U.S. President Donald Trump Declares War on Iran, Launches Operation Epic Fury
In a dramatic address from Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, on February 28, 2026, U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced a formal declaration of war against Iran, initiating a military campaign dubbed Operation Epic Fury. The President warned the Iranian people to shelter in their homes as bombs began dropping across Tehran, targeting the nation's missile and nuclear capabilities.
Escalating Conflict and Regional Retaliation
Following the U.S. airstrikes, Iran swiftly responded by launching missiles and drones into Israel, as well as striking U.S. military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. The Iranian Foreign Ministry issued a defiant statement on social media, vowing to defend the homeland with full force. Meanwhile, Israel commenced its own operation, Roaring Lion, in coordination with the U.S. efforts.
President Trump emphasized that the campaign aims to eliminate threats from Iran's proxies, including Hamas and Hezbollah, which he accused of destabilizing the region. He urged Iranian military and police forces to lay down their weapons for immunity or face certain death, framing the conflict as a pivotal moment for Iranian freedom.
International Reactions and Security Concerns
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand released a statement supporting U.S. actions to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, citing Iran's role in regional instability and human rights abuses. Anand advised Canadians in Iran to leave immediately, warning that evacuation assistance may be unavailable if hostilities escalate.
In Toronto, local authorities are monitoring potential security threats as protests are planned. A pro-Iranian freedom rally is scheduled for Yonge Street in Richmond Hill, while a "no war on Iran" demonstration is set outside the U.S. Consulate on University Avenue. Toronto Police and York Regional Police are coordinating to maintain public safety and prevent clashes between opposing groups.
Background and Ongoing Developments
This military escalation follows months of strained diplomatic talks between the Trump administration and Iranian leadership, which the President described as unsuccessful. The operation builds on previous joint attacks, such as Operation Midnight Hammer, targeting Iran's nuclear facilities. As explosions were reported near Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's headquarters in Tehran, the conflict signals a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, with Trump promising a robust campaign to curb Iranian aggression.
With the region on high alert, the situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as the conflict unfolds.
