Iran accuses United States of initiating military aggression on February 28, 2026

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson accused the United States of initiating military aggression against Iran on February 28, 2026. Ismail Baghaei stated that the United States has launched two military aggressions against Iran within a period of less than nine months while diplomatic negotiations were ongoing. The spokesperson further accused the United States of attempting to evade responsibility for the current war by claiming the 1979 Revolution was the true starting point of the conflict.

Allegations of military aggression

Ismail Baghaei claimed that the United States military has targeted civilians, including women and children, and destroyed vital infrastructure. The spokesperson accused the United States of assassinating the Supreme Leader and other senior Iranian officials. According to Ismail Baghaei, high-level United States officials admitted the war was a primary cause of their electoral defeat in the recent midterm elections.

While the United States claims the 1979 Revolution is the root of the conflict, Iran maintains that the United States is the initiator of the current military aggression. Ismail Baghaei asserted that the United States cannot deny its responsibility for starting the war on February 28, 2026.

Historical US involvement in Iran

The spokesperson cited historical United States involvement in Iran to support these claims. This includes the 1953 coup against the government of Mohammad Mosaddegh, which was supported by the CIA. Ismail Baghaei also referenced United States support for Saddam Hussein during the eight-year Iran-Iraq War, including complicity in the use of chemical weapons.

The spokesperson noted the direct involvement of the United States Navy in the Iran-Iraq War in April 1988. Ismail Baghaei specifically cited the July 1988 downing of an Iranian passenger aircraft over the Persian Gulf, an event that killed 290 people.

Diplomatic and political context

The current tensions follow the United States withdrawal from the nuclear deal and the implementation of maximum pressure policies. While the United States has engaged in military actions, reports via media reports suggest that Donald Trump may exercise restraint on new attacks unless provoked.

Ismail Baghaei stated that the United States is attempting to hide its military and political failure by fabricating a narrative of victory and shifting blame to the 1979 Revolution. The spokesperson emphasized that the United States has conducted two separate military aggressions against Iran in less than nine months during a time when diplomatic negotiations were active.

Glossary

• Iran-Iraq War — An eight-year conflict involving Iran and Iraq. The United States provided support to Saddam Hussein during this war.