Fox News Hourly Update – 9PM ET, 02/28/2026 Newscast
Date: March 1, 2026
Host: Carmen Roberts
Network: FOX News Radio
Overview
This urgent newscast focused on seismic geopolitical developments in the Middle East, centered on the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, by U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. President Trump’s confirmation of the strike and call for Iranian regime change, Iran’s retaliatory missile attacks, reactions from U.S. Congress, and significant domestic news—including a high-profile immigration court case and a major auto recall—were also covered. The broadcast reflects a high-stakes, rapidly unfolding global crisis with ramifications for U.S. foreign policy, regional security, and domestic affairs.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader – Major Breaking News
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President Trump Confirms Killing:
- U.S. President Trump confirmed direct involvement in airstrikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei (00:02–00:13).
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Details of the Strike:
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The airstrikes were carried out by U.S. and Israeli forces early Saturday morning.
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The bombing, described as “heavy and pinpoint,” is expected to continue as needed.
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President Trump frames the strikes as justice for victims of Khamenei’s regime.
"This is not only justice for the people of Iran, but for all great Americans and those people from many countries throughout the world killed or mutilated by Khomeini and his gang of bloodthirsty thugs."
— President Trump, via Jared Halpern (00:21)"The heavy and pinpoint bombing the president says will continue uninterrupted throughout the week or as long as necessary."
— Jared Halpern (00:36)
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Call for Iranian Regime Change:
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Trump explicitly urges the Iranian people to seize power during this moment of upheaval.
"When we are finished, take over your government, it will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations."
— Paul Stevens quoting President Trump (00:49)
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2. Immediate Regional Response & Escalatory Risks
- Iran Retaliates:
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Iran launches missile strikes on U.S. bases in the region and in Israel.
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On-the-ground reporting from Tel Aviv describes the aftermath of a ballistic missile strike, with entire blocks destroyed and ongoing rescue operations.
"We are at the site of a direct impact in Tel Aviv. This entire block completely destroyed by an Iranian ballistic missile... First responders are digging through the rubble."
— Field Reporter (01:05)- Ongoing efforts to find survivors amidst rubble highlight the escalating violence and humanitarian stakes.
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3. U.S. Domestic Political Fallout
- Congress Seeks Action:
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Bipartisan pressure mounts in Congress to curb unilateral military action by the President.
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Swift vote on a War Powers Resolution is demanded to restrain further U.S. attacks.
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However, some voices, including Democratic Senator John Fetterman, signal support for military steps as a means to foster peace.
"Sometimes peace is possible after these kinds of steps. And that's why I support those things."
— Senator John Fetterman, via Jeff Manaso (01:44) -
The House is expected to vote on war powers within the week (01:50).
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4. International Reactions
- World Leaders Cautious:
- Global leaders are responding warily as fears rise of a broader Middle East conflict (04:09).
- No detailed statements, but the mood is "cautious" as the region reacts to Khamenei’s death.
5. Other Major News Items
a. Immigration Case Update
- High-Profile Legal Challenge:
- Attorneys for Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, push to have human smuggling charges dismissed.
- They argue the charges are “selective and vindictive”; prosecutors insist the case is fact-based.
- The case is ongoing, reflecting sensitive political and legal dynamics around immigration policy (02:49).
b. Subaru Vehicle Recall
- Safety Warning:
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Subaru announces a recall of about 70,000 vehicles (2026 Crosstrek Hybrid and 2025 Forester Hybrid) due to a potential fuel leak and fire risk.
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No injuries or fires reported yet.
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Owners advised to park outside, keep fuel below half-tank until free repairs are made.
"Subaru says at least 33 fuel leaks have been reported in the US but no fires or injuries."
— Paul Stevens (03:28)
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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- President Trump’s Framing of the Operation:
"This is not only justice for the people of Iran, but for all great Americans and those people from many countries throughout the world killed or mutilated by Khomeini and his gang of bloodthirsty thugs."
— President Trump, via Jared Halpern (00:21) - Call to Iranians for Regime Change:
"When we are finished, take over your government, it will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations."
— Quoted by Paul Stevens (00:49) - On-the-Ground Destruction in Israel:
"This entire block completely destroyed by an Iranian ballistic missile... First responders are digging through the rubble... using megaphones."
— Field Reporter in Tel Aviv (01:05) - A Lawmaker’s Justification for Force:
"Sometimes peace is possible after these kinds of steps. And that's why I support those things."
— Senator John Fetterman (01:44)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Iran’s Supreme Leader killed / President Trump’s Statement: 00:02–00:46
- Trump Urges Iranian Regime Change: 00:46–00:59
- Iran Retaliates with Missile Strikes; Tel Aviv Aftermath: 00:59–01:35
- Congressional Response/War Powers Debate: 01:35–01:50
- Recap of Lead Story / Immigration Case Update: 02:28–02:49
- Subaru Recall Details: 03:24–03:50
- World Leaders’ Reactions: 04:09–04:23
Conclusion
This fast-paced Fox Newscast delivers breaking news of historic magnitude, detailing the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader and the ensuing cascade of military, political, and diplomatic reactions. With real-time reporting from the Middle East, urgent domestic debates in Congress, and coverage of top U.S. stories, this episode provides comprehensive insight into a moment fraught with danger and uncertainty for global stability.