Israel Attack Iran: Full Coverage of US-Israel Joint Strikes on Tehran

US and Israel Launch Joint Attack on Iran: What We Know

In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, the Israel attack Iran operation began in the early hours of February 28, 2026, with coordinated airstrikes targeting Tehran and multiple cities across Iran. According to Xinhua News, the strikes were the result of “months of close and joint planning” between US and Israeli military forces [citation:1][citation:2]. Explosions were heard across Tehran, with satellite imagery confirming strikes near the compound of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei [citation:1][citation:9].

Satellite imagery shows smoke billowing above Tehran following the initial wave of strikes. Multiple buildings in the government compound area were hit [citation:2][citation:7].

President Trump confirmed US involvement in a video address, describing the campaign as “massive and ongoing” and warning that American lives may be lost. He directly called on the Iranian people to “take over your government,” signaling that regime change may be an objective beyond simply neutralizing nuclear threats [citation:2][citation:7]. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed that, calling for “the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands” [citation:7].

Map showing key locations affected by the Israel attack on Iran and retaliatory strikes (approximate positions)

Timeline of Events: February 28 – March 1, 2026

The Strikes: Targets, Scale, and Strategic Objectives

The Israel attack Iran operation represents a significant expansion from previous confrontations. Unlike last June’s 12-day war, which primarily focused on nuclear facilities, these strikes deliberately targeted Iran’s leadership and military command structure. According to Israeli media reports cited by multiple news agencies, the first phase of attacks is expected to last four days [citation:1][citation:4].

Military Targets Confirmed

Based on reporting from Xinhua, CGTN, and other verified sources, the following categories of targets have been hit [citation:2][citation:3][citation:4]:

• Leadership compounds: Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s office compound in Tehran was struck. Israeli media reported that Khamenei’s son-in-law and daughter-in-law were killed, and Khamenei has been moved to a secure location [citation:1][citation:7].
• Revolutionary Guard personnel: Initial strikes killed and wounded numerous IRGC personnel, including key operational staff [citation:4].
• Air bases: Primary targets included air bases of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Mehrabad International Airport, and facilities tied to defense and intelligence ministries [citation:1][citation:2].
• Residences of officials: Israeli media reported attacks on the residences of several ministers and senior military commanders [citation:2].
• Command and control nodes: Military communication infrastructure in multiple cities including Qom, Isfahan, and Kermanshah [citation:4].

Israeli sources have stated they “will not rule out” targeting Supreme Leader Khamenei personally in future strikes, and that all members of Iran’s leadership are considered potential targets [citation:1]. This marks a significant escalation in objectives compared to previous operations.

US Military Assets in the Region

The United States positioned significant military assets in the region prior to the strikes, suggesting careful preparation. Two U.S. aircraft carriers — the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln — are now positioned near Israel, a deployment analysts say signals preparations for sustained military action [citation:2][citation:6].

Casualties and Human Cost

The human toll of the Israel attack Iran continues to mount as rescue workers reach affected areas. According to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, at least 201 people have been killed across the country [citation:2][citation:5].

The Minab School Tragedy

Among the hardest-hit sites was an elementary school in Minab, a city in southern Hormozgan Province, where at least 85 people were killed, most of them schoolgirls. Rescue workers said dozens more remained trapped beneath rubble [citation:2][citation:5].

Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesman for US Central Command, said he was “aware of reports” that a girls’ school was struck and they were looking into them [citation:7].

Casualties Across the Region

• UAE: One person killed in Abu Dhabi from shrapnel from intercepted missile debris, according to state media [citation:2].
• Kuwait: Three members of armed forces injured after debris fell at Ali Al Salem Air Base [citation:2].
• Qatar: Eight reportedly injured, with one in critical condition [citation:2].
• Israel: Emergency responder Magen David Adom noted 89 “lightly injured” people; at least two buildings in greater Tel Aviv region hit by Iranian missiles [citation:2][citation:7].

Iran Retaliates: Missile and Drone Attacks Across the Middle East

Within hours of the initial Israel attack Iran strikes, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard launched counterattacks described by officials as “unprecedented” in scale. Unlike last June’s measured response, this retaliation was immediate and widespread, indicating pre-planned readiness [citation:2].

Confirmed Retaliatory Strikes

• UAE: Multiple explosions in Dubai; smoke near Jabal Ali port. Abu Dhabi struck with ballistic missiles, partially intercepted. All flights from Dubai International and Al Maktoum airports suspended [citation:2][citation:7].
• Bahrain: Missile attack targeted US Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters in Manama. Smoke rose after Iran carried out missile strike on the main headquarters [citation:2].
• Qatar: Explosions heard near Al Udeid Air Base, which hosts thousands of US service members. Eight reportedly injured [citation:2].
• Kuwait: Drone targeted main international airport, injuring several employees. Three members of armed forces injured at Ali Al Salem Air Base [citation:2][citation:7].
• Israel: Multiple waves of missiles toward Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Eilat; most intercepted but some damage reported. At least two buildings in greater Tel Aviv region hit [citation:2].
• Strait of Hormuz: Iran imposed a ban on all ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20% of the world’s LNG and 25% of seaborne oil trade flows annually [citation:2].

Smoke rises from buildings in Abu Dhabi after Iranian ballistic missiles struck the UAE capital. The UAE Ministry of Defense confirmed intercepting some missiles [citation:2].

World Reacts: International Response and Diplomatic Fallout

The Israel attack Iran escalation has drawn swift and divided reactions from world powers, with US allies expressing varying degrees of support and concern [citation:2].

United States & Allies

• United States: President Trump described operations as “defending the American people by eliminating imminent threats.” White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the Trump administration had briefed several Republican and Democratic leaders in Congress in advance [citation:7].
• Canada: Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed support, stating Iran is “the principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East” [citation:7].

China’s Response

• China: The Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a press release stressing that Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity should be respected [citation:2]. State media CGTN published extensive analysis criticizing the strikes as “destabilizing” [citation:3].

European Response

• EU: European Council President António Costa and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the strikes “greatly concerning,” urging “all parties to exercise maximum restraint” [citation:2].
• France: President Emmanuel Macron warned that “the outbreak of war between the United States, Israel, and Iran carries grave consequences for international peace and security” [citation:2].
• Spain: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez explicitly “rejected the unilateral military action of the United States and Israel” [citation:2].

Russia

• Russia: Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov denounced what he called an “unprovoked armed attack” and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Dmitry Medvedev said the leader who has long cast himself as a peacemaker had “shown his true colours” [citation:2].

Regional Reactions

• Oman: Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who has served as a mediator, wrote: “Active and serious negotiations have yet again been undermined. Neither the interests of the United States nor the cause of global peace are well served by this” [citation:2][citation:7].
• Saudi Arabia: Said in an announcement on state-run media that Iran had targeted its capital and its eastern region in an attack that was repelled [citation:7].
• Jordan: Said it “dealt with” 49 drones and ballistic missiles [citation:7].
• UN: Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the escalating violence, saying the strikes “undermine international peace and security.” The UN Security Council met Saturday afternoon [citation:2][citation:7].

Expert Analysis: Why This Escalation Is Different

The current Israel attack Iran crisis differs fundamentally from previous confrontations in several key dimensions, according to regional experts and analysts from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) and other institutions [citation:8].

1. Leadership Targeting

Unlike last June’s strikes focused on nuclear facilities, this operation explicitly targets Iran’s political and military leadership. Reports of strikes on Khamenei’s compound and targeting of senior commanders represent a shift toward decapitation strategy—potentially aimed at regime change rather than nuclear containment [citation:3][citation:8].

2. Immediate, Widespread Retaliation

Iran’s response was unprecedented in speed and scope. Within hours, missiles struck six countries across the Middle East, including Gulf states hosting US bases. Analysts note this indicates pre-planned retaliation protocols and willingness to escalate significantly beyond previous proxy-based responses [citation:2][citation:3].

3. US Role and Objectives

Analysts note the US is playing a leading role, not merely supporting Israel. Two carrier strike groups in the region demonstrate readiness for sustained operations. President Trump’s call for Iranians to “take over your government” suggests objectives extending beyond military degradation [citation:2][citation:3].

4. Nuclear Programme Consequences

RUSI analysts note that Iran’s nuclear programme predates the Islamic Republic and has survived one change in regime—it could survive another. Whether a new leadership emerges or the current regime remains, Tehran will have to consider whether its security is better assured by pursuing a nuclear weapon [citation:8].

5. Diplomatic Failure

Multiple analysts note the strikes came just days after Omani-mediated talks in Geneva, raising questions about whether negotiations were ever genuine. The timing suggests military action was predetermined regardless of diplomatic outcomes [citation:3].

What Happens Next: Scenarios and Implications

As the Israel attack Iran crisis continues to unfold, analysts outline several possible trajectories based on military and political factors [citation:2][citation:8].

Scenario 1: Limited Campaign, De-escalation

If initial strikes achieve stated objectives and Iran’s retaliation remains contained, both sides might seek off-ramps. However, the targeting of leadership and immediate widespread retaliation make this scenario less likely than in previous conflicts [citation:2].

Scenario 2: Prolonged Conflict

The four-day initial phase suggests preparation for extended operations. If Iran continues retaliating and US/Israeli strikes continue, the conflict could mirror last June’s 12-day war but with higher intensity and broader geographic scope [citation:1][citation:3].

Scenario 3: Regional War

The most dangerous scenario involves Hezbollah, Houthis, and other Iran-aligned forces fully activating across Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Iraq. US bases throughout the region would become targets, and Gulf states could be drawn directly into the conflict [citation:2].

Key Factors to Watch

• Leadership status: Confirmation of whether senior Iranian leaders were killed or survived will significantly affect Tehran’s response [citation:1].
• Strait of Hormuz: Iran’s ban on shipping through the strait threatens 20% of global LNG trade and will create global economic pressure [citation:2].
• US domestic politics: Democrats decried that Trump had taken action without congressional authorization, potentially creating political pressure [citation:7].
• UN Security Council: Iran has requested an emergency session; Russia and China may push for condemnation and ceasefire resolutions [citation:2][citation:7].

People shelter in an underground parking lot in Tel Aviv following alarms for incoming missiles from Iran. Israeli air defense systems intercepted most projectiles [citation:2].