[Full Event Recap] US and Israel joint airstrike on Iran, retaliatory action impacts the entire Middle East

Original | Odaily Planet Daily (@OdailyChina)

Author | jk

On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched a large-scale military strike against Iran. The operation aimed to destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities, ballistic missile systems, and military leadership, openly declaring its intention to overthrow the current Iranian regime. The airstrikes hit multiple cities including Tehran and Isfahan. According to Israeli sources, Supreme Leader Khamenei has been killed, and at least 200 people have died inside Iran.

Iran immediately launched a large-scale retaliation, firing missiles and drones at Israel and seven Arab countries hosting U.S. military bases, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE, and announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The iconic Palm Jumeirah hotel in Dubai caught fire from intercepted missile debris, the Burj Khalifa was evacuated urgently, and many Middle Eastern countries closed their airspace. Khamenei and Iran’s president are reportedly moved to secure locations. The EU, Oman, and others called for restraint, with the international community fearing this conflict could escalate into a full regional war.

Background: Long-standing Grievances Erupt

Since late December 2025, Iran experienced its largest nationwide protests since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The protests were triggered by the ongoing collapse of the Iranian rial and worsening economic crisis. Demonstrations spread rapidly across over a hundred cities, with some calling openly to overthrow the regime. The government responded with violence, with death toll estimates ranging from 3,000 to 32,000, a wide disparity.

Meanwhile, tensions between the U.S. and Iran continued to escalate diplomatically. In January 2026, U.S. President Trump publicly supported Iranian protesters and announced the deployment of a large naval force to the Middle East, including two aircraft carriers. On February 6, the U.S. and Iran held indirect nuclear talks in Muscat, Oman. Just hours before the attack, Oman’s foreign minister stated that “significant progress” had been made in negotiations.

On February 24, Trump, in his State of the Union address, accused Iran of “resuming nuclear weapons development” and claimed Iran was developing long-range missiles threatening the U.S. homeland, warning that the U.S. would act if necessary. It is reported that Israel’s planned attack had been secretly in preparation for months, with the specific date set weeks in advance, and Iran was not notified prior to the strike.

US and Israel Launch Massive Airstrikes

On the morning of February 28, 2026 (Saturday), local time, Israel and the U.S. jointly launched a large-scale military attack on Iran. The operation was named “Operation Roaring Lion” by Israel, and “Operation Epic Fury” by the U.S. Department of Defense. The strikes occurred on the first day of Iran’s workweek, as millions of Iranians were commuting or taking children to school when the airstrikes hit.

Targets included Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Kermanshah, and other cities. The U.S. focused on striking Iran’s ballistic missile facilities and nuclear-related sites, while Israel targeted Iran’s military and political leadership. Reports indicate that seven missiles directly hit Khamenei’s residence in Tehran, causing severe damage to the complex. Israeli officials claim several senior Iranian officials have been killed in the initial strikes, though no final confirmation has been received.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi stated that Khamenei and President Pahlavani have safely moved to secret locations and are unharmed. However, Israeli officials claim that “Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei has died in the Israeli airstrikes,” and Reuters reports that Khamenei’s body has been found. As of press time, both sides maintain conflicting accounts.

Trump posted an eight-minute video on Truth Social announcing that the U.S. has launched a “major combat operation” against Iran, aiming to “eliminate the threat of the Iranian regime to the American people,” “destroy Iran’s missile industry,” and “completely eliminate” Iran’s navy. He also called on members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to lay down their arms in exchange for “full immunity.” Trump addressed the Iranian people directly: “Your moment of freedom has arrived… After we finish, take over your government — it will belong to you. This may be your only chance in generations.”

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said the joint operation would continue “as long