US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, in a Fox News interview covered by NDTV, justified the February 28, 2026, joint US-Israel attacks on Iran as a response to Tehran’s insistence on enriching uranium to near-weapons-grade levels despite prior warnings.
Reasons for the Attack
President Trump claimed Iran had restarted its nuclear program after June 2025 strikes, amassing enough material for bombs quickly and advancing long-range missiles threatening the US and allies. US demands included halting all uranium enrichment, curbing ballistic missiles, and ending support for proxies like Hezbollah and Houthis, which Iran rejected.
Key Events and Targets
Codenamed Operation Roaring Lion (Israel) and Epic Fury (US), strikes hit military sites, nuclear facilities like Natanz and Fordow, and Tehran’s Pasteur district, assassinating Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Israel deployed 200 jets for 500 targets; cyberattacks urged Iranian uprising.
Regional Fallout
Iran retaliated with missiles on Israel; protests erupted across Middle East, including deadly ones in Pakistan and India. IAEA noted no confirmed nuclear site hits yet, amid disputed US intelligence claims. Trump projected regime change within a month.
