US-Israel Strike Iran: Over 400 Dead as Middle East Plunges into War

A Region on Edge: US and Israel Launch Major Military Operation Against Iran

The Middle East escalated into a full-blown conflict on Saturday, February 28, 2026, after the United States and Israel launched a joint, large-scale military operation against Iran. The coordinated daylight strikes targeted key government, military, and nuclear infrastructure across the country, including in the capital, Tehran. US President Donald Trump confirmed the action in a video message, describing it as a "massive and ongoing operation" dubbed "Operation Epic Fury." The assault, which Israel termed a preventive strike, has triggered a fierce retaliatory response from Iran, fulfilling long-held fears of a direct confrontation that could engulf the entire region.

The Initial Assault on Tehran

The operation began Saturday morning with Israeli strikes hitting multiple high-value targets in Tehran. Residents reported explosions near the compound of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the presidential palace, the National Security Council, and the ministries of defense and intelligence. According to The Wall Street Journal, the attacks were timed to coincide with a meeting of senior Iranian leaders. The stated objectives from the US and Israel were to destroy Iran's military and nuclear capabilities, halt its support for regional proxies, and dismantle its theocratic government. In a direct appeal, President Trump called on Iranian civilians to "take over your government," signaling a clear intent for regime change.

Widespread Casualties and Humanitarian Crisis

The attacks have resulted in significant loss of life and widespread damage across 24 provinces. Initial reports from the Iranian Red Crescent cited at least 201 people killed and 747 injured. However, as the strikes continued over three days, the death toll rose significantly. The Washington-based group Human Rights Activists, cited by the Associated Press, reported that at least 406 people had been killed and 654 wounded. In a particularly tragic incident, a US-Israeli strike on a school in the southern city of Minab killed nearly 100 people, mostly students. Iranian authorities have condemned the attacks as "illegal and unprovoked." There were also unconfirmed reports that the son-in-law and daughter-in-law of Supreme Leader Khamenei were killed in the strikes.

Iran's Fierce Retaliation

Iran responded swiftly and forcefully, launching its own offensive, "Operation True Promise III." The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired multiple waves of ballistic missiles—estimated by the Israeli army to be around 280—at Israel. The missiles targeted cities including Rishon Lezion and Bat Yam, resulting in at least 13 fatalities and over 300 injuries in Israel. Iran also targeted 14 US military bases in the region, including those in Kuwait, Iraq, Bahrain, and Qatar, with an IRGC spokesperson claiming hundreds of American troops were killed. However, US Central Command stated there were no reports of American casualties. Iranian missile strikes were also reported in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, causing at least one death and hitting residential buildings in Manama, Bahrain.

Summary of Military Actions

The rapidly evolving conflict involves multiple fronts and claims from all sides. The following table summarizes the key operational events:

Status of Iranian Leadership

Amid the chaos, rumors circulated about the fate of Iran's Supreme Leader. Some Israeli media reports claimed the 86-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed in the initial assault on his compound. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied these claims, stating that both Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian were alive "as far as I know." An official later told Reuters that Khamenei had been relocated from Tehran to a secure, undisclosed location for his safety.

Global Impact and Market Disruption

The conflict has sent shockwaves across the globe, causing immediate and significant disruption. In Tehran, visuals showed long queues at petrol stations as citizens attempted to flee the capital in panic. Major airlines, including Lufthansa, suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv, Beirut, and Dubai. Dubai's international airport, a major global hub, suspended all flight operations until further notice. The attacks on Iranian oil infrastructure, including the Fajr Jam oil refinery and parts of the South Pars gas field, threaten to disrupt global energy supplies. The escalating violence has created a highly volatile situation, with global leaders calling for restraint.

Analysis: A New Chapter of Conflict

The direct military strikes by the US and Israel on Iranian soil mark a dangerous new phase in Middle Eastern geopolitics. The conflict has moved beyond proxy wars to a direct state-on-state confrontation between major regional powers. President Trump's explicit call for regime change, combined with the extensive targeting of Iran's core leadership and infrastructure, indicates a strategic goal far beyond containment. Iran's multi-front retaliation demonstrates its capability and willingness to inflict significant damage on its adversaries and their allies, confirming fears that such a conflict would not remain localized.

Conclusion: An Uncertain Future

As the military operations are expected to continue for several days, the situation remains extremely tense. Both sides are actively engaged in strikes, and the potential for further escalation is high. While President Trump has suggested it might be "time for a deal" after the parties "fight it out," the path to de-escalation is unclear. The international community watches as the Middle East faces one of its most severe crises in decades, with the lives of millions hanging in the balance.