US, ‘Israel’ launch full-scale attack against Iran

 

U.S. and Israel Launch Major Military Offensive Against Iran — A Detailed Report

In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, United States and Israel have launched a coordinated military campaign against the Islamic Republic of Iran, marking one of the most significant confrontations in the Middle East in decades. The complex operation, occurring on February 28, 2026, has rapidly broadened into a major crisis with global diplomatic, economic, and security repercussions.

Historic Escalation After Failed Diplomacy

The attacks took place after months of mounting geopolitical tension and the collapse of recent negotiation efforts between Tehran and Washington aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. Diplomatic talks in Geneva, mediated by Oman, had shown temporary signs of progress but ultimately failed to yield an agreement. Shortly after the breakdown, Israeli and U.S. military leaders determined that more assertive action was necessary to confront what they described as “imminent threats.”

Operation Names and Scope

The offensive was conducted under two separate designations: Israel referred to its part of the campaign as “Operation Lion’s Roar”, while U.S. defense officials used the term “Operation Epic Fury.” These joint military strikes involved extensive air raids against targets across Iran, including Tehran and several other major cities.

According to multiple news outlets, the attacks were carried out by a combination of:

• Israeli Air Force jet strikes

• U.S. Air Force and Navy missile strikes

• Coordinated targeting of military infrastructure, air defense systems, missile sites, and command centers

President Trump’s Public Statement

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the commencement of the operation via a video statement, describing the offensive as a “massive and ongoing military action” intended to dismantle Iran’s nuclear, missile, and military infrastructure and press for political change in Tehran. Trump appealed directly to the Iranian people, urging them to expect the bombings and consider rising against their government once the military phase concluded.

Iranian Leadership Targeted

One of the most controversial aspects of the operation has been its targeting of Iran’s political and military leadership. Trump and some Israeli officials claimed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in strikes on his Tehran compound; this statement was echoed on conservative platforms and some international outlets. Iranian official sources contradicted these claims, and independent verification remains pending.

Israeli authorities also reported that multiple senior Iranian commanders and security officials were “eliminated” during the initial stages of the attack, highlighting how deeply the operation penetrated Iran’s strategic infrastructure.

Casualties and Civilian Impact

Iranian official media reported significant casualties across the country. According to figures from the Iranian Red Crescent Society, approximately 200 people were killed and hundreds more injured in the strikes, with reports highlighting tragedies such as reported damage to a girls’ school in southern Iran. Iranian state agencies have reported dozens of civilian deaths alongside military targets.

In retaliation, Iran has launched missile and drone strikes toward Israel and military bases housing U.S. forces in the region, including installations in Iraq, Bahrain, and other Gulf states. These engagements have led to injuries and minor civilian impacts in several countries, although comprehensive assessments are still being compiled.

Regional and Global Reactions

The rapid escalation has prompted urgent responses worldwide:

• Arab States: Several Gulf nations have confirmed missile interceptions or limited damage from retaliatory attacks. 🇦🇪🇧🇭🇰🇼 officials have reported minor incidents on their soil.

• United Nations: The United Nations Security Council has called emergency meetings to address the crisis and reduce the risk of broader conflict.

• National Leaders: Leaders in Europe and Asia have urged both sides to seek immediate de-escalation and diplomatic channels to prevent a wider war.

• Russia: The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the U.S. and Israeli actions as “unprovoked aggression,” urging a return to diplomacy and warning of humanitarian and economic fallout.

Strategic Context and Risks

This offensive represents the most serious confrontation between Iran, Israel, and the United States since the June 2025 conflict, which had already seen intense exchanges of airstrikes and missile attacks. Military analysts warn that the present operation could ignite a broader regional war, drawing in allied forces and non-state actors across the Middle East.

Experts note with concern that, unlike previous limited engagements, this campaign appears aimed at regime weakening or change — a strategic objective that carries the risk of prolonged instability and unpredictable retaliation.

Diplomatic Fallout

The timing of the attack — amid ongoing diplomatic engagements — has generated criticism from foreign policy specialists who argue that military escalation undermines efforts to resolve long-running disputes over Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. Iranian officials have accused the U.S. and Israel of sabotaging diplomacy and engaging in “aggressive warfare,” claiming that the strikes violate international norms.

Economic Consequences

Beyond security concerns, the conflict has significant implications for global economics:

• Oil Markets: Prices in international energy markets spiked amid fears of disruption near the Persian Gulf, a critical global oil shipping corridor.

• Investor Uncertainty: Financial markets reacted with volatility as traders repositioned assets in defense and energy sectors.

Economic analysts suggest that prolonged instability could affect global supply chains and investment flows far beyond the Middle East.

Civilian Experience and Media Response

Eyewitness accounts from Tehran and other Iranian cities described scenes of panic, mass evacuations, and widespread explosions. Residents reported hours of chaos as air defenses engaged incoming threats and authorities urged civilians to seek shelter.

International media organizations have broadcast verified footage of explosions, smoke plumes rising over urban areas, and defensive operations in Israel and neighboring states — a testament to how quickly modern conflicts unfold in a highly connected world.

What Comes Next?

The situation remains fluid:

• Iran has vowed sustained retaliation and declared that it will defend its territory “with all available might.”

• Military analysts emphasize that a cycle of escalation — including reprisals and counter-attacks — could persist in the weeks ahead.

• Diplomats from many nations continue to push for cease-fire negotiations and a return to diplomatic solutions.

Conclusion

The joint U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran in late February 2026 mark a major turning point in Middle Eastern geopolitics. What began as long-standing disputes over nuclear capacity and regional influence has escalated into a broad military confrontation with far-reaching consequences. With civilian casualties, strategic targets hit, and global actors urging de-escalation, the conflict’s next stages will shape international relations, security policy, and stability across the region for years to come.