In a significant escalation of military tensions, the United States and Israel have initiated a military operation against Iran following a series of negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program. This operation commenced on February 28, 2026, amid claims from U.S. officials about Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Steve Witkoff, a special envoy for the U.S. president, stated that Iranian representatives boasted during discussions that they could produce 11 nuclear bombs using their enriched uranium. According to Witkoff, the Iranian negotiators indicated they controlled 460 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, asserting this as a starting point for their negotiating position.
“At the first meeting, both Iranian negotiators openly stated that they control 460 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium and know how to make 11 nuclear bombs, which set the tone for their negotiation stance,” Witkoff claimed.
Witkoff further noted that the Iranian representatives expressed pride in circumventing oversight protocols to achieve their nuclear advancements. He added that Iran has developed its own centrifuges for uranium enrichment, making their operations difficult to halt.
“They are manufacturing their own centrifuges for enriching this material. Thus, they are nearly impossible to stop. They have an unlimited supply of this material,” the official remarked.
Prior to the military operation, multiple rounds of negotiations between Washington and Tehran had taken place, but no agreement was reached. Oman, acting as a mediator, reported significant progress, indicating that Tehran had agreed not to accumulate enriched uranium.
Military Actions and International Reactions
The military operation began with an Israeli attack on Tehran, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to announce a “major combat operation” aimed at eliminating perceived threats from the Iranian regime. Trump accused Iran of funding and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
The objectives of the operation include dismantling Iran’s missile industry and naval capabilities, as well as preventing further destabilization of the region.
In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it had launched missiles and drones towards Israel and targeted U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Amid these developments, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council. The European Union reiterated its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that it is just to give Iranians a chance to rid themselves of a “terrorist regime” and to guarantee safety for all nations affected by attacks from Iran.
On February 28, Trump announced the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a claim later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). Following this, the IRGC declared it was commencing the “most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and U.S. bases.
Trump warned the Iranian regime to abandon its aggressive plans, threatening a “very strong response” if they did not comply. On March 1, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the next phase of the military operation would be even more devastating.
The military operation launched by the U.S. and Israel against Iran follows alarming claims regarding Iran's nuclear capabilities. As tensions escalate, international responses highlight concerns over regional security.