By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent
United States President Donald Trump signaled an aggressive long-term military posture late Tuesday, asserting that his country is equipped to sustain an indefinite conflict following a weekend of transformative strikes against Iran. In a late-night post on Truth Social, the President projected confidence in American stockpiles of “medium and upper medium grade” munitions. “We have a virtually unlimited supply of these weapons. The United States is stocked, and ready to WIN, BIG!!!” Trump wrote, adding that wars “can be fought ‘forever’… using just these supplies.”
The President used the moment to sharpen his critique of the previous administration. He accused Joe Biden of depleting “super high end” reserves by supplying Ukraine with powerful ATACMS long-range missiles—capable of striking 190 miles (300km) away—a move Trump frames as a distraction from the current regional priority in the Middle East.
Surgical Strikes and the Death of Ayatollah Khamenei
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) released footage overnight depicting what it termed “surgical, overwhelming, and unapologetically” launched strikes. The offensive reportedly dismantled Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) command centers, air defense systems, and drone launch sites. “We will continue to take decisive action against imminent threats posed by the Iranian regime,” CENTCOM stated, while confirming that six U.S. service members have been killed since operations began over the weekend.
The strikes coincide with the confirmed death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The seismic shift in leadership has triggered a wave of emotion among the
more than half a million Iranian Americans. “The people of Iran are on a mission to have freedom, and all the diaspora of Iranians over the world are chanting and excited because we see freedom at hand,” one woman said during a celebration of the Supreme Leader’s death.
Netanyahu Predicts Regime Collapse and Regional Shift
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized the offensive as the beginning of a regional transformation. Speaking to Fox News, Netanyahu argued the strikes have placed Tehran at “the weakest point that it’s been since it hijacked Iran from the brave Iranian people 47 years ago.” He dismissed fears of a quagmire, promising “a quick and decisive action” rather than an “endless war.”
Netanyahu noted that the attacks were prompted by Iran’s nuclear program, claiming that “95% of all the problems you see in the Middle East are generated by Iran.” To further disrupt the regime, Israeli forces targeted the Iranian state TV complex. Peyman Jebelli, head of the broadcaster, confirmed the building was hit but insisted that “broadcasting is continuing normally.”
Crisis at U.S. Embassies and Diplomatic Missions
The rapidly deteriorating security environment has triggered a series of emergency closures and evacuations for U.S. personnel. In Israel, Ambassador Mike Huckabee warned that Americans have “very limited options” to leave the country. He noted on X that the embassy is “not in a position at this time to evacuate or directly assist Americans in departing Israel.” Huckabee suggested travelers attempt to reach Egypt via bus to find available flights from Taba or Cairo, as transit through Jordan remains inconsistent.
Further east, the State Department has ordered nonemergency personnel to leave Iraq, Bahrain, and Qatar, citing heightened risks of terrorism and armed conflict. The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait has closed until further notice, and routine consular services in Doha have been suspended. In Pakistan, the situation turned deadly as pro-Iran protesters clashed with police outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi. At least 10 people were killed in the violence, leading the embassy to cancel all visa appointments through March 6.
Verification of Nuclear Threats and War Powers
Vice President JD Vance supported the administration’s aggressive stance by questioning the legitimacy of Iran’s nuclear claims. In a recent interview, Vance noted
that Iranian assertions of “civilian” enrichment didn’t “pass the smell test.” He questioned why the regime was “building your enrichment facilities 70 feet underground” if the goal was not a nuclear weapon. The U.S. previously targeted these underground sites in June, marking the first direct American kinetic action against Iran’s nuclear program.
To formalize these actions, President Trump sent a war powers notification to Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley. The letter apprised Congress of “military action taken on February 28, 2026, against the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.” Trump cited the failure of diplomatic efforts and stated it is “not possible” to determine the full duration of operations at this time. The notification satisfies the War Powers Act requirements, even as questions linger regarding long-term regional stability.
Escalating Tensions and Humanitarian Fallout
The conflict is spilling over into neighboring territories, with a proxy fight intensifying in Lebanon. Israel reported striking Hezbollah launch sites following missile fire directed at Israeli territory. In Bahrain, sirens have been reported as local authorities urge residents to seek shelter following the interception of dozens of Iranian missiles and drones.
Meanwhile, the United Nations has raised alarms regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of UNRWA, accused Israel of putting the territory in “a new chokehold” by restricting aid. He noted that despite a previous ceasefire, “people still lack the most basic supplies, despite increases in aid.” As the U.S. and Israel press their military advantage, the human cost across the broader Middle East continues to climb.
