U.S. launches ‘major combat operations’ in Iran as Canada urges caution

Anti-riot police in central Tehran in front of a state building covered with a billboard depicting the destruction of a U.S. aircraft carrier. (Credit: Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)

In the early hours of Feb. 28, explosions were reported across Tehran and the U.S. confirmed they were not just watching; they were involved. 

In an eight-minute video posted to Truth Social, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the American military had begun “major combat operations in Iran,” describing them as part of a “massive and ongoing” campaign. 

He said the objective was to eliminate imminent threats posed by the Iranian regime, accusing Tehran of continuing to rebuild its nuclear program and develop long-range missiles capable of reaching U.S. allies and potentially, the American homeland.

“Bombs will be dropping everywhere,” Trump said, urging Iranian civilians to stay sheltered before calling on them to “take over your government,” describing the moment as “probably your only chance for generations.” 

The address, reported by CTV News and The Associated Press, framed the operation not only as military action but as a political turning point.

Israeli officials similarly described the strikes as pre-emptive. 

Explosions were reported across Tehran shortly after 9:30 a.m. local time, with additional blasts in Isfahan, Qom, Karaj and Kermanshah, according to Reuters. 

Verified footage shows smoke rising near key government sites. 

Iranian state media reported at least 53 deaths in a strike on a primary school in Minab, a claim the BBC said it could not independently verify.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the attacks “wholly unprovoked, illegal and illegitimate,” vowing Iran would respond under its “legitimate right of self-defence.”

Retaliatory missile launches have since been reported toward Israel, with additional interceptions in Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. Multiple countries have closed their airspace.

However, Canada’s position remains firm. Carney described the Islamic Republic as “the principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East” and reiterated that Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons. 

Canada has sanctioned more than 250 Iranian entities and over 220 individuals and has listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.

Ottawa reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself and expressed support for U.S. efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, while also urging the protection of civilians and pledging to safeguard Canadian nationals and diplomatic missions in the region.

International reaction has been swift and divided. The United Nations’ human rights chief called for de-escalation and a return to negotiations. 

The European Union described the situation as “perilous.” The United Kingdom and France urged restraint. Russia condemned the strikes as reckless.

What makes this moment distinct is not just the scale of the military action, it is the rhetoric surrounding it. Trump’s address did not stop at deterrence; it openly called for regime change.

For Canada, the line is carefully drawn: support for preventing a nuclear-armed Iran, recognition of Israel’s security concerns, condemnation of Tehran’s record, but also an emphasis on civilian protection.

As strikes continue and retaliatory fire spreads across the region, the risk is no longer theoretical as it is unfolding in real time.

Later on Feb. 28, it was confirmed that the Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei was killed as a result of strikes in Tehran.