Trump Announces Major Combat Operations Against Iran; Lewis and Clark Officials React

President Donald Trump announced what multiple outlets described as the start of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, saying "Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime" and characterizing the operation as aimed at regime change. Local coverage referenced an operation name used by KRTV, "Operation Epic Fury," and reported the president made a public statement via video described in one account as eight minutes long.

Reports from Montana newsrooms and national wire services described a weeks-long military buildup that included additional aircraft carrier strike groups and cargo and tanker flights into the region. Associated Press reporting cited by local outlets said initial strikes appeared to target Iranian leadership, and explosions were reported in Tehran, though multiple outlets cautioned the full extent of damage remains unclear.

Outlets diverged on timing: NonStop Local said Trump aired an eight-minute video Friday night, while KRTV and KTVH placed the announcement on Saturday morning, February 28, 2026. NonStop Local also noted a State Department advisory urging Americans in the Middle East to shelter in place and reported that "my office is closely monitoring the ongoing U.S. combat operations in Iran."

Montana's all-Republican congressional delegation voiced support on social media platform X. U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy, a Navy SEAL veteran, posted that "This is a righteous endeavor. God be with our troops, our allies, and the Iranian people," and added "To the people of Iran, rise up and seize YOUR country. America has your back." NonStop Local and other outlets reported Sheehy posted repeatedly and urged Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to advance Department of Homeland Security funding to support TSA operations.

U.S. Rep. Troy Downing, an Air Force and National Guard veteran, disparaged the Iranian regime in an X post that began, "For decades, the Ayatollah has rejected diplomacy, opting instead to pursue nuclear armament while chanting death to America. The Iranian regime and its proxies have American blood on their hands. No President has possessed the grit to challenge this clear and present danger..." Sen. Steve Daines tweeted support with a post opening, "The Iranian regime is the world’s largest state sponsor of terror & waged war against the United States and its allies for nearly 50 years. I support President Trump’s actions to keep our nation safe and aid the people of Iran in their fight for liberty." U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke posted a one-line declaration, "We are at war."

BozemanDailyChronicle, citing States Newsroom, reported the strikes were not specifically authorized by Congress and noted some lawmakers said the action should have been brought to the legislative branch under the Constitution. KRTV reported that Iran has blocked public internet access since large-scale protests earlier this year, and that independent reports suggest thousands of protesters were killed during that unrest, a figure difficult to verify under communications restrictions.

For Lewis and Clark County residents seeking to reach elected officials or register concerns, the county's constituents can contact the congressional offices of Sen. Tim Sheehy, Sen. Steve Daines, Rep. Ryan Zinke and Rep. Troy Downing. Montana officials and local newsrooms said they will continue to monitor statements from the Administration, the State Department advisory, and follow-up reporting from the Associated Press and the International Atomic Energy Agency for verification of targets and casualty figures.