Trump says US carrying out 'major combat operations' in Iran
US President Donald Trump announced that the United States has initiated 'major combat operations' in Iran, signaling a dramatic escalation of military involvement in the region.
Based on search results from February 2026, President Donald Trump declared war on Iran and confirmed a 'major combat operation' in an eight-minute speech on February 28, 2026. Trump stated that Iran could never have a nuclear weapon and vowed to destroy Iran's missiles and navy, indicating the goal was to topple the Iranian regime. This escalation followed earlier U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June 2025 known as Operation Midnight Hammer, where Trump claimed Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities had been 'completely and totally obliterated.'
Philippine news sources including Inquirer Global Nation reported on February 26, 2026 that Iran accused Trump of 'big lies' ahead of Geneva nuclear talks, amid massive U.S. military deployments to the Middle East. Vice President JD Vance affirmed Trump's readiness for military force if diplomacy fails, though he did not confirm ongoing operations. ABS-CBN's ANC segment from January 30, 2026 discussed 'Trump weighing targeted strikes on Iran to spur protests,' framing it as under consideration rather than active combat.
The tensions stemmed from failed nuclear talks, with no deal reached after February 27, 2026 discussions. Trump had previously stated on February 14, 2026 that a change in power in Iran 'would be the best thing that could happen,' threatening 'traumatic' consequences if no agreement was reached. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee's controversial comments about Israel's biblical rights to regional land sparked backlash, prompting Secretary of State Marco Rubio to demand American ambassadors avoid inflammatory remarks.
Oil markets reacted to the escalating tensions, with ABS-CBN reporting on February 17, 2026 that Trump's Iran warnings rattled sleepy markets, boosting oil prices during holiday-subdued trading in Asia. The situation represented a dramatic escalation in U.S.-Iran relations, with Trump explicitly declaring war and indicating regime change as the objective while emphasizing the need to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
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