabilities, which we are hyper-focused on. In the brief we got just this morning — Admiral Cooper knows exactly and precisely what kind of threat matrix he's looking at, the way they might change their techniques, and how we adapt to that.
HEGSETH: Well, I laid out the objectives as did the chairman they're — they're completely nested. I mean,Iran has an ability to project power against us and our allies in ways that we can't — we can't tolerate. So, whether that's ballistic missiles and drones, so offensive capabilities effectively their — their navy, which would attempt to set other terms and impose different costs, drone capabilities, which we — which we laid out there.
Both Hegseth and Rubio are grossly exaggerating the "threat" posed to the U.S. by Iran.
Let's not forget that Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Iran Nuclear Deal forged during the Obama administration. No, that deal was not perfect, but at least inspectors had access to Iran's nuclear facilities.
I haven't followed the recent attempts at negotiating a new deal. What I do know is that Trump, and his administration's style of negotiating is always forceful, in-your-face, and threatening. There was no way Iran was going to agree to a deal.
The other thing I must mention is the way in which Hegseth speaks. His tone and demeanor is always forceful, overly aggressive, and I would say "self-righteous," to a fault. You may think that Biden and Obama were too "soft," but Hegseth and Trump are way, way too hawkish. It feels like they enjoy going to war and killing people.
To Trump, I think all of his recent war-related incursions are somewhat of a game. And for sure, it's just Trump doing what comedian George Carlin referred to as "prick waving." Trump controls the world's most sophisticated and powerful military, and he's saying to himself, "Gee, look what I can do." As always, Trump's ego is the underlying motivation for everything he does, even though he might not be aware of it.
There's a reason why the Department of Defense was changed to the Department of War. And this administration is "hell-bent" on making sure the Department lives up to its new official name.
Mar 1, 2026 Update
Trump posted the following on Truth Social:
I have just been informed that we have destroyed and sunk 9 Iranian Naval Ships, some of them relatively large and important. We are going after the rest — They will soon be floating at the bottom of the sea, also! In a different attack, we largely destroyed their Naval Headquarters. Other than that, their Navy is doing very well! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP
Trump gave an update on the Iran attack during which he said:
Over the past 36 hours, the United States and its partners have launched Operation Epic Fury, one of the largest, most complex, most overwhelming military offensives the world has ever seen. Nobody's seen anything like it. We have hit hundreds of targets in Iran, including Revolutionary Guard facilities, Iranian air defense systems. Just now, it was announced that we knocked out nine ships, plus their naval building. All in a matter of literally minutes.
Iran's formerly supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, is dead. This wretched and vile man had the blood of hundreds and even thousands of Americans on his hands, and was responsible for the slaughter of countless thousands of innocent people, all across many countries.
Last night, all over Iran, the voices of the Iranian people could be heard cheering and celebrating in the streets when his death was announced. The entire military command is gone as well, and many of them want to surrender into saving their lives. They want immunity. They're calling by the thousands.
Combat operations continue at this time in full force, and they will continue until all of our objectives are achieved. We have very strong objectives. They could have done something two weeks ago, but they just couldn't get there.
Earlier today, CENTCOM shared the news that three U.S. military service members have been killed in action. As one nation, we grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives, we pray for the full recovery of the wounded and send our immense love and eternal gratitude to the families of the fallen.
And sadly, there will likely be more. Before it ends, that's the way it is. Likely be more. But we'll do everything possible where that won't be the case. But America will avenge their deaths, and deliver the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war against, basically, civilization. They have waged war against civilization itself. Our resolve, and likewise that of Israel, has never been stronger.
America is now, again, the richest, most powerful nation in the world, by far. But the only reason we enjoy the quality of life that we do and the freedom and security as we have done things that others are unable to do. But it's because of warriors who are willing to lay down their lives to do battle with our enemies. And they do battle better than anybody.
An Iranian regime armed with long-range missiles and nuclear weapons would be a dire threat to every American. We cannot allow a nation that raises terrorist armies to possess such weapons -- would allow them to extort the world to their evil will. Not going to let it happen. We're not happening to us, and we're not gonna let it happen to others.
The United States has the strongest military the world has ever seen. I rebuilt our military in my first term. There's never been a military like we possess. And frankly, there's nobody even close. But, we are now using that military for good. We want to have it for good purpose. We're undertaking this massive operation not merely to ensure security for our own time and place, but for our children, and their children, just as our ancestors have done for us many, many years ago. This is the duty and the burden of a free people.
These actions are right, and they are necessary to ensure that Americans will never have to face a radical, bloodthirsty terrorist regime armed with nuclear weapons and lots of threats. For almost 50 years, these wicked extremists have been attacking the United States while chanting the slogan, "Death to America," or "Death to Israel," or both. They are the world's number one state sponsor of terror. We are the world's greatest and most powerful nation, so we can do something about what they do. These intolerable threats will not continue any longer.
I once again urge the Revolutionary Guard, the Iranian military, police, to lay down your arms, and receive full immunity or face certain death. It will be certain death. Won't be pretty. I call upon all Iranian patriots who yearn for freedom. to seize this moment, to be brave, be bold, be heroic, and take back your country. America is with you. I made a promise to you, and I fulfilled that promise. The rest will be up to you, but we'll be there to help.
Thank you. God bless you to our incredible warriors, and God bless the United States of America. Thank you.
Trump posted the following on Truth Social:
I have just been informed that we have destroyed and sunk 9 Iranian Naval Ships, some of them relatively large and important. We are going after the rest — They will soon be floating at the bottom of the sea, also! In a different attack, we largely destroyed their Naval Headquarters. Other than that, their Navy is doing very well! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP
The Israel Defense Forces posted the following on X:
It's official: All senior terrorist leaders of Iran's Axis of Terror have been eliminated
Along with the post is an image of 14 Iranian officials and Khamenei.
U.S. and Israel pound targets across Iran as Trump signals openness to talk to new leadership | PBS
Trump appears to link Iran attack to his 2020 election loss | The Guardian
Just a quarter of Americans back Iran strikes: Poll | The Hill
Live updates: Trump warns Iran against retaliation; 3 US servicemembers killed | The Hill
Iran names interim leadership after Khamenei killing | The Hill
Israeli president: Middle East's future 'depends on' US action in Iran | The Hill
Feb 28, 2026 Update
Trump posted the following on Truth Social:
Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS. He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do. This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country. We are hearing that many of their IRGC, Military, and other Security and Police Forces, no longer want to fight, and are looking for Immunity from us. As I said last night, "Now they can have Immunity, later they only get Death!" Hopefully, the IRGC and Police will peacefully merge with the Iranian Patriots, and work together as a unit to bring back the Country to the Greatness it deserves. That process should soon be starting in that, not only the death of Khamenei but the Country has been, in only one day, very much destroyed and, even, obliterated. The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD!
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP
Trump posted an 8-minute video on Truth Social during which he said:
A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime. A vicious group of very hard, terrible people. Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world.
For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted Death to America and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder, targeting the United States, our troops and the innocent people in many, many countries. Among the regime's very first acts was to back a violent takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, holding dozens of American hostages for 444 days. In 1983, Iran's proxies carried out the marine barracks bombing in Beirut that killed 241 American military personnel.
In 2000, they knew and were probably involved with the attack on the USS Cole. Many died. Iranian forces killed and maimed hundreds of American service members in Iraq. The regime's proxies have continued to launch countless attacks against American forces stationed in the Middle East in recent years, as well as U.S. naval and commercial vessels and international shipping lines. It's been mass terror, and we're not going to put up with it any longer.
From Lebanon to Yemen and Syria to Iraq, the regime has armed, trained and funded terrorist militias that have soaked the earth with blood and guts. And it was Iran's proxy, Hamas, that launched the monstrous Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, slaughtering more than 1,000 innocent people, including 46 Americans, while taking 12 of our citizens hostage. It was brutal, something like the world has never seen before.
Iran is the world's number one state sponsor of terror, and just recently killed tens of thousands of its own citizens on the street as they protested. It has always been the policy of the United States, in particular my administration, that this terrorist regime can never have a nuclear weapon. I'll say it again, they can never have a nuclear weapon. That is why in Operation Midnight Hammer last June, we obliterated the regime's nuclear program at Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan. After that attack, we warned them never to resume their malicious pursuit of nuclear weapons, and we sought repeatedly to make a deal. We tried. They wanted to do it. They didn't want to do it. Again they wanted to do it. They didn't want to do it. They didn't know what was happening. They just wanted to practice evil. But Iran refused, just as it has for decades and decades.
They've rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions, and we can't take it anymore. Instead, they attempted to rebuild their nuclear program and to continue developing the long range missiles that can now threaten our very good friends and allies in Europe, our troops stationed overseas, and could soon reach the American homeland. Just imagine how emboldened this regime would be if they ever had, and actually were armed with nuclear weapons as a means to deliver their message.
For these reasons, the United States military is undertaking a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America and our core national security interests. We're going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally again obliterated. We're going to annihilate their navy. We're going to ensure that the region's terrorist proxies can no longer destabilize the region or the world and attack our forces, and no longer use their IEDs, or roadside bombs as they are sometimes called, to so gravely wound and kill thousands and thousands of people, including many Americans. And we will ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon. It's a very simple message. They will never have a nuclear weapon.
This regime will soon learn that no one should challenge the strength and might of the United States Armed Forces. I built and rebuilt our military in my first administration and there is no military on earth even close to its power, strength or sophistication. My administration is taking every possible step to minimize the risk to U.S. personnel in the region. Even so, and I do not make this statement lightly, the Iranian regime seeks to kill. The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties. That often happens in war. But we're doing this not for now. We're doing this for the future. And it is a noble mission. We pray for every service member as they selflessly risk their lives to ensure that Americans and our children will never be threatened by a nuclear-armed Iran. We ask God to protect all of our heroes in harm's way. And we trust that with his help, the men and women of the armed forces will prevail. We have the greatest in the world, and they will prevail.
To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces and all of the police, I say tonight that you must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity. Or in the alternative, face certain death. So, lay down your arms. You will be treated fairly with total immunity, or you will face certain death. Finally, to the great proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered. Don't leave your home. It's very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. 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. Now you have a president who is giving you what you want. So let's see how you respond. America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force. Now is the time to seize control of your destiny, and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close within your reach. This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass.
May God bless the brave men and women of America's armed forces. May God bless the United States of America. May God bless you all. Thank you.
Later in the day Trump posted the following on Truth Social:
Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE! Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP
Trump posted the following on Truth Social:
Iran tried to interfere in 2020, 2024 elections to stop Trump, and now faces renewed war with United States:
Along with the post is a link to an article published yesterday entitled "Iran tried to interfere in 2020, 2024 elections to stop Trump, and now faces renewed war with U.S.".
Watch and listen to Rachel Maddow's response here.
Trump puts Iran's leader in double bind: Capitulation or risk of war | The Hill
Why Attack Iran Now? Trump Aides Blame Iranian ‘Tricks' | TIME
https://time.com/7381896/trump-attack-iran-why-now-factors/
Death toll in Israeli strike on southern Iran school rises to 165 | Israel-Iran conflict News | Al Jazeera
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/28/israel-strikes-two-schools-in-iran-killing-more-than-50-people
Feb 23, 2026 Update
US-Israeli strikes on Iran result in Khamenei's death: 5 things to know | The Hill
Feb 13, 2026 Update
What to know as Iran and the U.S. weigh holding a second round of nuclear talks | PBS
Feb 11, 2026 Update
Trump: Failed Iran talks would be a 'bad day' for Tehran | The Hill
Jan 28, 2026 Update
Trump posted the following on Truth Social:
A massive Armada is heading to Iran. It is moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose. It is a larger fleet, headed by the great Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln, than that sent to Venezuela. Like with Venezuela, it is, ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary. Hopefully Iran will quickly "Come to the Table" and negotiate a fair and equitable deal - NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS - one that is good for all parties. Time is running out, it is truly of the essence! As I told Iran once before, MAKE A DEAL! They didn't, and there was "Operation Midnight Hammer," a major destruction of Iran. The next attack will be far worse! Don't make that happen again. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP
The official Twitter account of the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations, New York responded on X:
Last time the U.S. blundered into wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, it squandered over $7 trillion and lost more than 7,000 American lives. Iran stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and interests—BUT IF PUSHED, IT WILL DEFEND ITSELF AND RESPOND LIKE NEVER BEFORE!
Jan 14, 2026 Update
Trump told that executions in Iran will stop; does not rule out US military action | The Hill
Jan 13, 2026 Update
Trump posted the following on Truth Social:
Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING - TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price. I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY. MIGA!!! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP
Commentary:
You can argue that Trump is being a true "freedom fighter" by showing his support for oppressed Iranian citizens, but saying that the U.S. will "come to their rescue" and that the U.S. is "locked and loaded and ready to go" is troubling to say the least.
Trump is suggesting that the U.S. will provide military support to help Iranian citizens overthrow the Iranian government. Trump has already shown he is willing to disregard international norms of sovereignty by his bombing of Iranian nuclear sites in June of 2025. Military intervention in Iran to help bring about regime change would be another instance of doing the same.
Today, Trump announced that the U.S. carried out a "large scale strike" on Venezuela's capital Caracas, and that U.S. troops captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, another instance of complete disregard for international norms.
Regardless of how "bad" or "dangerous" another country and their government are perceived to be, intervention in the internal affairs of a sovereign nation is very risky business.
Even if Trump follows through and helps bring about regime change in Iran, what's to say Iran and its citizens will ultimately be any better afterwards? Looking at what happened in Iraq with the fall of Saddam Hussein, are Iraqi citizens better off now than they were when Saddam Hussein was in power? Think about how long the Iraq war went on, and all of the deaths and devastation it caused. Was it really worth it, especially considering that the Iraq war was based on the false pretense of "weapons of mass destruction?"
Trump's bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities last June, his post suggesting military support for Iranian protesters, and today's intervention in Venezuela are having a major impact on how the rest of the world perceives the U.S. In particular, countries like Russia and China now see the U.S. as even more of an aggressor than before. Do you think this is a good thing?
Historically, the United States has always supported democracy worldwide. While that's a lofty and admirable stance, I think that realistically, in the long run countries are better off left as they are, regardless of how reprehensible their form of government might appear.
If you think that Trump intervening in Iran would be similar to U.S. support for Ukraine in terms of promoting democracy, I say that the situations in Iran and Ukraine are completely different. In Iran, it's a question of citizens wanting the government to listen to their pleas and to make life better. Ukraine was invaded by Russia, where Russia completely disregarded Ukraine's sovereignty.
Trump's desire to rid the world of all the "bad guys" might feel good in the moment, but in the long term it's not good foreign policy.
So, according to Rubio, the U.S. knew that Israel was going to attack Iran. If that was in fact the case, and the U.S. was so concerned about Iran attacking the U.S. as a result, then why didn't Trump talk Netanyahu out of the attack? It seems to me that any reasonable, rational president who is trying to prevent war and death, and instead promote peace would have told Netanyahu NOT to attack Iran.
Trump is a bully, and he wants to control everything. If Trump was really and truly concerned about an attack on the U.S., then it makes absolutely no sense that he wouldn't have insisted that Netanyahu NOT attack Iran.
Trump has recently amassed a large amount of military power in the middle east. Any attack by Iran would have been immediately met with a massive response from that military buildup. Iran is and has been keenly aware of that.
No, Trump attacked Iran because he wanted to. This "attack or be attacked" explanation is total B.S. It's nothing but a smoke screen.