On February 28, Israel announced the start of a military operation against Iran, and US President Donald Trump soon said Washington had joined the strikes. The American operation was named “Epic Fury,” while the Israeli one was called “Roaring Lion.” Israel declared a state of emergency and closed its airspace.
According to the Israeli military, the strikes hit hundreds of targets in western Iran, including missile launchers and air defense facilities. The New York Times, citing satellite imagery, reported destruction in Tehran, including near the residence of Ali Khamenei. Experts interviewed by Novaya Gazeta Europe said the first wave hit dozens of sites and may also have targeted senior military and political figures.
Sergey Migdal said that after suppressing Iranian air defenses, Israel used drones and F-35, F-15, and F-16 aircraft, while the US had redeployed about 120 tanker planes to the region. He also described cruise missile launches from ships and submarines. The Times of Israel reported that one possible casualty was IRGC commander Mohammad Pakpour, though that has not been officially confirmed.
Iran responded with ballistic missile attacks on Israel and on US bases across the Middle East, including facilities in the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain. Reuters, citing an Iranian source, reported that several senior IRGC commanders were killed. Tasnim said a strike on a girls’ school in Minab killed dozens; the city’s mayor said 51 primary school students were killed and 60 people were injured.
NetBlocks reported that internet access in Iran was almost completely shut down. Analysts warn that if the fighting continues, it could destabilize the wider region, disrupt energy routes, and possibly lead to attempts to close the Strait of Hormuz. Middle East expert Ruslan Suleymanov said Trump appears to want a quick result he can present as a victory, but the long-term aims of the operation remain unclear.