On Feb. 28, the United States, joined with Israel, launched a series of attacks on Iranian territory, striking numerous locations in the cities of Isfahan, Tehran and Tabriz in order to neutralize Iran’s nuclear program. Over 1,000 people were reported dead.
The supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was one of the many who died along with dozens of senior Iranian officials. Now, a power vacuum is left in Tehran as Donald Trump, the U.S. President, declares regime change.
This conflict has been continuing since June of 2025 where Israel and Iran went into a 12-day war over Iran’s nuclear program. Israel bombed around 28-30 nuclear and military facilities in Iran. Assassinating many of Iran’s military leaders, politicians and civilians. In retaliation, Iran sent over 550 ballistic missiles, targeting civilian population centers, hospitals and military sites. There were more than 600 casualties. The United States interfered by bombing three Iranian nuclear sites on June 22. By June 24, the three nations agreed to a ceasefire until further notice.
However, due to Iran’s expansion on their nuclear, missile and drone programs, the U.S. and Israel deemed Iran as an “imminent threat.” According to the Council of Foreign Affairs.
“This was our last, best chance to strike,” says Donald Trump in his speech at the White House on March 2, “We eliminate the intolerable threats posed by this sick and sinister regime.”
This “war” that has been taking place for the past seven days has caused a huge divide in the White House. Senator Mark Warner has stated, “I saw no intelligence that Iran was on the verge of launching any kind of preemptive strike against the United States of America.” However, according to NBC News, the house has voted 221-209 in favor of allowing Trump to continue this conflict unchecked.
War has not been fully declared; however, many Americans fear war may be on the rise. Senator Tim Kaine has assured that “there was no imminent threat from Iran to the United States that warrants sending our sons and daughters into yet another war in the Middle East.” However, after the torpedo attack on an Iranian naval ship in order to neutralize Iran’s capabilities and ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz on March 5, Iran vows revenge.
In our own communities, many Americans are fighting back against this attack. On Feb. 28, a “March 4 Democracy” protest took place near South Forsyth along with a protest on March 7 at Woodstock, Ga. With plenty more to come, according to mobilize.us.
