Israel and US Launch Strikes Against Iran

On February 28, 2026, Israel and the United States initiated joint military strikes against Iran, codenamed Operation Roaring Lion. The operation aims to neutralize the perceived threat posed by the Ayatollah regime in Iran, targeting facilities associated with the Revolutionary Guards, the Basij, and ballistic missile sites [1], [2].

Background and Objectives

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the operation would continue “as long as necessary” to finish the threat from Iran, which he described as having called for “death to Israel and death to America” for 47 years [1]. The strikes target facilities linked to the Revolutionary Guards and Basij, as well as ballistic missile sites threatening both Israel and US forces [2].

Netanyahu’s Address

In a televised address, Netanyahu asserted that the attacks would allow Iranians to “take their fate into their own hands” and emphasized that the current operation is intended to be “much more powerful” than a previous 12-day conflict with Iran in June [2]. He accused the Iranian regime of trampling on its citizens, spreading fear, and developing nuclear weapons and missiles intended to destroy Israel [1].

Domestic and International Reactions

Preliminary surveys in Israel indicate strong public support for the strikes, with 81% of Israelis supporting the actions and 63% believing the campaign should continue until the fall of the Iranian regime [3]. The strikes arrive ahead of an Israeli election later this year, potentially bolstering Netanyahu’s political standing [3]. Further strikes hit Tehran on Saturday, with flames rising from an oil storage facility [4], and Netanyahu has promised “many surprises” in the next phase of the war [4].