US and Israel Launch Major Assault on Iran, Raising Fears of Wider Conflict

After weeks of escalating tensions, the United States and Israel launched a major joint strike on Iran on Saturday, February 28, 2026, targeting sites across the Islamic Republic. US President Donald Trump described the operation as “major combat operations,” signaling a significant escalation in the long-running conflict between the two nations and raising concerns about a wider regional war.

What Happened in Iran?

Explosions were reported in multiple cities across Iran, including the capital, Tehran, beginning around 9:27 AM local time. Fars News Agency reported strikes in Tehran, with Al Jazeera’s correspondent in the city reporting two explosions and social media showing smoke rising from various locations [1]. Strikes also occurred in Kermanshah, Qom, Tabriz, Isfahan, Ilam, Karaj, and Lorestan province, according to local media [2]. A strike near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was also reported by the Associated Press [3].

Targets of the Joint US-Israeli Attack

Targets included Iran’s military infrastructure, symbols of government, and intelligence facilities. According to an official briefed on the operation, several senior Revolutionary Guards commanders and political officials were killed, including the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, and Iranian defense minister Amir Nasirzadeh [3]. The operation, named “Operation Epic Fury” by the US Department of Defense, specifically targeted Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian [3].

Trump’s Objectives and Statements

President Trump announced the beginning of “major combat operations” with the stated aim of eliminating perceived threats from the Iranian regime. He outlined objectives including destroying Iran’s missile capabilities, targeting its navy, disrupting Iran-backed armed groups, and preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon [2]. Trump also offered amnesty to Iranian military personnel who laid down their weapons, warning of “certain death” for those who did not [2]. He indicated the operation would be a “multiday operation” [2].

Iran’s Retaliation

Iran responded by launching missile strikes against targets in Israel and at US military bases in the Middle East. Explosions were reported in northern Israel, and air-raid sirens sounded across the country [4]. Iranian forces also targeted locations including Al Udeid airbase in Qatar, Al-Salem airbase in Kuwait, Al-Dhafra airbase in the United Arab Emirates, and the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain [4]. Explosions were also reported in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and US bases in Jordan [4].

International Reaction

The international community has reacted with concern. The European Union President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, called the developments “greatly concerning” and highlighted EU sanctions against Iran [1]. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the military escalation and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities [1]. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi expressed regret that negotiations mediated by his country were undermined [4]. Qatar and the United Arab Emirates condemned the Iranian attacks, while the UK affirmed its commitment to preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons [4].

The situation remains highly volatile, with the potential for further escalation and a wider regional conflict.