T: Iran strikes, Hezbollah missiles and celebrity backlash t
t — U. S. and Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei prompted Hezbollah to launch missiles and drones at Israel. The escalation unfolded late Friday into Saturday and appears in published coverage dated February 28, 2026 at 1: 54 AM ET. Celebrities, commentators and lawmakers have reacted sharply, and Rep. Thomas Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna are expected to push a House vote next week to curb the military action.
Expanding details and battlefield moves
U. S. and Israeli forces carried out air strikes that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and those strikes triggered an immediate retaliation from Hezbollah, which launched missiles and drones at Israel. t The exchange widened an already volatile outbreak of violence in the region. The president also issued a public message directing Iranian military personnel to lay down their arms or face death, and warned that “the lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, ” comments that underscore the risk of further escalation. t A strike during the opening phase hit the Shajareye Tayabeh girls’ school in Minab, Hormozgan Province; the Iranian state news agency posted casualty figures listing at least 43 students killed and 63 wounded. t Ground and air activity continues to be reported across multiple fronts as regional actors respond and reassess defensive postures. t
Immediate reactions from public figures and politicians
Public figures unleashed rapid, public condemnations and analysis. John Cusack, actor, wrote that the attack looked like a “wag-the-dog war” and questioned the motive behind the strikes. Kathy Griffin, comedian, posted sharply critical commentary about the president’s decision to bomb Iran. Stephen King, author, wrote the blunt line “Impeach the SOB, ” signaling a call for political accountability. Mark Ruffalo, actor, suggested that an internal envoy had been sent to shape the move, writing that a deployment was “sent to make sure we went to war. ” Rosie O’Donnell shared excerpts of presidential statements and called them falsehoods. t Rep. Thomas Massie, Kentucky congressman, posted that the strikes were “Acts of war unauthorized by Congress, ” and that post appeared well before the president’s public announcement. Laura Loomer, described in context as a far-right commentator, called for an investigation into leaks tied to the timing of the congressional post, and Charles Downs, a correspondent for Loomer’s media company, amplified that demand. t
What’s next — congressional action and regional fallout
Lawmakers are preparing to respond. Rep. Thomas Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna are expected to bring forward a vote next week aimed at constraining the administration’s military action, a planned legislative step that will test congressional appetite for a wider conflict. t The Hezbollah strikes have already broadened the crisis, and the coming days will show whether diplomatic channels or additional military moves shape the next phase. t
