On Feb. 28, President Donald Trump posted a video on his social media platform Truth Social announcing that the U.S. military had carried out combat operations in Iran.
In the eight-minute video, Trump said the operations included strikes that killed Iran’s 37-year supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The strikes also reportedly affected other areas across the region, including an elementary school where more than 100 people were reportedly killed.
The operation was conducted alongside Israel, which aided with intelligence and carried out additional strikes.
Sites targeted by the joint U.S.-Israeli efforts included missile launch sites, regime buildings and the country’s air defenses, according to CBS news.
The U.S. attacks follow recent diplomatic exchanges between the U.S. and Iran regarding Iran’s nuclear program. In the the week leading up to the strikes, Trump threatened military action among stalled negotiations between both countries.
Two days before the military intervention, CNBC reported that the U.S. and Iran concluded their “most intense” nuclear talks.
Prior to the latest attack, the U.S. carried out strikes in Iran on June 21, 2025. That operation targeted three nuclear facilities in the country. After the operation was completed, Trump said in an address to the nation that “Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated.”
Following the American strikes, Iran responded with attacks targeting nearby U.S. allies including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan and Bahrain, all of which host American military personnel.
As of March 1 three U.S. service members have been killed, with five wounded. In response to the fatalities, the President said, “Sadly, there will likely be more before it ends.” Trump also stated that U.S . strikes could last around “four weeks or so.”
Hezbollah, a political party in Lebanon that is backed by Iran, launched strikes to Israel. In response, the Israeli government targeted locations in Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, believed to be occupied by Hezbollah forces.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has “vowed” to launch additional strikes into Iran’s capital, Tehran.
Iran holds the world’s third largest proven oil reserves, behind only to rival Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela, in which the U.S. carried out a separate operation capturing President Nicholas Maduro back in January.
In response to strikes, Iran has deployed tankers, and sent radio signals warning ships not to pass one of the world’s most important waterways, the strait of Hormuz, which is a vital export route for ships carrying oil out of the Middle East.
In total, 20% of the world’s oil passes through this route. These ships carry oil from not only Iran, but Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Iraq and the UAE hold the fifth and sixth largest proven-oil reserves in the world.
Select members of Congress commanding a vote on a war powers resolution. The resolution dates back to 1973 and Nixon’s handling of the Vietnam War. If passed the resolution would limit Trump’s military ability.
To go into effect, the resolution must be passed by the republican led house and senate, then must be signed by the President.
Under Article I, Section eight, Clause 11 of the U.S. constitution, it reads “To declare war, Grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make rules concerning captures on Land and water.” Through this passage, the Supreme Court has observed that only Congress can declare war.
Questions over the legality of the President’s actions have risen. In his initial address, Trump used the word “war” once. He said, “The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost and we may have casualties. That often happens in war.”
The Prospector will continue updating as more information is released.
Sebastian Perez-Navarro is the multimedia editor for The Prospector and can be reached at [email protected] or Instagram and X @sebastianpn8, and on LinkedIn @sebastianperez-navarro.
