US and Israel Kill Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Epic Fury Strikes
Key Takeaways
- Feb 28, 2026, Operation Epic Fury launched as a joint US-Israel attack on Iran.
- Nearly 900 strikes in first 12 hours targeted missiles, air defenses, infrastructure, and senior leadership.
- The article depicts an ongoing US-Israel-Iran war with escalation and cross-site operations.
Operation Epic Fury Begins
The 2026 military conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran escalated dramatically on February 28 with the launch of Operation Epic Fury.
“The 2026 war between ‘Israel’, the United States, and Iran started on February 28 with the launch of Operation Epic Fury, a joint US-‘Israeli’ military campaign”
This was a joint US-Israeli campaign that resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The operation involved nearly 900 coordinated strikes within the first 12 hours.
These strikes targeted Iranian missile systems, air defenses, military infrastructure, and senior leadership figures across multiple sites.
The explicit objectives stated were preventing nuclear weapon development, dismantling ballistic missile capabilities, and advancing leadership change in Iran.
This unprecedented strike against Iran's top leadership represents a significant escalation in regional tensions.
It marks the first time a sitting Iranian Supreme Leader has been killed in external military action.
Iranian Retaliation
In immediate response to the killing of Supreme Leader Khamenei, Iran launched large-scale retaliatory missile and drone attacks.
These attacks targeted Israeli settlements, US bases, and allied targets throughout the Middle East.
The Iranian state television announced the 49th wave of Operation True Promise 4 targeting American and Israeli sites.
This indicates a sustained and organized military response from Iran.
Iran's military warned that it considers ports in the United Arab Emirates to be legitimate targets.
The Iranian military urged residents to evacuate port areas.
Iran stated it has "the legitimate right to defend its national sovereignty and territory" by striking US targets in UAE ports.
Iran largely halted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway carrying one fifth of global oil supplies.
Global Economic Impact
The conflict has severely disrupted global energy markets and international shipping.
“The 2026 war between ‘Israel’, the United States, and Iran started on February 28 with the launch of Operation Epic Fury, a joint US-‘Israeli’ military campaign”
This has led to significant economic consequences worldwide.
Bloomberg reported that drone attacks triggered fires and suspended oil loading operations at Port of Fujairah in UAE.
Fujairah is a critical global energy hub located just outside the Strait of Hormuz.
The attack follows recent US strikes on Iran's Kharg Island oil export facility.
Iranian officials warned that targeting their energy infrastructure would result in retaliation against US-linked facilities.
Economic impacts include sharp increases in oil prices and interruptions to international shipping.
Strategic petroleum reserves have been released to stabilize markets.
The war has produced over 2,000 reported deaths across Iran, Israel, and Lebanon.
International Response
Regional and international powers have been actively engaged in diplomatic and military responses.
Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz declared the war with Tehran was entering a "decisive phase."
Katz praised US strikes on Iran's Kharg Island oil export hub.
Katz stated "The global and regional struggle against Iran, led by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is escalating and entering the decisive phase that will continue as long as necessary."
French President Emmanuel Macron offered to host direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel in Paris.
Macron stated "The Lebanese government has signalled its willingness to engage in direct talks with Israel" and that "France is ready to facilitate these talks by hosting them in Paris."
Saudi forces have been actively intercepting Iranian drones.
The Saudi Ministry of Defense reported intercepting dozens of drones entering Saudi airspace, including waves of 12 and 28 drones.
Escalating Military Actions
The conflict has intensified with continued military exchanges and targeting of strategic infrastructure.
“The 2026 war between ‘Israel’, the United States, and Iran started on February 28 with the launch of Operation Epic Fury, a joint US-‘Israeli’ military campaign”
The Iranian army announced "intensive aerial attacks" targeting key Israeli sites using attack drones.
These attacks focused on units and cyber centers managing Israel's technical and intelligence operations.
Videos purportedly showed massive plumes of smoke from oil storage facilities after Iranian drone attack on Port of Fujairah.
The Israeli Home Front Command activated sirens after detecting missiles from Iran towards Eilat, Negev, and southern Israel.
This indicates the conflict is reaching Israeli territory.
Two Indian-flagged tankers carrying liquefied petroleum gas crossed the Strait of Hormuz safely.
This suggests some international shipping still attempts to navigate the volatile waters despite Iranian threats.
More on Iran
Russia Secretly Airlifts Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei to Moscow for Surgery
11 sources compared
Iranian Drone Strike Shuts Dubai International Airport, Thousands Stranded
25 sources compared
Iran Drone Strike Shuts Dubai International Airport, Triggers Global Travel Disruption
16 sources compared
Iran's New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Travels to Moscow for Leg Surgery
15 sources compared