Fox News Hourly Update – 1PM ET, 02/28/2026

Main Theme:
This special newscast covers the escalating military conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran—detailing the launch of joint airstrikes (Operation Epic Fury), Iranian retaliatory strikes, political reactions in Washington, and domestic security implications, as well as a major immigration controversy in Virginia.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Operation Epic Fury: US-Israel Strikes on Iran

• Breaking News: The US and Israel conducted joint airstrikes across Iran early this morning. The military operations are codenamed “Operation Epic Fury.”
  • Paul Stevens (00:02): "The US and Israel joining forces early today, launching airstrikes across Iran this morning. It's called Operation Epic Fury."
• Iran Strikes Back: Iranian forces responded with a wave of drones and “dozens of ballistic missiles” targeting multiple Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem, and Be'er Sheva.
  • Trey Yingst (00:14): "Alerts in central Israel ... wave of Iranian drones ... Iranians are trying to get whatever they can past Israeli air defense systems. So far, they have been unsuccessful."
• Israeli Response: Israeli air defenses remain on full alert. Millions have taken shelter; 70,000 reservists have been called up, primarily to man air defense systems.
  • Trey Yingst (00:49): "Millions of people here are in bomb shelters ... Israel's military says they are calling up 70,000 reservists, mostly to man air defense system."
• Congressional Notification: Key members of Congress were briefed ahead of these joint strikes.
  • Paul Stevens (00:54): "Key members of Congress were briefed about the Iranian strikes ahead of that joint US Israeli attack."

2. Reactions in Washington

• Democratic Concerns:
  • Rep. Hakeem Jeffries: Calls Iran a “bad actor,” but urges the administration to seek congressional authorization unless there are “exigent circumstances.”
    • Jared Halpern (01:02): "Top House Democrat Hakeem Jeffries calls Iran a bad actor ... but adds absent exigent circumstances, the administration must seek congressional authorization."
  • Rep. Jim Himes: Argues this is a “war of choice with no strategic end game.”
    • Jared Halpern (01:08): "This is a war of choice with no strategic end game."
• Republican Support:
  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune: Applauds President Trump’s actions and expects full Senate briefings.
    • Jared Halpern (01:12): "Senate Majority Leader John Thune says he looks forward to officials briefing all senators."
  • Upcoming House Vote: War powers resolution set for vote next week.
• Ongoing Nuclear Talks: Despite military escalation, nuclear negotiations continued this month with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. President Trump voiced dissatisfaction with the process.
  • Paul Stevens (01:42): "Nuclear talks did continue this month ... President Trump saying yesterday he was not happy with how those talks were proceeding."

3. Israeli Perspectives and Congressional Support

• Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) appeared on FOX & Friends Weekend, backing the airstrikes and voicing support for President Trump.
  • (02:30) “To actually create real peace, you have to do these kinds of actions ... sometimes peace is possible after these kinds of steps. And that's why I support those things.”
• Social Media Endorsement:
  • Paul Stevens (02:46): “Fetterman praising President Trump ... the president, quote, has been willing to do what's right and necessary to produce a real peace in the region.”
• US Security Response:
  • NYPD Statement: Enhanced patrols at sensitive sites across New York City, citing security risks related to the Iran conflict.
    • Paul Stevens (02:50): "... there will be enhanced patrols at sensitive locations, including religious sites all throughout New York City today."

4. Domestic Policy: Virginia Immigration Controversy

• Incident: A 41-year-old woman was killed at a bus stop, allegedly by Abdul Jalo, an undocumented immigrant from Sierra Leone with a lengthy criminal history (30+ arrests).
  • Debra Valentine (03:21): “The suspect, 32-year-old Abdul Jalo of Sierra Leone is charged with second-degree murder ... DHS says Jalo has a criminal history of more than 30 arrests.”
• Federal Demand: DHS urges Virginia’s new Democratic Governor, Abigail Spanberger, to cooperate in handing over the suspect, criticizing her recent executive order ending state cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
  • Debra Valentine (03:35): "The request for cooperation comes after Spanberger signed an executive order to end cooperation between federal immigration officials and state and local law enforcement."
• Governor’s Response: No comment yet from Governor Spanberger’s office.
  • Paul Stevens (04:02): "Reps from Governor Spanberger's office have not yet responded to a request for comment from FOX News Digital."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Trey Yingst (00:14):
  “It gives you a sense that the Iranians are trying to get whatever they can past Israeli air defense systems. So far, they have been unsuccessful...”
• Jared Halpern (01:08):
  “This is a war of choice with no strategic end game.” – Rep. Jim Himes
• Sen. John Fetterman (02:30):
  “To actually create real peace, you have to do these kinds of actions ... sometimes peace is possible after these kinds of steps.”
• Debra Valentine (03:21):
  “DHS says Jalo has a criminal history of more than 30 arrests. The request for cooperation comes after Spanberger signed an executive order to end cooperation between federal immigration officials and state and local law enforcement.”

Key Timestamps

• 00:02 – Operation Epic Fury: US and Israel strike Iran.
• 00:14 – Iranian retaliation, Israeli air defense response.
• 01:01 – Congressional leaders respond to the attacks and discuss war powers.
• 01:42 – Ongoing nuclear talks and President Trump's comments.
• 02:30 – Sen. Fetterman on FOX supporting strikes.
• 02:50 – NYPD ramps up security in NYC.
• 03:21 – Virginia bus stop murder, DHS urges state cooperation.
• 04:02 – Awaiting governor’s office comment.

Summary

The 1PM ET Fox News Hourly Update for February 28, 2026, zeroes in on the US-Israeli strikes against Iran and their rapid fallout, both militarily and politically. It features strong on-the-scene reporting from Israel, a spectrum of reactions from US lawmakers, the ongoing nuclear diplomatic struggle, immediate security actions in New York, and a brewing immigration-policy flashpoint in Virginia. The episode reflects Fox News’ urgent, breaking-news style, with direct updates and quick shifts between international and domestic crises.