What were Operation Roaring Lion and Operation Epic Fury?

Operation Roaring Lion was the Israeli codename and Operation Epic Fury was the U.S. codename for the joint military operation launched against Iran on February 28, 2026. President Trump announced the start of major combat operations targeting Iran's missile industry, naval capabilities, and leadership structures. Israeli forces struck military sites, ballistic missile factories, and government facilities across Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah.

How did Iran retaliate against the U.S. and Israel?

Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israel and U.S. military installations across the region. Targets included Jerusalem and other Israeli cities, as well as U.S. bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Syria. The IRGC claimed to have targeted 27 U.S. military locations. Iranian proxies including Hezbollah and the Houthis were also activated. The IRGC closed the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global oil flows.

What were the casualties from the 2026 Iran strikes?

Casualty figures from the initial U.S. and Israeli strikes included at least 133 civilian deaths and 200 injuries in Iran. One fatality was reported in the UAE following Iranian missile and drone attacks. Many projectiles were intercepted by Israeli and allied defensive systems, limiting the overall damage from Iranian counterstrikes.

What was the international response to the 2026 Iran conflict?

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned both the initial strikes and retaliatory actions, stating they undermine international peace and security. Russia, China, and North Korea issued statements denouncing the U.S. and Israeli attacks. Yemen's Houthi rebels pledged solidarity with Iran. The conflict triggered a leadership crisis in Iran with no clear successor to Khamenei, and caused oil prices to surge due to Persian Gulf disruptions.

Analysis 01 MAR 2026

The 2026 US-Israeli Strikes on Iran and Iranian Counterattacks

Q: Was Ayatollah Khamenei killed in the 2026 strikes?

Yes. The assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was confirmed by Iranian state media on February 28, 2026. Bunker-buster bombs were reportedly used to target a high-security compound where Khamenei was meeting with senior military leaders. U.S. and Israeli sources estimated that approximately 40 Iranian officials were killed in the initial strikes.

Background: A Conflict Years in the Making

The escalation of tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran in early 2026 culminated in a series of military actions that have significantly altered the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. Rooted in longstanding disputes over Iran's nuclear program, regional proxy conflicts, and mutual accusations of aggression, these events unfolded amid failed diplomatic negotiations.

February 28: The Joint Strike on Iran

On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched a joint military operation against Iran, codenamed "Roaring Lion" by Israel and "Epic Fury" by the U.S. President Trump announced the start of what he called "major combat operations" targeting Iran's missile industry, naval capabilities, and leadership structures.

Israeli forces conducted preemptive strikes on military sites, ballistic missile factories, and government facilities in Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. Explosions were reported near the Supreme Leader's offices and the presidential headquarters. Bunker-buster bombs were reportedly used to target a high-security compound where Khamenei was meeting with senior military leaders.

Strike outcomes — February 28, 2026 Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed, confirmed by Iranian state media. Approximately 40 Iranian officials killed in initial strikes. At least 133 civilian deaths and 200 injuries reported in Iran. Targets included missile factories, naval facilities, and government buildings across five Iranian cities.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denounced the attacks as "wholly unprovoked, illegal, and illegitimate." The operation's stated aim was to neutralize perceived threats to U.S. and Israeli security and to destabilize the Islamic Republic's command structure.

Iran's Counteroffensive

In response to the strikes, Iran mobilized its forces under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), appointing Ahmad Vahidi as the new commander-in-chief. By late February 28, Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israel and U.S. military installations across the region.

The initial wave included dozens of missiles aimed at Jerusalem and other Israeli cities, as well as U.S. bases in Bahrain (Fifth Fleet headquarters), Kuwait (Ali Al Salem), Qatar (Al Udeid), the United Arab Emirates (Al Dhafra), Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Syria. Iranian fighter jets were observed taking off over Tehran to counter potential further incursions.

The IRGC claimed to have targeted 27 U.S. military locations, with explosions and smoke reported in Manama, Doha, Abu Dhabi, and other Gulf cities. Many projectiles were intercepted by defensive systems, resulting in limited damage, though one fatality was reported in the UAE. Iranian proxies including Hezbollah and the Houthis were activated as part of the counteroffensive. An Iranian official described the response as "faster, more forceful, and more extensive" than previous conflicts.

The IRGC closed the Strait of Hormuz, immediately disrupting global oil flows and triggering a surge in oil prices.

March 1: Continued Escalation

March 1 — Israel announces new strikes

Israel announced a new wave of strikes described as targeting "the heart of Tehran," with a continuous aerial campaign underway. Fresh explosions were reported across Tehran.

March 1 — Gulf cities under fire

Explosions reported in Dubai, Doha, and Manama. Iranian drones were intercepted over Erbil in Iraq, indicating an expansion of the conflict's geographical scope.

March 1 — Israeli air defenses engaged

Israel's Iron Dome and other layered defenses intercepted incoming missiles, with air raid sirens sounding nationwide. Airports across the Middle East suspended operations.

March 1 — U.S. diplomatic closures

U.S. embassies including those in Bahrain closed due to ongoing threats. President Trump indicated that "heavy and pinpoint bombing" would continue as necessary.

Chart showing top Iranian officials and military commanders eliminated in the 2026 US-Israeli strikes

International Response

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned both the initial strikes and retaliatory actions, stating they "undermine international peace and security." Russia, China, and North Korea issued statements denouncing the U.S. and Israeli attacks. Allies of Iran, including Yemen's Houthi rebels, pledged solidarity and readiness for further escalation.

The conflict has produced a leadership crisis in Iran, with no clear successor to Khamenei, potentially deepening internal instability. Economically, oil prices surged sharply due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and broader disruptions in the Persian Gulf. As events remain fluid, the risk of broader regional involvement by additional state and non-state actors persists.

This account reflects information available as of March 1, 2026, and may evolve with further developments.

Kai Tutor | The Societal News Team

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