US and Israel Conduct Coordinated Strikes on Iran, Killing Supreme Leader Khamenei

On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel initiated a series of coordinated military strikes targeting various sites across Iran. The operation led to the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with approximately 40 senior officials, including the head of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and the country's defense minister.

The offensive, codenamed "Operation Epic Fury" by the United States and "Operation Lion's Roar" by Israel, was the culmination of months of joint planning and intelligence sharing between the two nations. The strikes were executed nearly simultaneously, with three locations hit within a single minute, aiming to eliminate key figures and disrupt Iran's military capabilities.

In response to the attacks, Iran launched missile and drone strikes targeting U.S. military bases in the Middle East and sites within Israel. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for these retaliatory actions, which included attacks on 27 U.S. military bases and various locations in Israel.

The conflict has resulted in significant casualties. The Iranian Red Crescent Society reported over 200 deaths and more than 700 injuries within Iran. Additionally, three U.S. service members were killed, and five others seriously wounded during the operations.

International reactions have been swift. At an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attacks from all parties, warning of the potential for a broader conflict if de-escalation efforts fail. He emphasized the importance of returning to diplomatic negotiations to prevent further escalation.

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing military operations and diplomatic efforts underway to address the rapidly evolving crisis.