📰 Sources: This article is based on live reporting from CNN and Al Jazeera, published March 3–4, 2026.
In one of the most dramatic and consequential military operations in modern history, the United States and Israel launched a joint aerial bombardment against Iran in the early hours of February 28, 2026 — an attack that killed Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and triggered a wave of retaliatory strikes across the Middle East that continues to this day.
How It Started — Operation "Roar of the Lion"
In the predawn hours of Saturday, February 28, the Israeli Air Force launched what it described as a pre-emptive strike against Iran, with the United States joining the operation immediately. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz named the operation "Roar of the Lion." The Israeli Air Force deployed approximately 200 fighter jets — the largest combat sortie in its history — striking over 500 military targets in western and central Iran, including air defence systems and ballistic missile launchers. The U.S. deployed B-2 stealth bombers to strike fortified underground ballistic missile facilities. Alongside the physical airstrikes, Israel conducted coordinated cyberattacks on Iranian infrastructure, media, and phone applications.
Strikes hit the cities of Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. A near-total internet blackout was reported across Tehran within hours of the attack beginning. The Israeli Air Force also struck the presidential administration and Supreme National Security Council buildings in Tehran with "multiple munitions," according to the BBC. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed the entrances to the underground Natanz Nuclear Facility had been bombed, though there were no signs of radiation release.
🚨 Breaking — Day 1: Israel conducted strikes using over 200 jets. The U.S. used "suicide" drones — one-way attack drones packed with explosives — in combat for the first time ever. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later disclosed that the initial U.S. attack was triggered by an Israeli intention to strike Iranian leadership that would have jeopardised U.S. forces in the region.
Khamenei Killed — A Historic Turning Point
The most seismic moment came when U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — the 86-year-old cleric who had ruled Iran for 37 years — had been killed in the strikes. Iranian state TV subsequently confirmed his death. Khamenei was killed at his office compound in Tehran's Pasteur Street district. His daughter, son-in-law, and grandson were also killed. He died alongside Ali Shamkhani, former head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, and several other senior Iranian officials and military commanders.
Iran Strikes Back — Gulf Explodes
Iran's retaliation was swift. Tehran launched dozens of ballistic missiles and drones targeting U.S. military assets across Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. A drone struck the U.S. Embassy compound in Dubai. Dubai International Airport was closed. Two Iranian drones hit the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh. An Iranian Shahed drone attack caused a large fire at an oil terminal in Fujairah, UAE. France deployed Rafale fighter jets to the UAE in response. Britain deployed HMS Dragon warship to Cyprus after Iranian attacks on its Akrotiri military base.
Qatar arrested 10 people from two IRGC cells for espionage and sabotage. The U.S. Navy destroyed Iran's lead Shahid Soleimani-class corvette. Jordan briefly closed then reopened its airspace. The Strait of Hormuz was declared closed by Iran's IRGC.
💀 Casualties (as of March 4): Iran's Red Crescent confirmed 787 dead from the initial U.S.-Israeli strikes. 6 U.S. service members killed. 11 Israelis dead. Deaths also reported in UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Over 1 million travellers stranded worldwide.
