Trump Launches U.S.-Israel War on Iran, Kills Khamenei and 1,300 Iranians
Image: Time Magazine

Trump Launches U.S.-Israel War on Iran, Kills Khamenei and 1,300 Iranians

03 March, 2026.USA.12 sources

Key Takeaways

  • Joint U.S.-Israel strikes against Iran escalated the conflict.
  • Trump expanded military actions in his second term, contradicting campaign pledges.
  • Strikes reflect a broader pattern of U.S. military actions across multiple countries.

U.S.-Israel Strikes Iran

Trump launched the US-Israeli war on Iran after assuming office for a second term pledging to end foreign wars.

The strikes killed Supreme Leader Khamenei, President Raisi, and 1,300 Iranians including children at a girls' school in Minab.

Image from Al Jazeera
Al JazeeraAl Jazeera

Trump framed the strikes as emphatically defensive though conducted without congressional approval.

Only 27% of Americans approved the strikes.

Strikes Kill 1,300 Iranians Including Schoolchildren

The Minab girls' school strike was prominently reported by Al Jazeera but buried by Western outlets.

The Atlantic Council characterized the campaign as a major shift to pursuing regime change.

Image from Al Jazeera
Al JazeeraAl Jazeera

Iran retaliated by declaring the Strait of Hormuz closed and launching missile strikes on Israel.

Iran Retaliates, Strait of Hormuz Closed

Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, disrupting roughly 20% of global oil supply.

Three tankers were hit near the entrance to the Persian Gulf.

Trump Expands War After Iraq, Somalia, Venezuela

Trump's strikes came after 15 months of military expansion beyond counterterrorism.

He ordered strikes against ISIS and al-Shabaab in Somalia and bombed Venezuela.

Image from Good Authority
Good AuthorityGood Authority

The Council on Foreign Relations noted Trump expanded military force despite his National Security Strategy.

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