A joint military strike by the United States and Israel targeted sites in Iran on February 28, 2026, marking a major escalation in Middle East tensions.
The offensive, described by Israeli officials as a pre-emptive attack, hit multiple Iranian cities and strategic installations.
Explosions were reported in Tehran and other urban centres, and civilian infrastructure was struck, including a girls’ elementary school in Minab, where Iranian state media reported heavy casualties.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was reported killed in the strikes, prompting national mourning and a vow of retaliation.
In response, Iran launched ballistic missiles and drone attacks against Israeli territory and US military bases in the Gulf, significantly widening the conflict.
Gulf states hosting US assets, including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, were also struck amid the retaliation. The situation remains highly volatile, with fears of further escalation across the region.
