Tensions in the Middle East escalated dramatically on February 28, 2026, as the United States and Israel launched a joint military attack on Iran, targeting its leadership including strikes near Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's residence in Tehran, prompting President Trump to describe the operation as "massive and ongoing" and urge Iranians to overthrow their government. Iran retaliated with missile barrages against Israel and U.S. military bases in the Gulf.

President Donald J. Trump abruptly declared Venezuela’s entire airspace “CLOSED” on Friday night, warning that any aircraft entering it “will be met with very serious consequences.” The unilateral move — announced via Truth Social and immediately backed by an FAA emergency NOTAM — has no direct legal authority over sovereign Venezuelan airspace but amounts to a U.S.-enforced no-fly zone. The announcement caps months of rapid escalation.

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