US and Israel strike Iran. (title edited by MNHQ at request of the OP)

[Twiglets1]

Israel attacked Iran early on Saturday morning, saying it had “launched a pre-emptive strike against Iran to remove threats to the state of Israel,” according to a military spokesman.

Israel closed its airspace and declared a state of emergency, in anticipation of
Iranian drone and missile strikes in response.

Explosions were heard in Tehran on Saturday, Iranian media reported.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/28/israel-launches-attack-on-iran-as-explosions-heard-in-tehran

Its defined as "acts committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group" and needs to be done with intent. Such as in Rwanda. Thats not what was happening in Iran as they were murdering people protesting, in order to stay in power. Similar to the Tiananmen Square massacre. We wouldn't call that a genocide. It doesn't mean its less terrible though. But we need to keep words to describe what actually takes place otherwise they lose power and meaning.

Sorry. Slightly off topic.

Yes I believe it was co-ordinated from the start.

I've asked for MN to change the title of the thread because the way it was reported at first in the media did not reflect that it was the joint strike it has turned out to be.

That's ok with the detour and I agree that genocide is not necessarily just about numbers but more about intent.

'Operation Epic Fury'

FFS.

I think you mean Iran.

??

Israel isn't the country accepting 'a minor regime change!!!!

I meant Israel wouldn't accept a minor regime change in Iran similar to what happened in Venezuela.

Chuck Holton (currently located in Armenia) is good to follow for analysis.

I can see the confusion… I believe what @dapsnotplimsolls means is that the US & Israel won’t accept minor changes with regard to stopping the attacks … they will only be satisfied with a complete change of regime in Iran.

Am I right in thinking threads in this sub-forum don't make it to Trending topics? Is it worth moving this thread to 'Chat'? I'm sure there are lots of people interested but won't see this thread if it doesn't come up in Trending.

Hoping with everything in me that the evil IRG are overthrown and the brave Iranian people have freedom at last.

If they do, I am very sorry my dad did not live to see it.

IRGC has announced they're counter-attacking.

I agree although I suspect somebody else will start a convo on AIBU soon.

Thanks! I only just woke up and totally misunderstood @dapsnotplimsolls post after seeing the news! Apologies all round.

I think it’s fine here. It’s a bit less jumpy and more considered imo

No problem, I was typing on my phone at the time so I was being concise!

Am watching Agenda Free TV on YouTube following live if anyone wants another source.

There are unconfirmed reports of explosions in Bahrain and UAE as well, but I stress, unconfirmed.

I'm following the live page on Sky News - more info than on the BBC.

Why has the OP called it a 'pre-emptive' strike? Talk about bias right there.

That's how Israel described it.

Yes I usually watch Steve Lookner but in this case have deferred to Chuck Holton as he's a military man, however once he's off air I'll head to Steve. 😊

According to Amir Tsarfati (located in Israel) this operation's supposed to last around 3 weeks to complete.

Agree.

One that puts its people first rather than supporting numerous terrorist groups in the middle east.

I hope the regime falls.

Will Putin stick his oar in?

What the Iranians are going through is intolerable. I saw a rally in our town last week, heartbreaking pictures on display.
I hope they can topple the Islamist regime 🙏