Trending Now - Key Political Figures Discuss Iran Conflict on Face the Nation

WHO:

President Trump (President of the United States)

Senator Ted Cruz (Republican, Texas)

Senator Chris Murphy (Democrat, Connecticut)

Representative Mike Turner (Republican, Ohio)

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (Supreme Leader of Iran, deceased)

Alireza Arafi (successor to Khamenei)

U.S. Central Command (military organization)

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)

Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson

Actress Jane Fonda

Congressman Tom Cotton (Republican, Arkansas)

WHAT:

The U.S. and Israel launched attacks against Iran, referred to as Operation Epic Fury, on February 28, 2026.

President Trump warned of potential American casualties in a video statement, stating, "The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties."

Three U.S. service members were reported dead and five seriously wounded in the operation.

Iran began 40 days of mourning for Khamenei after his death.

Intelligence sources indicated that as many as 40 senior Iranian officials were killed in the initial strikes.

An Iranian missile strike in Tel Aviv resulted in one death and over 40 injuries, including seven children.

The U.S. Embassy in Israel advised American citizens to shelter in place and stated it could not assist in evacuations.

Senator Murphy described the military action as a "war of choice" and criticized it as illegal.

Senator Cruz stated that the Iranian regime has been the leading state sponsor of terrorism for 47 years and has killed nearly 1,000 Americans.

The U.S. military is targeting Iranian air defenses, launchers, and missile stockpiles.

WHERE:

Iran

Tel Aviv, Israel

Muscat, Oman

Gulf states (UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia)

U.S. Embassy in Israel

WHEN:

February 28, 2026: Launch of Operation Epic Fury.

March 1, 2026: Broadcast of "Face the Nation" featuring discussions on the conflict.

Khamenei's death was confirmed on February 28, 2026.

WHY:

The military action was justified by the U.S. government as a response to Iran's ongoing threats and actions against U.S. interests and allies.

Senator Cruz advised Trump that the Iranian regime was weak and that it was an opportune time to act.

Senator Murphy argued that the military action would not lead to a positive outcome and would likely result in a worse Iranian leadership.

HOW:

The U.S. and Israeli forces conducted airstrikes and missile attacks targeting Iranian military infrastructure.

The U.S. military coordinated with Israeli Defense Forces in the operation.

The U.S. Embassy issued advisories to American citizens in Israel regarding safety and evacuation.

On February 28, 2026, the U.S. and Israel launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran, resulting in the deaths of three U.S. service members and reports of significant casualties among Iranian officials. President Trump expressed concern over potential American losses, while Senator Murphy criticized the military action as illegal, describing it as a "war of choice." In the wake of these events, the U.S. Embassy in Israel advised American citizens to shelter in place, emphasizing that they could not assist with evacuations.