Trump speaks with Netanyahu after joint US-Israel strikes on Iran

President Donald Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday, after launching joint attacks on Iran, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Saturday morning.

“President Trump monitored the situation overnight at Mar a Lago alongside members of his national security team,” Leavitt said on X Saturday. “The president spoke by telephone with Prime Minister Netanyahu.”

Trump announced in a Truth Social video message at 2:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time that the strikes had been launched and addressed Iranian people directly, telling them to “take control of (their) destiny”.

President Donald Trump and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stop to speak to the media as Trump departs aboard Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, February 27, 2026, in Washington. (Heather Diehl/Getty Image)

Leavitt continued on

Iran fires missiles at US bases in Middle East after US strikes on nuclear, IRGC sites

“Prior to the attacks, Secretary Rubio called on all members of the Gang of Eight to notify Congress, and he was able to contact and brief seven of the eight members. The President and his national security team will continue to closely monitor the situation throughout the day.”

A group of eight Democrats rebuked the operation, including Rep. Jim Himes, Democrat of Connecticut, who is the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee.

This map shows the targets of Iran’s retaliatory strikes. (Fox News)

“Everything I have heard from the administration before and after these strikes against Iran confirms that this is a war of choice, with no strategic purpose,” Himes wrote in a statement. “As I told Secretary Rubio when he briefed the Gang of Eight, military action in this region almost never ends well for the United States, and the conflict with Iran can easily fester and escalate in ways we cannot predict. It does not appear that Donald Trump has learned the lessons of history.”

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Tensions have been flaring with Iran for months. The United States launched a series of strikes against the American nuclear program in June, before returning to the negotiating table on the program.

Before Saturday’s strikes, Trump warned that the regime must completely dismantle its nuclear infrastructure or face consequences.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his conversation with US President Donald Trump. (Avi Ohayon/GPO)

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Trump celebrated in his video message to Iranians early Saturday morning that “the hour of your freedom is near.”

“Stay safe. Don’t leave your house. It’s very dangerous out there. Bombs are going to fall everywhere. When we’re done, take control of your government. It’s yours to take,” Trump said. “This will probably be your only chance for generations. For many years you have asked America for help, but you never got it. No president was prepared to do what I am prepared to do tonight. You now have a president who will give you what you want.”

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