US-Israel Launch Major Strikes on Iran; Tehran Retaliates Amidst Escalating Conflict

On February 28, 2026, the Middle East witnessed a significant escalation of hostilities as the United States and Israel launched a coordinated, large-scale military operation against Iran. This joint offensive, codenamed 'Roaring Lion' by Israel and 'Operation Epic Fury' by the US Department of Defense, targeted various strategic locations across Iran, including the capital Tehran and cities such as Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. The stated objectives behind these strikes, as articulated by Israeli and US officials, were multi-faceted. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the attacks as a 'preemptive' measure aimed at 'removing threats to the State of Israel' and destroying Iran's nuclear capabilities. Concurrently, US President Donald Trump declared 'major combat operations' with the goal of 'eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime' and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Notably, President Trump also issued a direct appeal to the Iranian populace, urging them to 'take over your government,' a statement widely interpreted as an objective to trigger regime change in Iran. The strikes targeted a comprehensive array of Iranian infrastructure, including military facilities, missile and radar installations, suspected nuclear sites, and crucially, leadership compounds. Reports indicated that areas around the residence of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Tehran were among those hit, with satellite imagery reportedly showing damage to his compound. In response to the US-Israeli aggression, Iran swiftly launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes. These counter-attacks targeted Israel itself and several US military bases across the wider Middle East, with confirmed hits in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. This exchange of fire rapidly heightened regional tensions, prompting international concern and condemnation. One of the most tragic and heavily reported incidents was the direct hit on a girls' elementary school in Minab, Hormozgan province, in southern Iran. Iranian government sources, including the Foreign Minister, confirmed that this attack resulted in the deaths of between 63 and 85 young students, aged between seven and twelve years, and caused numerous injuries. The Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned this strike as 'unprovoked, illegal and absolutely illegitimate and against international law,' vowing that the deaths of the children would 'not go unanswered.' The strikes also led to significant speculation regarding the fate of high-ranking Iranian officials. Israeli media and sources 'familiar with military operations and regional intelligence' reported that Iran's Defense Minister Amir Nasirzadeh (also identified as Amir Hatami, who was previously Army Commander) and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Mohammad Pakpour were *believed* to have been killed in the attacks. However, these claims remained largely unconfirmed by Iran. While Foreign Minister Araghchi acknowledged the potential loss of 'one or two commanders,' he explicitly downplayed their significance, stating it was 'not such a big problem.' Amidst initial Israeli media speculation about the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Araghchi unequivocally stated that Khamenei was 'alive as far as I know' and that 'almost all officials are safe and sound and alive.' Khamenei was subsequently expected to deliver a pre-recorded address, further indicating his survival. The immediate aftermath saw widespread disruption. Airspace in several regional countries, including Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, was closed, leading to numerous flight cancellations, most notably at Dubai International Airport. International reactions included condemnation from the UN Secretary-General, who urged de-escalation, and criticism from Russia, which accused the US and Israel of plunging the Middle East into chaos. France, meanwhile, clarified that it was neither warned of nor involved in the US-Israeli strikes. The overall situation indicates a severe escalation in the long-standing tensions between Iran and the US-Israel alliance, with the potential for further regional instability and a broader conflict. The Al Jazeera article, published on February 28, 2026, aimed to provide an immediate analysis of 'Why are the US and Israel attacking Iran? What we know so far,' offering context to these rapidly unfolding, critical events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read Full Story on Quick Digest