On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched a massive joint military operation against Iran, marking the most significant Western military action in the Middle East since the Iraq War. Codenamed Operation Epic Fury by the US Department of Defense and Operation Roaring Lion by the Israeli military, the strikes have sent shockwaves across the globe.
The Strikes
The joint operation targeted locations across multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. The US Air Force, US Navy Fifth Fleet, and Israeli Air Force all participated in the coordinated assault.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the attack as explosions were observed across Iranian cities. US President Donald Trump announced the strikes alongside Israel, calling on members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to lay down their arms in exchange for immunity, warning that refusal would mean “certain death.” Next: Khamenei confirmed dead.
Trump declared the objectives were to destroy Iran’s missile and military capabilities, prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, and ultimately topple the regime.
Supreme Leader Khamenei Reportedly Killed
The initial attacks targeted key officials, military commanders, and critical facilities. Among the highest-profile targets was the compound of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, which satellite images show was heavily damaged or destroyed. Khamenei was allegedly killed during the strike on his compound. Reports also indicate that Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani was killed.
Iran Retaliates Across the Region
In response, Iran launched dozens of ballistic missiles throughout the Persian Gulf and beyond, targeting:
- Israel — projectiles intercepted over Haifa and other locations
- Bahrain — home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters
- Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE — all hosting US military installations
- Jordan — additional US military positions targeted
The retaliatory strikes caused casualties in several countries, including one killed in Abu Dhabi from falling debris and five killed in Suwayda, Syria.
Casualties
According to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, 201 people were killed in Iran — including at least 85 civilians killed in a strike on a school — and 747 were injured.
On the coalition side, 3 US service members were killed and approximately 3 injured. In Israel, 89 civilians were injured from the retaliatory missile attacks.
Houthis Resume Red Sea Attacks
Adding to the escalation, Yemen-based Houthi forces announced they would resume attacks in the Red Sea, threatening critical global shipping lanes that had only recently stabilized.
International Response
French President Emmanuel Macron warned that the “outbreak of war between the United States, Israel and Iran” would carry “grave consequences for international peace and security,” calling for a halt to further escalation.
The strikes were condemned by the United Nations and several countries for undermining regional stability, while others condemned Iran’s retaliatory strikes on nations across the region. Critics have also called the strikes illegal under both domestic and international law. How aircraft carrier fleets.
Multiple countries across the region have activated their armed forces in a defensive posture, including Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the UAE, and the United Kingdom.
What Happens Next
The situation remains highly fluid. With Iran’s supreme leader reportedly dead, its retaliatory missile strikes hitting multiple Gulf nations, and Houthis rejoining the fight, the Middle East faces its most dangerous escalation in decades. Flight suspensions are in effect across the region, and global markets are bracing for impact. 200 dead, 40 leaders eliminated.
This is a developing story. We will continue to update as more information becomes available.
Video: Footage of US-Israeli Strikes on Iran
