US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Feb 28) warned Iranian troops to lay down their arms or face “certain death”. In a video message posted on his Truth Social, the US president ominously warned the “Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the Armed Forces, and all of the police” that they must surrender or be killed. He promised that those who surrender will be “treated fairly” and that they'll be granted “total immunity”.
Addressing the "great proud people of Iran," he promised, “tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand”.
Also read | Netanyahu confirms US-Israel strikes, says Iran's ‘murderous terrorist regime’ must not gain nuclear arms
Targets hit across Iran
Israeli media reported that roughly 30 locations were struck in the opening phase of the joint military operation that is being called Operation Fury by the US and Operation Lion's Roar by Israel. Among them were sites linked to Iran's leadership and intelligence apparatus. Explosions and plumes of smoke were seen rising over parts of Tehran. The extent of the damage remains unclear.
According to the Israeli military, their strikes on Iran, conducted in collaboration with the US, hit many military sites and were planned jointly by the allies for months. "The strike targeted dozens of military targets and was carried out as part of a broad, coordinated, and joint operation against the regime," the army said in a statement.
"In the months preceding the strike, close and joint planning was conducted between the IDF and the US military, enabling the execution of the broad strike in full synchronisation and coordination between the two militaries," it added.
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Questions over Khamenei’s whereabouts
Meanwhile, the whereabouts of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are uncertain. Reports suggest a strike took place near his headquarters in the Iranian capital, Tehran. It is not known whether he was present at the time or if he was injured in the strike. According to Reuters, an Iranian official said Khamenei had been moved to a secure location.
Trump issues stark ultimatum to Iranian troops
Soon after the strikes, President Trump confirmed that American forces were involved in what he described as major combat operations. In a video message posted on his Truth Social, the US president ominously warned the “Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the Armed Forces, and all of the police” that they must surrender or be killed. He promised that those who surrender will be “treated fairly” and that they'll be granted “total immunity”.

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