Washington, 28 February (H.S.): US President Donald Trump and his national security team are closely monitoring the rapidly escalating Iran situation from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, the White House confirmed Saturday evening, hours after joint US-Israel military strikes targeted key Iranian leadership and facilities.

White House Situation Room at Mar-a-Lago

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on X that President Trump monitored the situation overnight at Mar-a-Lago alongside members of his national security team. Trump also held a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, coordinating on the unfolding crisis.

Leavitt emphasized that the President and security officials will continue to closely monitor the developments involving Iran throughout the day.Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed seven of the eight members of the congressional Gang of Eight prior to the attacks, fulfilling notification requirements.

Operation Epic Fury Unleashed

Tensions erupted with the launch of Operation Epic Fury (US) and Israel's Operation Roaring Lion (Hebrew: Mivtsa She'agat Ha'ari), striking targets in Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. Israel confirmed hits on sites linked to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, President, and armed forces chief. Satellite imagery shows heavy damage to Khamenei's compound; reports indicate National Security Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani was killed.

President Trump announced the strikes aim to dismantle Iran's missile capabilities, thwart nuclear ambitions, and topple the regime. He urged Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) members to surrender for immunity, warning of certain death otherwise.

Iran's Retaliatory Missile Barrage

Tehran responded with dozens of ballistic missiles targeting Israel and US bases in Jordan, Syria, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Explosions rocked Gulf capitals: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Riyadh, and Manama.

Dubai suspended flights; UAE air defenses intercepted Iranian missiles, reserving full right to respond. Qatar downed a third missile wave; Bahrain evacuated near the Juffair US naval base.Houthis vowed resumed Red Sea attacks. IRGC declared operations continue until the enemy faces definitive defeat, deeming all US regional assets legitimate targets.

Diplomatic Backdrop Collapses

Strikes occurred despite Geneva nuclear talks mediated by Oman, where Washington demanded an end to uranium enrichment, missile limits, and proxy support (Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis). Trump issued a 10-15 day deadline last week, warning of bad things. Oman noted progress but persistent gaps before escalation derailed diplomacy.

Regional and Global Fallout

Israel enacted a 48-hour emergency, closing airspace with sirens blaring. Iranian state media aired Tehran smoke plumes; casualties unverified. UN Security Council convenes emergently at France-Bahrain request. Guterres condemned all strikes, urging ceasefire.

Analysts fear oil shocks via Hormuz Strait, broader war drawing in proxies. Trump's Mar-a-Lago command post symbolizes hands-on crisis management amid unprecedented US-Israel coordination defying nuclear parleys.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar