U.S. and Israel Strike Iran, Tehran Retaliates: Live Updates on Operation Epic Fury 2026
U.S. and Israel Strike Iran, Tehran Retaliates: Live Updates on Operation Epic Fury 2026
Explosions reported in Tehran as the US and Israel launch a massive military operation.
TEHRAN, Iran — In a dramatic and historic escalation, the United States and Israel launched a massive coordinated military strike against Iran on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Code-named "Operation Epic Fury" by the Pentagon and "Roaring Lion" by the IDF, the strikes have targeted key military, nuclear, and leadership facilities across several Iranian cities.
1. Massive Blasts Rock Tehran and Isfahan
Beginning in the early hours of Saturday, explosions were reported in Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, and Karaj. According to initial reports, the strikes successfully targeted the Ministry of Defense, the Iranian Atomic Energy Agency, and several Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) bases. Satellite imagery has also shown significant damage near the district housing the Supreme Leader’s compound.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the operation in a national address, stating the objective is to "eliminate the imminent threat of a nuclear-armed Iran" and to destroy its ballistic missile capabilities. "This is not a small strike," a senior U.S. official told Reuters, noting that dozens of aircraft and naval assets were involved.
2. Iran Retaliates: Missiles Strike Across the Middle East
Tehran’s response was immediate. The IRGC has launched waves of ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israel and several U.S. military bases in the Gulf. Air raid sirens have been blaring in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and across northern Israel as the Iron Dome works to intercept the incoming barrage.
Explosions have also been confirmed near U.S. installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE. In Abu Dhabi, one fatality has been reported due to falling missile shrapnel. Iran’s Foreign Ministry warned that any country allowing its airspace to be used for attacks would be considered a "legitimate target."
3. Global Airspace Closed and Markets in Panic
Following the strikes, Iran, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, and the UAE have officially closed their airspace to all civilian flights. Major international airlines have canceled hundreds of flights to and from the Middle East. Meanwhile, global oil prices have spiked by over 10% in late-day trading as investors fear a prolonged conflict in the Strait of Hormuz.
4. Calls for Regime Change
In a video posted to Social Media, President Trump directly addressed the Iranian people, urging them to "take control of their destiny" and "overthrow the regime." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed these sentiments, describing the joint operation as a necessary move to remove an "existential threat" to the State of Israel.
Live Update Timeline:
- 10:23 GMT: Rocket attacks reported at a U.S. base in Iraqi Kurdistan.
- 10:19 GMT: Iran calls for an emergency session of the UN Security Council.
- 10:04 GMT: Reports suggest several senior IRGC commanders were killed in the initial wave of strikes.
- 09:45 GMT: India and the UK issue urgent travel warnings for their citizens in the region.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for live updates as "Operation Epic Fury" continues to unfold across the Middle East.
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