WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States has started what President Donald Trump describes as major combat operations with Iran.
Trump announced the operation early Saturday morning.
“A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran,” Trump said. “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.”
Israel is also playing a role in the attacks.
Missile strikes began on Iranian military operations and government buildings Saturday. Iran sent missiles and drones in retaliation toward Israel and U.S. military sites in the region.
Trump said there could be deaths involving U.S. troops.
“The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties — that often happens in war, but we’re doing this not for now but we’re doing this for the future and it is a noble mission,” Trump said.
.@POTUS has given the Iranian regime countless opportunities to stand down, stop killing their people, and abandon their nuclear ambitions. Instead of choosing a peaceful path, they have doubled down on weapons designed to threaten the American people.
I am following U.S.…
— Shelley Moore Capito (@SenCapito) February 28, 2026
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito said in a Saturday morning post on X that Trump “has given the Iranian regime countless opportunities to stand down, stop killing their people, and abandon their nuclear ambitions. Instead of choosing a peaceful path, they have doubled down on weapons designed to threaten the American people. I am following U.S. operations in Iran very closely, and I look forward to receiving briefings soon. In the meantime, I will continue to monitor developments as we work to ensure the safety and security of Americans at home and abroad. My prayers are with the brave men and women who serve our country in uniform.”
Capito said in her most recent media briefing with West Virginia reporters back on Thursday that she was hoping for a diplomatic solution but understands that Iran is the biggest sponsor of terrorism in the world and the Iranian people are taught to hate Americans.
“We have to remember that–who we are dealing with here,” Capito said.
Capito said the Iranian regime’s regard for human life is also non-existent.
“The capabilities of them to get a nuclear weapon should frighten every single one of us,” Capito said.
Some National Guard units from across the country were deployed to the Middle East in advance of the military action.
In response to questions, the governor’s office said West Virginia National Guard leadership has provided Gov. Patrick Morrisey “with a comprehensive briefing on current mobilizations and worldwide operations involving the West Virginia National Guardsmen.”
Because the Guard fulfills both state and federal mandates, the governor’s office said, “some operations are classified for national security and must remain confidential.”
Morrisey said, “I remain immensely proud of our Soldiers and Airmen as they continue to respond in stellar fashion to state emergencies and natural disasters while simultaneously supporting our nation through overseas deployments, on the southwest border of the United States, and safeguarding our nation’s capital.
“Our men and women are well-trained, prepared to serve wherever they are called, and trusted to carry out any task. I am proud to serve with them and proud of the way they represent our state.”