US and Israel Launch Major Assault on Iran, Sparking Regional Conflict
After weeks of escalating tensions, the United States and Israel launched a major joint strike on Iran on Saturday, February 28, 2026, targeting key military and government sites. The operation, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” by President Donald Trump, aims to prevent Iran from threatening American and international security interests, but has already triggered a wave of retaliatory attacks and widespread concern about a wider regional war.
Joint US-Israel Strikes Target Iranian Leadership and Infrastructure
The coordinated attacks began shortly after 8 a.m. Israel time and continued throughout the day, hitting targets across Iran. According to an Israeli official, strikes specifically targeted Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian. Other targets included military facilities, symbols of government, and intelligence centers [Times of Israel]. Several senior Revolutionary Guards commanders and political officials were reportedly killed, including the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, and Iranian defense minister Amir Nasirzadeh [Times of Israel], [CNN].
Trump Calls for Regime Change in Iran
President Trump announced the beginning of “major combat operations” and explicitly stated the goal of the campaign is to overthrow the current Iranian government [CNN]. He described the Iranian regime as “a vicious group of very hard, terrible people” and emphasized the require to eliminate the threat they pose to the United States [ABC News].
Iran Launches Widespread Retaliatory Strikes
In response to the attacks, Iran launched an unprecedented wave of strikes targeting US military bases, Israel, and other countries across the Middle East. These retaliatory strikes have disrupted air travel and oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Notably, an Iranian drone struck a densely populated neighborhood in Dubai [CNN].
Casualties and Damage Reports
Iranian state media, Press TV, reports that over 200 people have been killed and 747 injured across 24 provinces as a result of the joint US-Israel strikes [CNN]. Among the casualties, 85 people were killed in a strike on a girls’ school in southern Iran [CNN].
International Reaction
The conflict has drawn varied reactions from the international community. The United Arab Emirates characterized the situation as a “historic moment” and criticized world leaders for failing to ensure regional stability [CNN]. Even as some US allies have expressed concern, others have condemned Iran’s retaliation.
Ongoing Situation and Potential for Escalation
US officials indicate that the operation could last for days, and President Trump has acknowledged the possibility of American casualties [ABC News]. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have stated they are on high alert and prepared for a wide range of scenarios [ABC News]. The situation remains highly volatile, with a significant risk of further escalation.