US used tomahawks, HIMARS, standoff weapons and drones to attack Iran, defense official reveals
WASHINGTON, DC: The United States deployed an array of high-powered weapons, including Tomahawk missiles, HIMARS systems, standoff weapons and drones, in its coordinated strikes against Iran, a US defense official confirmed.
The revelation came on Saturday, February 28, as President Donald Trump announced that “heavy and pinpoint b**bing” would continue for at least a week following the joint US-Israeli operation that he said killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to the defense official, the War Department also employed Patriot missile systems, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) batteries and ship-launched Standard Missiles (SM) to provide air defense during the operation.
Tomahawks, HIMARS and drones deployed in coordinated assault
The official told Fox News that the US used Tomahawks, HIMARS, standoff weapons and drones to strike Iranian targets.
Standoff weapons are munitions launched from an aircraft, ship or submarine far enough away from the target to remain out of reach of defensive enemy fire. Their use suggests the strikes were designed to minimize exposure while maximizing precision.
The deployment of HIMARS - a mobile rocket launcher system alongside sea-launched Tomahawk missiles indicates a coordinated, multi-platform assault. Drones were also used as part of the offensive package.
Advanced air defense systems shielded US assets. While offensive systems struck Iranian targets, the US also activated multiple layers of air defense.
The defense official said Patriot missile systems, THAAD batteries and ship-launched Standard Missiles were employed to guard against possible retaliation.
These systems are designed to intercept incoming missiles and protect US forces and allied positions. Their use signals that Washington anticipated potential counterstrikes and prepared accordingly.
Strikes reportedly timed to leadership meeting
Trump confirmed that Khamenei was killed in the operation, calling him “one of the most evil people in History.”
“This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS,” Trump said.
According to two US sources and a US official familiar with the matter, the strikes were deliberately timed to coincide with a high-level meeting involving Khamenei and his inner circle.
Iranian sources told Reuters that the Supreme Leader had been meeting in a secure location with senior officials just before the attack began. Israeli officials have said Khamenei was killed along with key lieutenants, including former National Security Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Mohammad Pakpour.
Trump vows b**bing will continue
In a Truth Social post, Trump declared that the campaign is far from over.
“The heavy and pinpoint b**bing, however, will continue uninterrupted throughout the week or as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD!” he wrote.
He also claimed that the strikes have weakened Iranian forces significantly.
“This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country. We are hearing that many of their IRGC, Military, and other Security and Police Forces, no longer want to fight, and are looking for Immunity from us,” Trump said.
In an interview with ABC News, the president added that the damage had left Iranian leadership “incapacitated.” When asked whether he knew who might lead Iran next, Trump replied, “Yes. We have a very good idea.”
