NEW DELHI: The United States and Israel launched a massive joint military operation against Iran on 28 February 2026, as both countries launched joint airstrikes on Iran, in a what is called as a preemptive campaign aimed at dismantling the Islamic Republic's nuclear program, missile capabilities, and regime change.  The Israeli–US airstrikes prmarily targeted military and government sites in the cities of Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah wihtin Iran.

According to media reports the attacks which began in the early morning hours, resulted in the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, marking a dramatic escalation in long-standing tensions. International news agency Reuters being first to publish a report of an unnamed Israeli official who claimed Khamenei's body had been found, and that he was dead which was then confimred by US President Donald Trump.

Trump who announced the operation from Mar-a-Lago, Florida, described it as a necessary action to eliminate an "existential threat" and prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead," Trump declared on social media, emphasizing that the strikes were carried out in close coordination with Israel. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the success of the "decapitation" element, stating the operation—codenamed "Operation Epic Fury" by the US and "Operation Roaring Lion" by Israel—targeted high-value leadership sites to paralyze Iran's command and control.

The initial wave included nearly 900 airstrikes across Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and other locations, hitting nuclear-related facilities, ballistic missile sites, air defense systems, IRGC bases, and leadership compounds. Reports say that Khamenei, 86, who had led Iran since 1989, was killed in a precision strike on his Tehran residence and office complex, along with several family members, top Revolutionary Guard commanders, the defense minister, and other senior officials—totaling around 40-48 high-ranking casualties in the opening hours.

Iranian state media confirmed Khamenei's death later in the day, prompting the government to declare 40 days of national mourning. The announcement triggered immediate chaos and vows of severe retaliation from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone barrages targeting Israel and US military assets in the region, with reports of explosions in Israeli cities and at bases in Gulf countries.

Trump defended the strikes as preemptive, citing intelligence that Iran was nearing a nuclear breakout and preparing large-scale attacks on Western interests. He warned of continued operations if Iran persisted with aggression, while ruling out ground involvement to avoid broader entanglement. Netanyahu described the day as a turning point in removing threats to Israel's security.

The strikes have already drawn international condemnation and concern over civilian casualties, with unverified reports of collateral damage including hits near populated areas. The US has surged additional forces and assets to the region in anticipation of further Iranian responses.

As night falls on a very volatile day, the Middle East braces for potential escalation. Iran's leadership vacuum, combined with its promised retaliation, raises fears of a wider regional conflict. Global markets reacted sharply, with oil prices surging amid threats to the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomats worldwide called for restraint, but both Washington and Jerusalem signaled the campaign would press on until core objectives are met.