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Coordinated U.S.-Israel strikes Iran
On Feb. 28, 2026 multiple outlets reported that U.S. and Israeli forces carried out coordinated strikes inside Iran that struck sites in and around Tehran and other cities.
“On Feb. 28, 2026, U.S. and Israeli forces carried out coordinated airstrikes on Tehran that reportedly struck high-level sites — including the presidential palace and the residence of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — prompting Iranian vows of “overwhelming” retaliation and international condemnation.”
Israeli officials described the hits as military and intelligence targets and U.S. officials framed the actions as intended to eliminate "imminent threats," while witnesses and state media reported explosions and smoke over Tehran.
Coverage described the operation variously as preemptive or part of a broader campaign and noted early confusion about the full scope and attribution of individual strikes.
Operation names and aims
Multiple reports said the operation had been planned and coordinated over months.
Some outlets said participants gave the campaign names.
Israeli sources reportedly called the campaign "Lion’s Roar".
U.S. officials reportedly referred to actions under the label "Operation Epic Fury" or described them as "major combat operations."
Several outlets emphasized that planners prioritized degrading Iran’s missile, naval and nuclear-related infrastructure.
Some coverage said planners also sought to target regime and political centers alongside military facilities.
Iran-Israel military exchange
Iran responded immediately with air-raid sirens, closures of national airspace and missile and drone launches toward Israel and across the Gulf.
“Iran launched a missile barrage at northern Israel and toward Tel Aviv — Iranian state media said about 30 missiles, Israel described “dozens” — setting off air‑raid sirens, Israeli air defenses and widespread disruption.”
Regional air defenses and allied forces reported multiple interceptions.
Israeli authorities declared a nationwide state of emergency and imposed strict civil restrictions as air defenses engaged incoming projectiles, while U.S. and other embassies in the region warned staff to shelter in place amid what several outlets described as a rapid and widening military exchange.
Conflicting strike reports
Reports of civilian harm and senior‑leadership hits were numerous but inconsistent across outlets, and independent verification remained limited.
Iranian sources alleged strikes hit locations near or at high‑level offices and reported heavy casualties, including a claim that a girls’ elementary school in Minab was struck with dozens of students killed.
Other international outlets cautioned the casualty figures, and some senior‑leader death reports were unconfirmed by independent agencies, creating a direct contradiction between the Iranian claims and international reporting.
International reaction to strikes
Global reactions ranged from calls for restraint to alarm over the risk of a wider regional war.
“United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres condemned the military escalation, saying the use of force by the US and Israel and Iran’s retaliatory actions undermine international peace and violate the UN Charter; he urged all states to respect international law (post on X).”
The U.N. Secretary‑General condemned the escalation and urged respect for international law, and several governments warned of grave consequences.
Airlines and aviation authorities closed airspace or cancelled flights.
Observers and some officials warned the strikes could produce a prolonged campaign with heavy military, political and humanitarian costs.
Reporting across outlets emphasized uncertainty about the operation’s full aims, duration and legal justification.