In response, the Iranian regime has launched an unprecedented wave of strikes across the Middle East, targeting several countries that host US military bases. Despite the military building, the US also resumed efforts to reach a new nuclear deal with Iran. After crippling Iran’s proxies – Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon – Israel last summer launched a war against Iran itself. What was unusual about Trump’s and Netanyahu’s statements is that both were explicit about their hopes for regime change in Iran. When the US and Israel last struck Iran in June, they targeted its stockpile of ballistic missiles, hampering its ability to retaliate.

Source: CNN February 28, 2026 06:42 UTC