TEHRAN — February 28, 2026 — In a high-stakes televised address, the Khatam Al-Anbiyaa Central Headquarters—the highest operational command of the Iranian Armed Forces—has officially declared a new phase of military escalation against the United States and Israel.
The statement, delivered by a high-ranking official in military fatigues, characterized recent joint US-Israeli strikes as "brutal aggression" and warned that Tehran’s retaliatory operations will "gradually escalate" until their objectives are met.
Key Developments from the Briefing:
Regional Retaliation: The HQ claimed that Iranian forces have already successfully targeted 14 major US military bases across the Middle East. They specifically cited the use of high-precision missile strikes to neutralize "vital security and military centers" within occupied territories and host nations.
Casualty Claims: While not independently verified, the spokesperson claimed that "hundreds of aggressor forces" from both the US and the "Zionist regime" (Israel) were neutralized in the initial wave of counter-strikes.
"No Red Lines": The command emphasized that there are no longer any geographic or political "red lines" regarding their defensive capacity. The address specifically referenced a tragic strike on a school in southern Iran earlier today, vowing that such "cowardly acts" would be met with an equivalent and "crushing" response.
A Prolonged Conflict: Unlike previous limited exchanges, the Khatam Al-Anbiyaa HQ warned that this operation is ongoing and has no specific time limit, suggesting a shift toward a sustained war of attrition.
The Strategic Context
The Khatam Al-Anbiyaa Central Headquarters acts as the unified combatant command, coordinating between the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the regular Iranian Army (Artesh). This announcement follows "Operation Epic Fury," a large-scale joint offensive launched by the Trump administration and Israel earlier today, which targeted Iranian nuclear sites and military infrastructure.
| Current Status of Major Conflict Zones |
| Tehran: Multiple explosions reported near government ministries; airspace closed. |
| Persian Gulf: US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and bases in Qatar/UAE on high alert following missile launches. |
| Israel: Iron Dome and Arrow systems active over northern and central districts. |
Global Reaction
The international community has reacted with immediate alarm. The UN Security Council is expected to convene an emergency session tonight, while global oil prices have seen a sharp 12% spike following the closure of major transit hubs like Dubai International Airport.
"Our response to the joint aggression is ongoing... The war may be prolonged, and the enemy's expectations will not materialize." — Official Statement, Khatam Al-Anbiyaa HQ.
