US/Israeli Strikes Iran, Iran Retaliates on Israel and other Middle East Countries

Summary

Podcast Summary: Up First from NPR

Episode: US/Israeli Strikes Iran, Iran Retaliates on Israel and other Middle East Countries
Date: February 28, 2026
Hosts: Ayesha Rascoe, Scott Simon
Reporters/Guests: Greg Myhre (National Security Correspondent), Daniel Estrin (Tel Aviv), Jane Arraf (Amman, Jordan)

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Overview

This urgent episode of NPR's Up First focuses on the rapidly escalating conflict between the US/Israel and Iran, marking a precarious moment in Middle East stability. After weeks of rising tensions, the US and Israel launched major airstrikes on Iran—named "Operation Epic Fury"—targeting leadership and military assets. Iran responded immediately with missile attacks on Israel and warnings of broader regional retaliation. NPR correspondents provide on-the-ground updates, analysis, and firsthand accounts from Tehran, Tel Aviv, Amman, and the wider region.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Launch of US/Israeli Strikes on Iran

[02:00–05:33]

• Background: Weeks of military build-up culminate in an early Saturday morning offensive targeting Iranian leadership.

• Scope: Described as a massive operation, with large explosions reported in Tehran and multiple locations hit.

• US Rationale: President Trump states the operation aims to eliminate threats from "the Iranian regime" and prevent Iran from ever possessing nuclear weapons.

• Targets: Missile programs, the Iranian navy, and claims about nuclear facilities.

• Escalatory Tone: President Trump directly calls on the Iranian people to "take over your government" once the bombing ends, marking an explicit call for regime change.

  Greg Myhre [04:28]: “The most striking part of his video… when we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.”

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2. Iranian Retaliation and Atmosphere in Israel

[05:44–09:37]

• Iran’s Response: Launches dozens of missiles at Israel, activating Israel's air defense systems. Initial reports indicate no significant hits.

• Civilian Experience in Israel: Israelis face waves of air raid sirens; public spaces are closed and airspace shut down.

• Firsthand Voices:

  • Daniel Estrin (Tel Aviv): Shares personal and community anxiety and details from locals, such as a woman expressing fear and confusion about what comes next.

    Raheli Aharoni (Local Resident, Tel Aviv) [07:15]: “I feel bad also. I feel very bad, very bad, because I don't know what will be… people don't know what to do.”

• Military Posture: Israel is calling up 70,000 reserve soldiers and fortifying borders amid fears of wider regional escalation, especially by Hezbollah.

• Leadership Messaging:

  • Both PM Netanyahu and President Trump characterize the campaign as preventing Iran’s nuclear resurgence and encourage Iranians to overthrow their government.

    Daniel Estrin (paraphrasing Netanyahu) [08:25]: “Now Iranians have the chance to take their destiny into their own hands.”

• Assassination Attempts: An unnamed source claims Israel targeted Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the Iranian president.

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3. Regional Fallout Across the Middle East

[09:45–13:34]

• Jane Arraf from Amman: Reports that repercussions are “immense” across the region, with Iranian missiles or attacks reaching Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Jordan.

• Iran Declares Broad Targets: All US and Israeli interests—particularly military bases—across the region are now declared targets.

• Civilian Casualties in Iran: Iranian state sources report a direct hit on a girls’ elementary school with dozens of casualties:

  Jane Arraf [11:01]: “Iran says there was a direct hit on a girls elementary school in southern Iran… more than 50 of the students have been killed and it says another 50 plus are still buried under that rubble.”

• Atmosphere of Fear: Airspace closure, flight cancellations, and calls for Americans to shelter in place are creating widespread unease, suggesting this incident is “more serious” than prior regional flare-ups.

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4. Diplomatic Breakdown and Uncertainty Ahead

[12:37–13:30]

• Collapse in Negotiations: A deal between the US and Iran had seemed possible the day before; that prospect is now gone.

• Mediation Efforts: Oman's top diplomat—recently a mediator—criticizes the attacks, warning they do not serve global peace.

• Security Council: Iran requests an urgent Security Council meeting amidst growing fears of uncontrollable escalation.

  Jane Arraf [12:47]: “It's really hard… to see how this could return to diplomacy… all of that is so uncertain that people here are deeply worried.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump (via Greg Myhre) [04:28]: “Take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.”
• Raheli Aharoni, Tel Aviv Resident [07:15]: “I feel very bad, very bad, because I don't know what will be… people don't know what to do.”
• Jane Arraf, Amman [11:01]: “Iran says there was a direct hit on a girls elementary school in southern Iran where it says more than 50 of the students have been killed…”
• Jane Arraf, Amman [12:47]: “It's really hard… to see how this could return to diplomacy… people here are deeply worried.”

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Timeline of Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:02 | Opening: US & Israel launch major operation in Iran | | 02:00 | Report from Greg Myhre on the scale and rationale | | 05:44 | Daniel Estrin live from Tel Aviv; air raid atmosphere | | 07:15 | Interviews with Israeli civilians | | 08:40 | Details on Israeli military and assassination attempts | | 09:45 | Jane Arraf in Amman on regional attacks & fallout | | 11:01 | Report on school bombing, Iranian civilian casualties | | 12:37 | Analysis of diplomatic breakdown, regional fear |

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Tone and Style

• Urgent, factual, and sobering—reflecting the gravity and high stakes of the crisis.
• Direct reporting with extensive first-person accounts and local voices.
• Institutional analysis mixed with raw emotion from civilians and uncertainty about the near future.

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Summary Takeaways

This episode delivers a real-time, granular breakdown of a major escalation in the Middle East, with firsthand accounts from journalists and civilians alike. The unprecedented call for regime change by President Trump, retaliatory missile strikes, and immediate civilian impacts set the tone for potentially historic changes across the region. Diplomatic options have evaporated overnight, leaving both global leaders and ordinary people bracing for what happens next.

Transcript

[A]

After weeks of military buildup, the US And Israel have launched a major combat operation in Iran.

[B]

It's a very simple message. They will never have a nuclear weapon.

[A]

I'm Ayesha Rascoe.

[B]

And I'm Scott Simon. And this is up first from NPR News. The Defense Department calls this mission Operation Epic Fury and has targeted Iran's leadership. President Trump is calling on the Iranian people to, quote, take over your government. In a Moment, details from NPR's Greg Myhre.

[A]

Iran has retaliated by launching a missile attack on Israel. Israel's air defense systems are responding. We'll hear from our correspondents in the

[B]

Middle east, so please stay with us. We've got the news you need to start your weekend.

[C]

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[A]

Large explosions were reported in Tehran as the US Israeli military operation in Iran began early Saturday morning. It followed weeks of escalating tension in the Middle east.

[B]

And Paranational security correspondent Greg Myrey is with us. Thanks for being with us, Greg.

[D]

Hi, Scott.

[B]

And what can you tell us about this military operation?

[D]

Well, first of all, this is a massive operation and that's based on the extent of the initial strikes and in the way President Trump is describing this. There was a lot of speculation beforehand whether he might opt for a short, sharp attack or a longer one. The initial impression is that the president chose to go very big. These strikes began after sunrise in Iran and huge explosions rang out in the capital, Tehran. Iranians posted videos on social media that showed large plumes of thick smoke. There are preliminary reports of strikes in many parts of Iran, though we don't have word on the Full extent of damage on specific targets like the country's nuclear facilities. President Trump posted this 8 minute video on Truth Social. Here's part of it.

[B]

Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people. Greg, did the president offer any details about the operation itself?

[D]

A bit. He said the US Would destroy Iran's missile program and its navy. So these are parts of the Iranian military that could hit US Ships or military bases in the region. So it makes sense that they'd be a priority in the early days of the campaign. Now, he also said Iran was rebuilding its nuclear program, the same one he said the US Obliterated last year. And nuclear analysts have said they haven't seen that rebuilding. But it's something President Trump keeps citing.

[B]

What does Iran say today?

[D]

Yeah, the Foreign Ministry calls the airstrikes a gross violation of its national sovereignty. The statement said the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes hit both military and civilian targets. Iran said it will defend itself, adding that schools and universities will be closed and it warned Iranians to avoid crowded

[B]

areas before the strikes began. The president didn't say much about what his ultimate goal might be in Iran. But that's changed today, hasn't it?

[D]

Yeah, that's right, Scott. And really, the most striking part of his video came right near the end when he spoke directly to the Iranian people. He said, you know, they said stay inside and shelter now, bombs would be falling everywhere. But then he added, quote, when we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations. So this is really hugely significant. He's encouraging Iranians to directly confront the very same government that killed thousands of demonstrators in mass street protests just last month. Now, Trump is explicitly calling for regime change. He's not describing a limited operation. And he wants Iranians themselves to oust the Islamic clerical regime that's ruled for 47 years. One final point, though, we should stress that there's no sign the US Will send ground troops into Iran. And it's not clear how much the US Will weaken the government with air power alone. So at this stage, it's just impossible to say whether the leadership might be vulnerable to the kind of domestic uprising that Trump is calling for.

[B]

NPR's Greg Myhre, thanks so much.

[D]

Sure thing, Scott.

[A]

Israelis woke up this morning to air raid sirens. Iran has fired dozens of missiles toward Israel. So far, according to the Israeli military, no significant hits have been reported.

[B]

And Israel has tried to assassinate Iran's top Leaders, according to a person briefed on the operation who spoke with NPR. We're joined now from Tel Aviv by NPR's Daniel Estrin. Daniel, thanks for being with us.

[E]

Thank you, Scott.

[B]

Give us a sense of what it's like right now where you are.

[E]

Well, I can't say this was a complete surprise. I mean, Israelis have been anticipating military action for many weeks now. And yesterday the US Ambassador to Israel told his embassy staff if they wanted to leave Israel, then yesterday was the day to do it. And since this morning, there have been several waves of air raid sirens. I've been tape recording them from my balcony. The air raid siren goes quiet, and then you hear this boom outside the window. That's Israel's air defense system intercepting incoming missiles. And you can see the trail of smoke in the sky over Tel Aviv. Right now. I'm in a safe room, a protected, sheltered room. And the airport in Israel has been closed to all flights. Public shelters are open across the country. Cafes are closed. So the streets are quiet. But in between air raid sirens, I was out on the street and I, I met a woman walking her dog, Raheli Aharoni, and she says she doesn't have a protected room in her apartment.

[B]

I feel bad also. I feel very bad, very bad, because

[F]

I don't know what will be, you know, if I know, you know, if

[B]

people know what to do, people don't

[F]

know what to do.

[E]

So a lot of uncertainty and apprehension you hear there. And she says she just doesn't really know what to make of the decision to strike Iran because she said the people in charge, President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, she called them crazy people.

[B]

And how does Netanyahu make the case for why Israel and the US Are attacking Iran? Now?

[E]

Netanyahu put out a video saying Iran was trying to rebuild its missile and nuclear capacities since the Israeli war on Iran last June, which the US Also took part in. And he said if Iran was not stopped now, they would become immune to attack. And he said Iran was trying to buy time for with talks with the US over its nuclear program. He called that a feudal and deceptive negotiation. And he said that Israel would not stand by while, quote, the shadow of annihilation hangs over Israel. So he said the ultimate goal was to help Iranians topple their own government. Here's a bit of what Netanyahu said. So he's saying there in Hebrew, now Iranians have the chance to take their destiny into their own hands.

[B]

What has Israel struck so far?

[E]

I spoke to A person briefed on the operation who said that Israel did try to assassinate Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, and the Iranian president as well. Netanyahu said that Israel has been targeting regime figures, also sites of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards and the besieged paramilitary forces. And he said Israel, together with the US Was striking ballistic missile sites.

[B]

Daniel, what are you going to be looking out for in the coming hours and days ahead?

[E]

Well, first of all, the Israeli military says that it's going to be calling up about 70,000 reservist soldiers and fortifying its borders, especially along the Lebanese and Syrian borders, because there's a lot of concern here that Iran's proxy militia Hezbollah could join in in the retaliation, firing rockets or even storming the border into Israel like Hamas did on on October 7, 2023.

[B]

NPR's Daniel Estrin in Tel Aviv. Thanks so much for being with us.

[E]

You're very welcome.

[A]

NPR's Jane Arath is in Amman, Jordan, monitoring the developments in the region.

[B]

She joins us now. Jane, thanks for being with us.

[F]

Thank you.

[B]

Iran has retaliated to the US And Israeli airstrikes. Tell us what you know.

[F]

Well, I can tell you what I'm seeing and hearing. And here in Jordan, where there's the sound of jet fighters and missiles being intercepted, and it's an indication that this is having immense repercussions across the region. So in addition to those strikes on Israel, Iran has declared all US And Israeli interests a target. And what that means is pretty much all the US Bases that are dotted in this region in any country are fair game. There have been attacks by Iran so far in Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar. There have been missiles launched into Jordanian airspace. And the spokesman for Iran's military general staff says their armed forces will teach America and Israel a big lesson.

[B]

In terms of the US And Israeli strikes on Iran, do we have any sense yet of where the bombs have fallen and the casualties and what's being targeted?

[F]

Well, there's no word on casualties or damage yet in the strikes near the supreme leader's residence or the presidential palace that were part of the focus of these attacks this morning. But Iran says there was a direct hit on a girls elementary school in southern Iran where it says more than 50 of the students have been killed and it says another 50 plus are still buried under that rubble. We have to remember, Scott, that these attacks began at the beginning of the work and school week in Iran. So lots of people in schools, at offices. The government, though, believes that strikes in Iran will be focused on the capital, and it has advised citizens to leave Tehran and other major cities. It's closed schools and universities. And this morning we spoke to two Tehran residents before communications were cut. They described panicked people rushing home and terrified children pouring out of classrooms. One of the people who we've spoken to over the last few months, months says she's been protesting and she has been hoping for the end of the regime. She hopes this is it. But a lot of Iranians fear the uncertainty and the danger that would also come.

[B]

And how is this playing out across the region?

[F]

Airspace has been closed. There have been flights canceled. The US has advised Americans, for instance, here in Jordan, to shelter in place. And normally Jordanians go to the rooftops to watch missiles flying when tensions arise like this. But this feels more serious.

[B]

Jane, only yesterday, literally yesterday, there was talk of a possible deal between Iran and the US what do you foresee in the days ahead?

[F]

It's really hard, Scott, to see how this could return to diplomacy or anything approaching it. Even Oman's chief diplomat, and he's been the one mediating these talks between the US And Iran, says these attacks by the US And Israel don't serve US Interests or the interests of global peace. Iran has been calling for an urgent meeting of the Security Council, but it's not clear what that would even do. And one of the things that deeply worries governments and people in this region is it's hard to see how this would remain in control. President Trump is calling for regime change, but what happens next? What comes next? All of that is so uncertain that people here are deeply worried.

[B]

And there's Jane Araf and Aman Jordan. Jane, thanks so much for being with us.

[F]

Thank you.

[A]

And that's up first for Saturday, February 28th, 2026. I'm Ayesha Rascoe.

[B]

And I'm Scott Simon.

[A]

Andy Craig produced today's podcast.

[B]

Our editors are Andrew Sussman, Tara Neal, Martin Patience and Melissa Gray. Our director is Michael Radcliffe.

[A]

Our technical director is David Greenberg with engineering support from Simon Laszlo Jansen, Zoe vankenhoven, and Jay Siz.

[B]

Shannon Rhodes is our senior supervising editor. Our executive producer is Evie Stone. And Jim Cain is our deputy managing editor.

[A]

We will continue following developments in the Middle east today on npr.org and on the radio.

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