US Launches Major Combat Operations Against Iran, Employing One-Way Attack Drones

U.S. Military forces, aided by Israel, initiated “major combat operations” against Iran on Saturday, February 28, 2026, with the stated objectives of curtailing Iran’s military and nuclear weapons program and challenging its current regime, according to President Donald Trump as reported by USA Today.

Initial Strikes and Targets

The attacks, which began at approximately 1:15 am local time, targeted key Iranian facilities. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), targets included Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) command and control centers, Iranian air defense systems, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields as detailed in a statement. Explosions were reported in Tehran around 9:45 a.m. Local time, with smoke observed near the Iranian presidential palace and the National Security Council according to reports from Reuters and the Latest York Times.

First Leverage of One-Way Attack Drones in Combat

A significant aspect of the operation was the first-ever combat deployment of Task Force Scorpion Strike’s low-cost, one-way attack drones. CENTCOM confirmed the use of these drones alongside precision munitions launched from air, land, and sea in a social media statement. These drones have proven effective in other conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, and their deployment reflects a Pentagon priority to acquire and field them in large numbers.

Casualties and Damage Assessment

Iranian media, citing the Red Crescent, reported 201 fatalities across 24 provinces as a result of the attacks according to a Reuters alert. At least 40 students were reported killed at a girls’ school in the southern county of Minab as cited by Reuters. Despite a major Iranian counterattack, U.S. Military officials have stated there have been no American casualties and no significant damage to U.S. Military bases in the Middle East.

Supreme Leader’s Compound Targeted

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the compound of Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, was destroyed, and that Revolutionary Guard commanders and senior nuclear officials were killed according to a Reuters alert. Satellite imagery captured by Airbus reportedly shows smoke billowing from Khamenei’s Tehran residence.

Military Buildup Preceding the Strikes

The attacks followed a significant buildup of U.S. Military presence in the Middle East, including the deployment of two aircraft carrier strike groups. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, and the USS Abraham Lincoln were positioned in the region, along with numerous destroyers and over 10,000 service members as reported by the Associated Press. This buildup occurred as President Trump warned of potential military action if negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program failed according to Military Times.