Tehran/Washington — March 1, 2026 — In a dramatic escalation that has plunged the Middle East into open conflict, joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on February 28 destroyed key Iranian military and leadership targets, resulting in the confirmed death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian state media has declared 40 days of national mourning for the 86-year-old cleric, who ruled Iran for 36 years.
Khamenei, long the architect of Iran’s “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” policies, was killed in an Israeli strike on his compound in Tehran, according to multiple reports from U.S., Israeli, and Iranian sources, including Axios, Al Jazeera, CNN, Reuters, and The Washington Post. Iranian officials confirmed his “martyrdom,” while President Donald Trump announced the development on Truth Social, calling it justice for victims of the regime. He also called him the most cruel person of the world.
The operation—codenamed Operation Epic Fury by the U.S. and Roaring Lion by Israel—began early on February 28 with precision strikes on Revolutionary Guard command centers, air defenses, missile launch sites, military airfields, and elements of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Trump described it as a campaign to “eliminate imminent threats” and prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, urging Iranians to “take over your government” in a video message.
Explosions rocked Tehran and other cities, with thick plumes of smoke visible across the capital as residents took to rooftops to witness the chaos.
Iranian Red Crescent reports indicate at least 201 people killed and over 700 injured in the initial wave, including civilians. Israeli officials confirmed the strikes targeted senior leadership, with reports of additional deaths among IRGC commanders and advisers.
Iran’s Swift Retaliation Targets U.S. Military Bases
In response, Iran launched waves of missiles and drones at Israel and multiple U.S. bases across the Gulf region. Targets included:
- Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar (major U.S. hub)
- Bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia
- Strikes toward Israel
U.S. Central Command reported that most incoming projectiles were intercepted by defenses, with no American casualties and only minimal damage to installations. Iran claimed hits on 14 U.S. facilities, vowing to continue until the U.S. and Israel are “definitively defeated.”
(Note: While initial reports referenced U.S. bases hosting strategic assets, there were no confirmed strikes on dedicated U.S. nuclear storage or operational nuclear bases in the region; attacks focused on conventional air and support facilities.)
Trump stated that “heavy and pinpoint bombing” of Iran will continue “throughout the week or as long as necessary.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed that the operation aims to neutralize existential threats, including Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.
Background and Global Reactions
The strikes follow months of failed indirect nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran, which collapsed amid Tehran’s refusal to fully dismantle enrichment capabilities.
This marks the second major U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran in under a year, after June 2025 strikes on nuclear sites at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.
World leaders have called for de-escalation. The UN Security Council held an emergency session, with Russia and China condemning the “aggression.” Gulf states hosting U.S. bases expressed concern over spillover.
Iran’s leadership vacuum is now acute, with no clear successor immediately announced. Analysts warn of potential power struggles involving the IRGC or reformist factions.
As of early March 1, exchanges of fire continue & pounding of Iranian Military Sites is continued, with airspace closures in Israel and heightened alerts across the region. The situation remains fluid, with the Iranian statement that the death of Khamanei will be revenged..
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