Trump Informs Congress of US Strikes on Iran; Hezbollah Claims Drone Strike on Israel

US President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) informed Congress that United States forces carried out precision strikes against Iran on February 28, defending the action as necessary to protect American interests and regional allies, reported Fox News.

In a letter sent in accordance with the War Powers Resolution Public Law 93-148, Trump said the strikes targeted ballistic missile sites, maritime mining capabilities, air defenses, and command and control facilities.

He stated that the action was undertaken to safeguard US forces, protect the homeland, and ensure the free flow of maritime commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.

He added that no United States ground forces were deployed and that the mission was designed to minimise civilian casualties, deter future attacks, and neutralise what he described as Iran’s malign activities.

Recalling Operation Midnight Hammer conducted last year, Trump said that despite its success, Iran continued to seek and employ nuclear weapons.

Why Did Trump Say Iran’s Missile Arsenal Threatens US Forces and Allies?

"Its array of ballistic, cruise, anti- ship, and other missiles pose a direct threat to and are attacking United States forces, commercial vessels, and civilians, as well as those of our allies and partners," he said.

Trump criticised Tehran for what he termed continued malign behaviour despite repeated diplomatic efforts by his administration.

"I directed this military action consistent with my responsibility to protect Americans and United States interests both at home and abroad and in furtherance of United States national security and foreign policy interests. I acted pursuant to my constitutional authority as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive to conduct United States foreign relations", the letter added.

In response to the joint American and Israeli strikes, Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones at US assets and allies across the region, including Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan, widening the conflict and heightening risks for civilians and expatriates.

What Did CENTCOM Say About Strikes on Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Facilities?

World leaders and international bodies have urged de-escalation, though hostilities continue without a clear end in sight.

The United States Central Command said on Tuesday that US forces carried out sustained operations targeting key Iranian military infrastructure, including facilities linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

In a post on X, CENTCOM said, "U.S. forces have destroyed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities, Iranian air defense capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields during sustained operations. We will continue to take decisive action against imminent threats posed by the Iranian regime."

CENTCOM said multiple squadrons of F/A-18s were supporting sustained operations, with US forces flying day and night to deliver what it described as overwhelming firepower. US B-1 bombers also struck deep inside Iran to degrade ballistic missile capabilities.

Al Jazeera reported that Iran claimed to have launched a "massive missile and drone" attack on a US air base in Bahrain.

The IRGC said it destroyed the main command building of a US air base in Bahrain during a drone and missile attack early Tuesday, adding that 20 drones and three missiles struck the Sheikh Isa base and set fuel tanks on fire.

Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, said Iran would continue to defend itself decisively for as long as what he described as US Israeli aggression persists.

How Did Hezbollah and the Israel Defense Forces Escalate Strikes Between Lebanon and Israel?

Hezbollah claimed a dawn drone attack on Israel’s Ramat David Air Base, saying it targeted radar sites and control rooms in retaliation for Israeli strikes.

Earlier, IRNA reported that Israel attacked the headquarters of Al-Manar, a broadcaster affiliated with Hezbollah. According to IRNA, Al-Manar resumed broadcasting minutes after the reported strike.

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that an overnight strike in Beirut killed Hussein Makled, described as the head of Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters.

The IDF said Makled was responsible for "forming the intelligence picture using various intelligence collection tools to provide the Hezbollah terror organisation with intelligence assessments regarding IDF troops and the State of Israel."

The Israeli Air Force also intercepted two unmanned aerial vehicles that crossed from Lebanon.

Beirut said it would ban the group’s military activities as cross-border strikes and aerial interceptions continue to intensify tensions across West Asia.

(With inputs from ANI)