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Updated 01 March 2026 - Developments continue following joint US-Israeli military action against Iran.
US and Israel initiate large-scale strikes on Iran
Washington and Tel Aviv launched coordinated airstrikes against Iranian targets early Saturday, marking a significant escalation in Middle Eastern tensions. The operation, named Epic Fury by the US and Lion's Roar by Israel, followed the collapse of nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran two days prior.
Supreme Leader Khamenei killed in attack
US President Donald Trump announced on social media that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had died in the strikes. Iranian state television later confirmed Khamenei's death at age 86, ending his 37-year rule. The network declared a 40-day mourning period.
Intelligence and military sources told CBS News that approximately 40 Iranian officials were also killed in the attacks. Satellite imagery obtained by BBC Verify showed extensive damage to Khamenei's office complex in Tehran.
Trump justifies strikes, cites historical grievances
In a video statement, Trump framed the operation as a necessary response to Iran's alleged nuclear ambitions and regional aggression. He accused Tehran of developing long-range missiles capable of targeting Europe, US forces abroad, and eventually the American homeland.
The president referenced past conflicts, including the 1979 US embassy seizure in Tehran and the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing, which killed 241 American servicemembers. He also highlighted Iran's recent crackdown on domestic protests amid economic turmoil.
"Iran has rejected every opportunity to abandon its nuclear program and has waged an unending campaign of bloodshed against the United States," Trump said.
Iran retaliates with regional counterattacks
Iran's foreign minister condemned the strikes as "unprovoked and illegal," vowing retaliation. Iranian forces launched drones and missiles at US-aligned Gulf states, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE. One fatality was reported in Abu Dhabi, according to UAE state media.
In Israel, an Iranian missile struck central Tel Aviv, killing one person and injuring at least 20, Haaretz reported. Iran also targeted military sites across its own territory, with at least 200 deaths and 700 injuries confirmed by the Red Crescent. A school explosion in southern Iran alone claimed 108 lives, a local prosecutor said.
US military posture and congressional reactions
The US has not deployed ground troops to Iran but has bolstered its regional presence in recent weeks. Two aircraft carriers, the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln, are stationed in the area, alongside 12 other US ships and advanced aircraft, including F-35 and F-22 fighter jets.
Congressional responses split along partisan lines. Republicans, who control both chambers, largely supported the strikes. Senator Lindsey Graham called the operation "necessary and long justified," while House Speaker Mike Johnson said the Trump administration had briefed the bipartisan "Gang of 8" congressional leaders beforehand.
Democrats condemned the action as an unauthorized war. Senator Tim Kaine labeled it "Trump's illegal war" and renewed calls for a war powers resolution to curb presidential authority. However, such a measure is unlikely to pass without Republican support.
Nuclear dispute and domestic security alerts
Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons but has enriched uranium to levels with no civilian application, according to BBC analysis. The US and Israel have not publicly presented evidence that Iran was on the verge of developing a bomb.
US cities, including New York and Los Angeles, heightened security as a precaution. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said officials were taking "proactive steps" at sensitive locations, while Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass reported increased police patrols despite "no known credible threats."
Trump warned that bombing would continue throughout the week, raising concerns about further casualties. The US military reported no combat losses as of Saturday, though Trump acknowledged potential risks to American personnel.
