Today’s Top Stories in the US, February 28, 2026
U.S. and Israel Launch Major Military Strikes on Iran
A dramatic escalation in the Middle East dominated U.S. news today as the United States and Israel carried out coordinated military strikes against Iran early Saturday, ending months of mounting tensions and failed negotiations.
- President Donald Trump announced in a video that “major combat operations” have begun, declaring the offensive was intended to eliminate what his administration calls imminent threats from Iran’s government and military.
- Trump also urged ordinary Iranians to take this moment to “seize control of your government”, framing the campaign as an opportunity for regime change.
- Initial strikes reportedly hit strategic military, intelligence, and leadership targets in Tehran and other Iranian cities, while Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israel and U.S. military bases across the Gulf. Air defenses have been activated across the region and international flights were disrupted.
- Casualty reports are emerging, including dozens killed by a strike on a girls’ school in southern Iran, and some civilians in the Gulf affected by flying debris and missile exchanges.
The Pentagon is actively monitoring events from Mar-a-Lago in Florida, where top U.S. military leaders are coordinating the response as the situation continues to unfold.
This marks one of the most significant U.S. military engagements in the Middle East in years, raising concerns in Washington and abroad about wider regional escalation and the prospects for diplomatic resolution.
U.S. Government Orders Federal Agencies to Drop AI Technology
In a separate but politically charged move, President Trump directed all federal agencies to stop using artificial intelligence technology from the Silicon Valley company Anthropic.
- The directive stems from a standoff between the Department of Defense and Anthropic over proposed use of the company’s AI systems in ways the firm says would violate its ethical safeguards — including for surveillance and autonomous weapons.
- Anthropic’s leadership publicly defended its guidelines, saying they protect against unintended military misuse of AI.
The move adds to growing national debates over how artificial intelligence should be regulated and used by government, particularly in defense and security applications.
U.S. Advises Heightened Caution for Personnel Abroad
Amid the regional conflict escalation, the U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia issued a security advisory urging its personnel to exercise increased caution and limit non-essential movement given instability in nearby areas.
This follows a series of warnings and consular notices issued across the Middle East as tensions rise with Iran and its allies, affecting international travel and diplomatic operations.
Sports and Events: Indoor Track Nationals Begin
Away from global geopolitics, Americans are watching domestic sporting events, including the 2026 USA Indoor Track and Field Championships, which kicked off today in Staten Island, New York, serving as the national indoor champs and a qualifier for the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships.
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