Tel Aviv, Feb. 28 -- In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Israel and the United States have initiated a joint operation aimed at neutralizing what they describe as the existential threat posed by Iran.

In a public address to the nation, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu underscored the long-standing hostility of the Iranian regime, framing the move as both defensive and strategic.

"My brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel, just an hour ago, Israel and the United States embarked on an operation to remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran," the statement declared.

Netanyahu thanked US President Trump for the American support and dubbed Trump's leadership "historic."

"I thank our great friend, Presiden...