By US-Israel Attack on Iran: The world woke up to a dramatic and historic escalation on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The United States and Israel launched a massive joint military attack on Iran a strike that TrendingUpdatesToday.com is tracking as one of the most consequential military events in decades. Here is a clear, fact-based breakdown of everything that happened.
What Is Operation Epic Fury and Operation Roaring Lion?
The joint US-Israel military operation carries two codenames. The United States named its campaign Operation Epic Fury. Israel called its portion Operation Roaring Lion.
The operation began in the early morning hours in Iran — a Saturday, which is the first workday of the week there. Explosions rang out in Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. Large plumes of smoke rose over the Iranian capital as airstrikes hit military installations, government compounds, and leadership targets.
President Donald Trump announced the strikes in an eight-minute video on Truth Social, saying the US launched “major combat operations” against Iran. He framed the mission around three goals: destroying Iran’s missile capabilities, dismantling its nuclear program, and paving the way for regime change.
Why Did the US and Israel Attack Iran in 2026?
Several months of escalating tension led to this moment.
- In June 2025, the US and Israel had already carried out strikes on Iran, targeting its nuclear facilities and air defenses.
- From late December 2025, massive anti-government protests swept Iran — the largest since the 1979 revolution — driven by economic collapse and a crashing currency.
- Trump warned Iran repeatedly throughout January and February 2026, moving two aircraft carriers and guided-missile destroyers to the region.
- Nuclear talks in Switzerland broke down on Thursday, February 26, just two days before the strikes.
Trump accused Iran of rebuilding its nuclear program and developing missiles that could eventually reach the United States — claims that CNN reported were not supported by US intelligence assessments at the time.
Was Khamenei Killed in the Strike?
This is the biggest question the world is asking. President Trump stated on Truth Social that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the attack. Four Israeli security officials briefed on the operation told the Washington Post that Khamenei died in an Israeli airstrike on his Tehran compound. One CNN source said Israel had obtained a photograph of Khamenei’s body.
Iran had not officially confirmed or denied Khamenei’s death as of Saturday afternoon. Some Iranians celebrated in the streets of Tehran, Karaj, Isfahan, and Shiraz after Trump’s announcement.
Khamenei, 86, had ruled Iran as Supreme Leader since 1989. His death — if confirmed — would create a massive leadership vacuum with no clear successor in place.
Casualties and Civilian Impact
| Location | Reported Incident | Casualties Reported |
| Southern Iran (girls’ school) | Hit in US-Israeli strikes | 57 killed, 45+ wounded |
| Tehran | Widespread airstrikes | Hundreds reported |
| UAE (Abu Dhabi) | Iranian missile shrapnel | 1 killed |
| Jordan | Iranian drones and missiles | 49 intercepted |
Iran’s Red Crescent Society reported more than 200 people killed in the first wave of strikes. Iran’s UN Ambassador claimed hundreds of civilians were killed, including more than 100 children at a school. Israel’s military stated the focus remained on military targets.
Communications were cut inside Iran for a period after the strikes began. Residents in Tehran reported hearing fighter jets and explosions before losing contact with the outside world.
How Did Iran Retaliate?
Iran responded quickly and broadly. The Iranian government called the attack a “gross violation” of its national sovereignty and launched its own wave of strikes.
Iran fired ballistic missiles and drones targeting:
- Israel directly
- US military bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar
- Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan, and other Gulf states
Jordan’s military reported intercepting 49 Iranian drones and missiles. A fragment from an Iranian missile killed one person in the UAE. The Houthis in Yemen also announced they would resume attacks on Red Sea shipping routes.
Dubai International Airport — the world’s busiest international hub — suspended all flights indefinitely. Turkish Airlines, KLM, and other carriers canceled regional routes.
What Is Trump’s Goal in Iran?
Trump made his goals clear in both his video statement and social media posts. He wants Iran’s Islamic leadership — which has ruled the country for 47 years — to fall. He addressed the Iranian people directly, urging them to rise up and “take over your government.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed that message, calling on “all parts of the Iranian people” to remove what he called the “yoke of tyranny.”
However, critics — including Democratic leaders in the US Congress — raised serious legal concerns. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries argued that Trump must seek congressional authorization before launching what amounts to an act of war. The United Nations also condemned the strikes for undermining regional stability.
What Happens Next?
Trump said the strikes would continue “uninterrupted” through the coming week or longer. The US has not yet outlined what a post-regime-change Iran would look like or who would lead it. Even if Khamenei’s death is confirmed, regime change is far from guaranteed.
The region remains on high alert. Airlines are grounding flights. Embassies are issuing warnings. Oil markets and global financial markets are reacting sharply to the conflict.
This is a rapidly developing situation. The full consequences of the US-Israel attack on Iran will unfold over the coming days and weeks.
Conclusion
The February 28, 2026 US-Israel joint attack on Iran marks a historic turning point in Middle East geopolitics. From Operation Epic Fury to the reported killing of Khamenei, from Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes to mass civilian casualties — the scale of this conflict is unlike anything the region has seen in years. TrendingUpdatesToday.com will continue tracking every development as the situation evolves. Stay informed, verify what you read, and rely on credible sources as this story continues to grow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Operation Epic Fury? Operation Epic Fury is the name the US Pentagon gave to its military campaign against Iran launched on February 28, 2026. Israel named its portion of the joint strike Operation Roaring Lion. The operation targeted Iranian military infrastructure, leadership compounds, and nuclear-related sites.
2. Did the US and Israel kill Khamenei? President Trump stated that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes. Multiple Israeli intelligence sources confirmed this to Western media outlets including the Washington Post and CNN. Iran had not officially confirmed or denied Khamenei’s death as of February 28, 2026.
3. Why did Trump attack Iran in 2026? Trump cited Iran’s alleged nuclear program development and missile expansion as the primary justifications. He also stated a desire for regime change, calling on the Iranian people to overthrow their government after the strikes concluded.
4. How did Iran respond to the US-Israel airstrikes? Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones at Israel and at US military bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. Iranian strikes also hit Gulf states including Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The Houthis pledged to resume Red Sea attacks.
5. Is World War 3 starting because of the Iran attack? While the conflict has drawn in multiple regional players and raised global alarm, major world powers including Russia, China, and European nations have not entered the conflict militarily. The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on February 28. The situation remains extremely volatile, but as of now, it is a regional military conflict, not a global war.
Sources
- The Washington Post: Iran Supreme Leader Khamenei killed, Trump says
- PBS NewsHour: Live Updates: US and Israel attack Iran
- Wikipedia: 2026 Israeli–United States strikes on Iran
- Associated Press via WBUR: US and Israel launch major attack on Iran