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Obama officials admitted they had no ‘empirical evidence’ of Trump-Russia collusion: House Intel transcripts

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Obama-era intelligence officials acknowledged that they had no «empirical evidence» of a conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia in the 2016 election, but continued to publicly push the «narrative» of collusion.

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The House Intelligence Committee, in 2017, conducted depositions of top Obama intelligence officials, including Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, national security advisor Susan Rice and Attorney General Loretta Lynch, among others.

FLASHBACK: HOUSE INTEL TRANSCRIPTS SHOW TOP OBAMA OFFICIALS HAD NO ‘EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE’ OF TRUMP-RUSSIA COLLUSION

The officials’ responses in the transcripts of those interviews align with the results of former Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation – which found no evidence of criminal coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia in 2016, while not reaching a determination on obstruction of justice.

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Their testimony has come back into the spotlight amid revelations that former CIA Director John Brennan and former FBI Director James Comey are under criminal investigation for potential wrongdoing related to the Trump–Russia probe, including allegedly making false statements to Congress, Justice Department sources exclusively told Fox News Digital.

The transcripts, from 2017 and 2018, revealed top Obama officials were questioned by House Intelligence Committee lawmakers and investigators about whether they had or had seen evidence of such collusion, coordination or conspiracy – the issue that drove the FBI’s initial case and later the special counsel probe.

Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and CIA Director John Brennan testify before the Senate (Select) Intelligence Committee on Capitol Hill Jan. 10, 2017. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

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«I never saw any direct empirical evidence that the Trump campaign or someone in it was plotting/conspiring with the Russians to meddle with the election,» Clapper testified in 2017. «That’s not to say that there weren’t concerns about the evidence we were seeing, anecdotal evidence…. But I do not recall any instance where I had direct evidence.»

Lynch also said she did «not recall that being briefed up to me.»

«I can’t say that it existed or not,» Lynch said, referring to evidence of collusion, conspiracy or coordination.

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But Clapper and Lynch, and Vice President Joe Biden, were present in the Oval Office on July 28, 2016, when Brennan briefed Obama and Comey on intelligence he’d received from one of Hillary Clinton’s campaign foreign policy advisors «to vilify Donald Trump by stirring up a scandal claiming interference by the Russian security service.» 

KEY PLAYERS IN ORIGINS OF TRUMP-RUSSIA PROBE

«We’re getting additional insight into Russian activities from (REDACTED),» Brennan’s handwritten notes, exclusively obtained by Fox News Digital in October 2020, read. «CITE (summarizing) alleged approved by Hillary Clinton a proposal from one of her foreign policy advisers to vilify Donald Trump by stirring up a scandal claiming interference by the Russian security service.»

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President Barack Obama, center, with Attorney General Loretta Lynch, left, and FBI Director James Comey, right, sit during their meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, July 19, 2016. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

President Barack Obama, Attorney General Loretta Lynch and FBI Director James Comey meet in the Oval Office of the White House on July 19, 2016. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/The Associated Press)

After that briefing, the CIA properly forwarded that information through a Counterintelligence Operational Lead (CIOL) to Comey and then-Deputy Assistant Director of Counterintelligence Peter Strzok, with the subject line: «Crossfire Hurricane.»

Fox News Digital exclusively obtained and reported on the CIOL in October 2020, which stated: «The following information is provided for the exclusive use of your bureau for background investigative action or lead purposes as appropriate.»

«Per FBI verbal request, CIA provides the below examples of information the CROSSFIRE HURRICANE fusion cell has gleaned to date,» the memo continued. «An exchange (REDACTED) discussing US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s approval of a plan concerning US presidential candidate Donald Trump and Russian hackers hampering US elections as a means of distracting the public from her use of a private email server.»

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Susan Rice

Obama national security adviser Susan Rice was asked in an interview with the House Intelligence Committee whether she had or saw any evidence of collusion or conspiracy. (Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

The FBI did not open an investigation into the matter, and instead, continued with its counterintelligence investigation into whether candidate Trump and members of his campaign were colluding or coordinating with Russia to influence the 2016 campaign. 

Days after the Brennan meeting to brief Obama, Biden, Comey, Clapper and Lynch on July 31, 2016, the FBI opened the original Trump–Russia investigation, which was referred to inside the bureau as «Crossfire Hurricane.»

Meanwhile, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power, according to the transcript of her interview to the House Intelligence Committee, was asked whether she had or saw any evidence of collusion or conspiracy.

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Power replied: «I am not in possession of anything – I am not in possession and didn’t read or absorb information that came from out of the intelligence community.»

When asked again, she said: «I am not.»

Obama national security advisor Susan Rice was asked the same question.

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Brennan and Comey

Former CIA Director John Brennan, left, and former FBI Director James Comey (Getty; Reuters)

«To the best of my recollection, there wasn’t anything smoking, but there were some things that gave me pause,» she said, according to her transcribed interview, in response to whether she had any evidence of conspiracy. «I don’t recall intelligence that I would consider evidence to that effect that I saw… conspiracy prior to my departure.»

When asked whether she had any evidence of «coordination,» Rice replied: «I don’t recall any intelligence or evidence to that effect.»

When asked about collusion, Rice replied: «Same answer.»

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Former deputy national security advisor Ben Rhodes was asked the same question during his House Intelligence interview.

OBAMA OFFICIALS USED DOSSIER TO PROBE, BRIEF TRUMP DESPITE KNOWING IT WAS UNVERIFIED ‘INTERNET RUMOR’

«I wouldn’t have received any information on any criminal or counterintelligence investigations into what the Trump campaign was doing, so I would not have seen that information,» Rhodes said.

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When pressed again, he said: «I saw indications of potential coordination, but I did not see, you know, the specific evidence of the actions of the Trump campaign.»

Meanwhile, former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe was not asked that specific question but rather questions about the accuracy and legitimacy of the unverified anti-Trump dossier compiled by ex-British intelligence officer Christopher Steele.

McCabe was asked during his interview in 2017 what was the most «damning or important piece of evidence in the dossier that» he «now knows is true.»

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McCabe replied: «We have not been able to prove the accuracy of all the information.»

«You don’t know if it’s true or not?» a House investigator asked, to which McCabe replied: «That’s correct.»

‘Narrative consistency’ 

After Trump’s 2016 victory and during the presidential transition period, Comey briefed Trump on the now-infamous anti-Trump dossier, containing salacious allegations of purported coordination between Trump and the Russian government. Brennan was present for that briefing, which took place at Trump Tower in New York City in January 2017.

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The dossier was authored by Steele. It was funded by Clinton’s presidential campaign and the Democratic National Committee through the law firm Perkins Coie.

But Brennan and Comey knew of intelligence suggesting Clinton, during the campaign, was stirring up a plan to tie Trump to Russia, documents claim. It is unclear whether the intelligence community, at the time, knew that the dossier was paid for by Clinton and the DNC.

FBI LAUNCHES CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS OF JOHN BRENNAN, JAMES COMEY: DOJ SOURCES

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But the false statements portion of the new investigation into Brennan and Comey stems from a newly declassified email to Brennan from the former deputy CIA director in December 2016, which said that including the dossier in the ICA in any capacity jeopardized «the credibility of the entire paper.» 

Hillary-Clinton-Donald-Trump

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton debates Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump at Washington University on October 2016 in St Louis. (Rick Wilking-Pool/Getty Images)

«Despite these objections, Brennan showed a preference for narrative consistency over analytical soundness,» the new CIA review stated. «When confronted with specific flaws in the Dossier by the two mission center leaders – one with extensive operational experience and the other with a strong analytic background – he appeared more swayed by the Dossier’s general conformity with existing theories than by legitimate tradecraft concerns.»

The review added: «Brennan ultimately formalized his position in writing, stating that ‘my bottomline is that I believe that the information warrants inclusion in the report.’»

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But Brennan testified the opposite before the House Judiciary Committee in May 2023.

«The CIA was very much opposed to having any reference or inclusion of the Steele dossier in the Intelligence Community Assessment,» Brennan testified before the committee, according to the transcript of his deposition reviewed by Fox News Digital. «And so they sent over a copy of the dossier to say that this was going to be separate from the rest of that assessment.»

CIA officials at the time of its creation pushed back against the FBI, which sought to include the dossier, arguing that the dossier should not be included in the assessment, and casting it as simply «internet rumor.» 

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Ultimately, Steele’s reporting was not included in the body of the final ICA prepared for then-President Barack Obama, but instead detailed in this footnote, «largely at the insistence of FBI’s senior leadership,» according to a review by the Justice Department inspector general, and later, the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Senate Confirmation Held To Consider John Ratcliffe To Be CIA Director

CIA Director John Ratcliffe during his Senate confirmation hearing on Jan. 15, 2025, in Washington. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

But in June 2020, Ratcliffe, while serving as director of national intelligence, declassified a footnote of the 2017 ICA, which revealed that the reporting of Trump dossier author Steele only had «limited corroboration» regarding whether then-President-elect Trump «knowingly worked with Russian officials to bolster his chances of beating» Hillary Clinton and other claims.

EX-OBAMA INTEL BOSS WANTED ANTI-TRUMP DOSSIER INCLUDED IN ‘ATYPICAL’ 2016 ASSESSMENT DESPITE PUSHBACK

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The footnote, also known as «Annex A» of the 2017 ICA, exclusively obtained by Fox News Digital in June 2020, spanned less than two pages and detailed reporting by Steele – a document that helped serve as the basis for controversial Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) warrants obtained against former Trump campaign aide Carter Page.

The footnote made clear the internal concerns officials had over that document.

«An FBI source (Steele) using both identified and unidentified subsources, volunteered highly politically sensitive information from the summer to the fall of 2016 on Russian influence efforts aimed at the US presidential election,» the annex read. «We have only limited corroboration of the source’s reporting in this case and did not use it to reach the analytic conclusions of the CIA/FBI/NSA assessment.»

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«The source collected this information on behalf of private clients and was not compensated for it by the FBI,» it continued.

But the annex notes that Steele’s reporting was «not developed by the layered subsource network.»

Kash Patel testifies

FBI Director Kash Patel declassified an FBI reporting document containing the allegations. (J. Scott Applewhite/The Associated Press)

«The FBI source caveated that, although similar to previously provided reporting in terms of content, the source was unable to vouch for the additional information’s sourcing and accuracy,» the annex states. «Hence this information is not included in this product.»

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Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz also reviewed the inclusion of Steele’s reporting in the ICA during his review of alleged misconduct related to FISA.

TRUMP SAYS BRENNAN, COMEY ‘CROOKED AS HELL’ AMID FBI PROBE, MAY HAVE TO ‘PAY THE PRICE’

His report, released in late 2019, found that there were «significant inaccuracies and omissions» in FISA warrants for former Trump campaign aide Page. Those warrants relied heavily on Steele’s reporting, despite the FBI not having had specific information corroborating allegations against Page that were included in Steele’s reporting.

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Ratcliffe referred evidence of wrongdoing by Brennan to FBI Director Kash Patel for potential prosecution, DOJ sources told Fox News Digital.

The sources said the referral was received and told Fox News Digital that a criminal investigation into Brennan was opened and is underway. DOJ sources declined to provide further details. It is unclear, at this point, if the investigation spans beyond his alleged false statements to Congress.

As for Comey, DOJ sources told Fox News Digital that an investigation into the former director is underway, but could not share details of what specifically is being probed.

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The full scope of the criminal investigations into Brennan and Comey is unclear, but two sources described the FBI’s view of the duo’s interactions as a «conspiracy,» which could open up a wide range of potential prosecutorial options. 

The FBI and CIA declined to comment.

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Neither Brennan nor Comey immediately responded to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

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INTERNACIONAL

World leaders split over military action as US-Israel strike Iran in coordinated operation

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World leaders reacted swiftly Saturday after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, exposing a deep divide between governments backing the attack on Iran and those warning the attacks risk a wider regional war.

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In a joint statement, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney and Foreign Minister Anita Anand voiced firm support saying, «Canada supports the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent its regime from further threatening international peace and security.» The statement described Iran as «the principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East» and stressed it «must never be allowed to obtain or develop nuclear weapons.»

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also endorsed the action, writing on X, «Australia stands with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against oppression.» He confirmed Australia supports «the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon,» while activating emergency consular measures and urging Australians to leave Iran if safe.

The United Kingdom said Iran «must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.» U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office said he was speaking with the leaders of France and Germany «as part of a series of calls with allies.»

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A person holds an image of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as Iranian demonstrators protest against the U.S.-Israeli strikes, in Tehran, Iran, Feb. 28, 2026.  (Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) )

French President Emmanuel Macron warned, «The outbreak of war between the United States, Israel and Iran carries grave consequences for international peace and security.» He added, «The ongoing escalation is dangerous for all. It must stop,» and called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described developments as «perilous,» saying Iran’s «ballistic missile and nuclear programmes… pose a serious threat to global security,» while emphasizing that «Protection of civilians and international humanitarian law is a priority.»

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Spain openly rejected the strikes. Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said, «We reject the unilateral military action by the United States and Israel, which represents an escalation and contributes to a more uncertain and hostile international order.»

Meanwhile, Gulf states responded to reported Iranian missile activity.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said, «The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemns and denounces in strongest terms the blatant Iranian aggression and the flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan.» It affirmed «its full solidarity with and unwavering support for the brotherly countries» and warned of «grave consequences resulting from the continued violation of states’ sovereignty and the principles of international law.»

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The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Defense said the country «was subjected to a blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles,» adding that air defense systems «successfully intercepted a number of missiles.» Authorities said falling debris in a residential area caused «one civilian death of an asian nationality» and material damage.

The ministry called the attack «a dangerous escalation and a cowardly act that threatens the safety of civilians and undermines stability,» and stated the UAE «reserves its full right to respond.»

UN’S ATOMIC AGENCY’S IRAN POLICY GETS MIXED REVIEWS FROM EXPERTS AFTER US-ISRAEL ‘OBLITERATE’ NUCLEAR SITES

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Smoke rises after Iranian missile attacks in Bahrain

Smoke rises after reported Iranian missile attacks, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Manama, Bahrain, Feb. 28, 2026. (Reuters)

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar «strongly condemned the unwarranted attacks against Iran» and called for «urgent resumption of diplomacy.»

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held calls with counterparts across the region, a Turkish Foreign Ministry source told Reuters. The discussions focused on «possible steps to be taken to help bring an end to the attacks.»

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy directly linked the developments to Russia’s war against his country.

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«Although Ukrainians never threatened Iran, the Iranian regime chose to become Putin’s accomplice and supplied him with ‘shahed’ drones,» Zelenskyy wrote, adding that Russia has used «more than 57,000 shahed-type attack drones against the Ukrainian people.»

«It is important that the United States is acting decisively,» he said. «Whenever there is American resolve, global criminals weaken.»

Russia sharply criticized the operation. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, said, «All negotiations with Iran are a cover operation.»

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Smoke in sky

An interception is visible in the sky over Haifa during the latest barrage. (Anthony Hershko/TPS-IL)

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned, «We will not accept anyone dragging the country into adventures that threaten its security and unity.»

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said the strike «is not in line with international law.»

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Reuters contributed to this report.

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Las primeras imágenes de los ataques de Israel y EEUU al régimen iraní

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Se escucharon explosiones en Teherán el sábado 28 de febrero y se observó una densa columna de humo sobre varias zonas de la ciudad, mientras el ministro de Defensa de Israel afirmó que Israel lanzó un ataque «preventivo» contra Irán.

Dos detonaciones han estremecido la capital iraní este sábado por la mañana. “El Estado de Israel lanzó un ataque preventivo contra Irán. El ministro de Defensa, Israel Katz, declaró el estado de emergencia especial e inmediato en todo el país”, indicó la oficina del ministro en un comunicado.

Según periodistas de AFP presentes en el lugar, el sonido de las explosiones se percibió con claridad, mientras columnas de humo emergían tanto en el centro como en el este de Teherán. “La naturaleza de las explosiones sugiere que se trata de un ataque con misiles”, señaló la agencia de prensa Fars.

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El Ministerio de Defensa de Israel informó este sábado que lanzó un “ataque preventivo” contra Irán, mientras sonaban sirenas de emergencia en Jerusalén y la población recibía alertas telefónicas sobre una amenaza “extremadamente grave” en todo el país. Estados Unidos también inició ataques “de gran envergadura” contra Irán, y Trump afirmó a la población que “la hora de su libertad está al alcance de la mano”.

Por otra parte, la agencia Isna informó que una de las columnas de humo se observaba cerca del emblemático barrio Pasteur, en cuya zona se localizan tanto la residencia el ayatollah Ali Khamenei, como la sede presidencial, lo que subraya la sensibilidad estratégica del área.

El presidente de Estados Unidos, Donald Trump, ofreció este sábado a los dirigentes militares del régimen iraní la opción de recibir “inmunidad” o enfrentarse una “muerte segura”.

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Las autoridades israelíes anunciaban poco después la detección de “misiles lanzados desde Irán”, precedidos por sirenas que sonaban en distintas áreas del país. Enviaban debido a esto un mensaje a los teléfonos móviles de los ciudadanos urgiéndolos a buscar refugio. Poco después, ya se habían reportado las primeras explosiones sobre Jerusalén, según la AFP. En Teherán, un importante dispositivo de las fuerzas iraníes de seguridad bloquean varias calles alrededor del barrio en el que se encuentra la residencia del Ayatollah Jamenei.

También se han escuchado sirenas sobre Amman, capital de Jordania, cuya dirección de seguridad pública advierte: “El significado de las sirenas será el siguiente: tres sirenas intermitentes indican que hay una amenaza, y una sola sirena significa que la amenaza ha pasado. Cuando escuche las tres sirenas, debe refugiarse en el edificio más cercano hasta que la amenaza haya pasado”. La respuesta de Irán, por el momento, incluye ataques contra los Emiratos Árabes Unidos, Catar, Baréin, Kuwait y Arabia Saudita.

Personas protestan haciendo el signo de la victoria durante una manifestación por la “Libertad para Irán” en la plaza Potsdamer Platz de Berlín, Alemania. REUTERS/Nadja Wohlleben
Manifestantes se congregan con banderas
Manifestantes se congregan con banderas nacionales de Irán durante una protesta en apoyo al gobierno y en contra de los ataques de Estados Unidos e Israel (AFP)
Israelíes en Tel Aviv reaccionan mientras se refugian en un aparcamiento subterráneo durante un ataque con misiles de represalia por parte de Irán, tras los ataques de Estados Unidos e Israel en territorio iraní.
Imágenes de la Cúpula de la Roca en el recinto de la mezquita de Al-Aqsa, en la Ciudad Vieja de Jerusalén, mientras se escuchan sirenas y explosiones. Estados Unidos e Israel lanzaron ataques contra Irán el sábado, y la emisora pública israelí informó que el líder supremo, el ayatolá Alí Jamenei, había sido objetivo del ataque, mientras la república islámica respondió con andanadas de misiles contra países del Golfo e Israel.
Un sistema de defensa antimisiles estadounidense desplegado cerca del aeropuerto de Erbil intercepta un misil iraní, horas después de que Estados Unidos e Israel lanzaran un gran ataque contra Irán. IMÁGENES
Imágenes muestran humo elevándose en Abu Dabi mientras Teherán lanza ataques en todo el Golfo en represalia por los ataques de Estados Unidos e Israel. IMÁGENES UGC – vertical
El lugar de los ataques
El lugar de los ataques de Estados Unidos e Israel que alcanzaron una escuela primaria de niñas en Minab, en la provincia sureña de Hormozgán, cerca de la estratégica ruta marítima del estrecho de Ormuz. (AFP)
Imágenes difundidas por el ejército israelí muestran lo que, según informan, son ataques realizados contra lanzadores de misiles en el oeste de Irán. El ejército israelí afirma que continúa atacando objetivos militares en Irán, incluidos lanzadores de misiles en la zona occidental del país. IMÁGENES
Imágenes generadas por usuarios y publicadas en redes sociales el 28 de febrero de 2026 muestran humo elevándose en Teherán tras un ataque. Estados Unidos e Israel lanzaron ataques contra Irán el sábado, mientras la emisora pública israelí informó que el líder supremo, el ayatolá Alí Jamenei, había sido objetivo del ataque, y la república islámica respondió con andanadas de misiles contra países del Golfo e Israel. IMÁGENES UGC
Humo negro se eleva sobre zonas israelíes en la Cisjordania ocupada mientras se lanzan misiles antibalísticos al cielo. El ejército israelí informó que atacó varios lugares donde altos cargos iraníes se habían reunido en la capital, Teherán, la mañana del sábado, en el marco de sus ataques contra su principal adversario. IMÁGENES
Imágenes difundidas por la televisión estatal iraní muestran lo que, según informan, es el lugar de los mortales ataques de Estados Unidos e Israel que alcanzaron una escuela primaria de niñas en Minab, en la provincia sureña de Hormozgán, cerca de la estratégica ruta marítima del estrecho de Ormuz. “El número de víctimas mortales en la escuela primaria de niñas de Minab ha llegado a 40”, indicó la televisión estatal, que añadió que otras 45 personas resultaron heridas en el ataque en la provincia de Hormozgán.
Imágenes generadas por usuarios y compartidas en redes sociales el 28 de febrero de 2026 muestran interceptores de misiles balísticos lanzados en Abu Dabi, en Emiratos Árabes Unidos, que informó haber interceptado misiles iraníes entrantes y aseguró que “se reserva el derecho de responder plenamente”, calificando los ataques como “una escalada peligrosa”. Estados Unidos e Israel lanzaron ataques contra Irán el sábado, mientras la emisora pública israelí informó que el líder supremo, el ayatolá Alí Jamenei, había sido objetivo del ataque, y la república islámica respondió con andanadas de misiles contra países del Golfo e Israel.
Imágenes generadas por usuarios y publicadas en redes sociales el 28 de febrero de 2026 muestran humo elevándose en Teherán después de que Estados Unidos e Israel lanzaran ataques contra la capital iraní.
Irán ataca una base estadounidense
Irán ataca una base estadounidense en Behréin (AFP)
La gente observa cómo el
La gente observa cómo el humo se eleva en el horizonte después de una explosión en Teherán.
Imágenes difundidas por la Sociedad de la Media Luna Roja iraní muestran lo que, según informan, es daño en el lugar de un ataque de Estados Unidos e Israel en Teherán. IMÁGENES – Vertical
Imágenes generadas por usuarios y publicadas en redes sociales el 28 de febrero de 2026 muestran el momento de un ataque contra una base estadounidense en Baréin. Las autoridades del país anunciaron en un comunicado que un centro del cuartel general de la Quinta Flota de Estados Unidos en Baréin fue alcanzado por un “ataque con misiles”. IMÁGENES UGC
Una estela de humo se observa en el cielo sobre Doha tras varias explosiones en la capital catarí. Sistemas de defensa de Catar interceptaron el sábado un misil iraní, según informó un funcionario a AFP, mientras sonaban sirenas de alerta en el país del Golfo. Se escucharon explosiones sobre el centro de Doha y cerca de la base militar de Al-Udeid, la mayor instalación militar estadounidense en la región. IMÁGENES
Imágenes generadas por usuarios y publicadas en redes sociales el 28 de febrero de 2026 muestran humo elevándose en el centro de la capital iraní, Teherán, tras los ataques de Estados Unidos e Israel contra la ciudad. IMÁGENES UGC
Israelis take shelter in an
Israelis take shelter in an underground parking lot after missiles were launched towards Israel from Iran following strikes by Israel and the U.S. on Iran, in Tel Aviv, Israel, February 28, 2026. REUTERS/Itai Ron ISRAEL OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN ISRAEL
Los sistemas antiaéreos israelíes interceptan misiles iraníes sobre Haifa, lanzados a modo de respuesta tras los ataques coordinados de EEUU e Israel contra Irán (AFP)
Humo en los cielos de
Humo en los cielos de Bahréin después de reportes de explosiones en Manama el 28 de febrero de 2026 (REUTERS/Stringer)
Imágenes emitidas por la televisión estatal iraní muestran lo que, según informan, es daño en un lugar de impacto tras los ataques de Estados Unidos e Israel contra Teherán y varias ciudades. IMÁGENES
Varias personas rezan mientras se
Varias personas rezan mientras se resguardan en Tel Aviv el 28 de febrero de 2026. El ejército israelí informó que sus ataques contra Irán, en coordinación con Estados Unidos, tuvieron como objetivo decenas de sitios militares y fueron resultado de meses de planificación conjunta entre ambos aliados. (Foto de Ilia YEFIMOVICH / AFP)
Se escuchan explosiones en la capital de Baréin, Manama, después de que Estados Unidos e Israel lanzaran ataques contra Irán.
Personas se resguardan dentro de un hotel en Tel Aviv mientras se ordena a los civiles israelíes buscar refugio tras el lanzamiento de misiles de represalia por parte de Irán, después de una serie de ataques de Estados Unidos e Israel contra objetivos en ciudades iraníes.
El humo se eleva tras
El humo se eleva tras una explosión, después de que Israel y Estados Unidos lanzaran ataques contra Irán, en Teherán, Irán, el 28 de febrero de 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) vía REUTERS ATENCIÓN EDITORES – ESTA IMAGEN FUE PROPORCIONADA POR UN TERCERO
El humo se eleva tras
El humo se eleva tras una explosión, después de que Israel y Estados Unidos lanzaran ataques contra Irán, en Teherán, Irán, el 28 de febrero de 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) vía REUTERS ATENCIÓN EDITORES – ESTA IMAGEN FUE PROPORCIONADA POR UN TERCERO TPX IMÁGENES DEL DÍA
Un sistema de defensa aérea
Un sistema de defensa aérea entra en funcionamiento mientras se lanzan misiles hacia Israel desde Irán, después de que Israel y Estados Unidos efectuaran ataques contra Irán, en Jerusalén, el 28 de febrero de 2026. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun
Personas esperan su turno en
Personas esperan su turno en una gasolinera, después de que Israel y Estados Unidos lanzaran ataques contra Irán, en Teherán, Irán, el 28 de febrero de 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) vía REUTERS ATENCIÓN EDITORES – ESTA IMAGEN FUE PROPORCIONADA POR UN TERCERO
Vehículos hacen fila durante un
Vehículos hacen fila durante un atasco, después de que Israel y Estados Unidos lanzaran ataques contra Irán, en Teherán, Irán, el 28 de febrero de 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) vía REUTERS ATENCIÓN EDITORES – ESTA IMAGEN FUE PROPORCIONADA POR UN TERCERO
Humo sobre Haifa después de que el ejército israelí anunciase la detección de un lanzamiento de misiles desde Irán (AFP)
l espacio aéreo sobre Irán, vacío tras los ataques de EEUU e Israel (AFP)

Los bombardeos fueron confirmados por el Ministerio de Defensa israelí y el presidente Donald Trump. El país hebreo declaró el estado de emergencia y el cierre de su espacio aéreo

El humo se eleva después
El humo se eleva después de una explosión, después de que el ministro de Defensa de Israel Israel Katz dijo que Israel había lanzado un ataque preventivo contra Irán, en Teherán, Irán, el 28 de febrero 2026 en esta captura de pantalla tomada de vídeo. WANA (Agencia de Noticias de Asia Occidental) vía REUTERS.
Un sistema de defensa aérea
Un sistema de defensa aérea entra en funcionamiento mientras se lanzan misiles hacia Israel desde Irán, después de que Israel y Estados Unidos efectuaran ataques contra Irán, en Jerusalén, el 28 de febrero de 2026. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun
Israelíes se reúnen en un
Israelíes se reúnen en un refugio subterráneo después de que el ejército israelí anunciara que había identificado misiles lanzados desde Irán hacia Israel, en Haifa, norte de Israel, el 28 de febrero de 2026. REUTERS/Rami Shlush PROHIBIDA SU DISTRIBUCIÓN EN ISRAEL. NO VENTAS COMERCIALES NI EDITORIALES EN ISRAEL TPX IMÁGENES DEL DÍA
Una columna de humo sobre
Una columna de humo sobre Teherán después de un «ataque preventivo» de Israel el 28 de febrero de 2026 (AFP)
Esta imagen tomada de un
Esta imagen tomada de un video de UGC publicado en redes sociales el 28 de febrero de 2026 y verificada por equipos de AFPTV en París muestra el tránsito circulando mientras una columna de humo se eleva tras una explosión reportada en Teherán. (AFP – Fuente: UGC)
Personas se resguardan tras una
Personas se resguardan tras una explosión, después de que Israel anunciara que lanzó un ataque preventivo contra Irán, en Teherán, Irán, el 28 de febrero de 2026. (Majid Asgaripour/WANA vía REUTERS)



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Fetterman praises Operation Epic Fury: Trump is ‘willing to do what’s right’

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As one of Israel’s staunchest defenders from the left, Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., full-throatedly endorsed President Donald Trump’s attacks on Iran as lawmakers on both sides of the aisle reacted Saturday morning.

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«President Trump has been willing to do what’s right and necessary to produce real peace in the region,» Fetterman wrote on X. «God bless the United States, our great military, and Israel

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., one of Congress’ biggest backers of bold military action, is hailing President Donald Trump as a «man of peace,» and «evil’s worst nightmare.»

«As I watch and monitor this historic operation, I’m in awe of President Trump’s determination to be a man of peace but at the end of the day, evil’s worst nightmare,» Graham wrote Saturday morning on X in a string of posts. «Well done, Mr. President.»

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Trump’s U.S. military armada in the Middle East, working in concert with Israel, is targeting military targets and ballistic missile sites that pose an «imminent threat,» a U.S. official told Fox News Chief National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin. 

The U.S. military is not targeting Iran’s leadership, but Israel is, the official added.

Strikes hit the compound home of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, in downtown Tehran on Saturday morning.

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And Trump issued a video statement on social media, urging Iranian people to get out of the way for now, but «when we are finished, take over your government; It will be yours to take.»

«God bless @POTUS for planning and now executing Operation Epic Fury, making America more safe and eventually more prosperous,» Graham added. «I seek God’s protection for all under President Trump’s command, as well as our allies in Israel.

LINDSEY GRAHAM CALLS FOR US TO USE ‘ANY MEANS NECESSARY’ TO STOP THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE KILLING OF IRANIANS

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«My mind is racing with the thought that the murderous ayatollah’s regime in Iran will soon be no more.

While reports of explosions happened hours earlier, Graham posted his first support for the actions after 3 a.m. ET, calling the «operation is necessary and long justified.»

«The biggest change in the Middle East in a thousand years is upon us,» Graham added in his second post on X. «The likelihood of normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel getting back on track is exceedingly high – a subject I brought up last week to the key players in the region who concurred if the ayatollah goes down, historic peace advances.»

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As the attacks were under way and battle damage assessments were yet to come, Graham delivered his prayers to the troops undertaking the operation.

«As to the men and women participating in this operation for our country and Israel, may God bless you and keep you safe,» he wrote. «If you are injured or fall, I believe with all my heart that your sacrifice makes your country and the world a better and safer place. This moment is why you chose to serve.

«This operation has been well-planned. It will be violent, extensive and I believe, at the end of the day, successful. Again the demise of the ayatollah’s regime with American blood on its hands is necessary and more than justified.»

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MORNING GLORY: WHAT WILL PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP DECIDE TO DO WITH IRAN?

The U.S. has authorized non-essential embassy personnel to leave Israel amid escalating tensions with Iran. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images; Iranian Leader Press Office/Anadolu via Getty Images)

And, one of Trump’s long-time Republican critics, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., also posted on X, noting Trump has not sought congressional approval – although there was a briefing held with the Gang of Eight earlier this week.

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«Acts of war unauthorized by Congress,» Massie wrote on X.

Senate Armed Forces Committee Chair Roger Wicker, R-Miss., praised the «decisive action» against «the world’s leading proliferator of terrorism.»

«This is a pivotal and necessary operation to protect Americans and American interests,» Wicker wrote in a statement. «The president has stated the operation’s goals clearly: thwart permanently the ayatollahs’ desire to create a nuclear weapon, degrade their ballistic missile force and their production capacity, and destroy their naval and terrorism capabilities.

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«These are the hardest decisions that face any American commander-in-chief, and I appreciate that President Trump and his team conducted a comprehensive strategy using all tools of national power and a well-orchestrated military planning process.»

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The time to strike was now, according to Wicker.

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«The Iranian regime has never been weaker,» he added. «Without the use of military force against them, Iran’s ayatollahs would simply continue to grow their ability to threaten Americans and our interests, working in concert with the Chinese Communist Party, the Russian dictator Putin, North Korea, and other terrorist allies. 

«The ayatollahs have mortgaged the economic future of ordinary Iranians to engage in their obsessive and apocalyptic vision.   

Most importantly, I commend the brave men and women of our armed forces, who continue to demonstrate a level of operational proficiency unrivaled the world over. That fact will be evident in the coming days. Thanks to them, Americans are safer – not just today, but for generations to come.»

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Fetterman breaks with Democrats to back Trump taking military action in Iran if necessary

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