Yes, the situation in the Middle East has escalated dramatically. Early today, Saturday, February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched a massive, coordinated military strike against Iran.
The operation—referred to by the U.S. as "Operation Epic Fury" and by Israel as "Operation Roaring Lion"—marks the most significant military escalation in the region in decades.
Key Details of the Attack
* Targets: Strikes hit several major cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. Initial reports indicate that the compound of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was a primary target and sustained heavy damage; his current condition is unconfirmed, though some reports suggest he was moved to a secure location.
* U.S. Involvement: President Donald Trump confirmed the strikes in a video message, stating that the U.S. has begun "major combat operations" to eliminate Iran's nuclear and missile programs. He also explicitly called on the Iranian people to "take over your government."
* Casualties: While full numbers are still coming in, Iranian state media reported that an Israeli strike hit an elementary girls' school in Minab, killing at least 40 students.
* Reasoning: Israel described the move as a "preemptive strike" to remove imminent threats, following the expiration of a U.S. ultimatum and the breakdown of nuclear negotiations in Geneva earlier this week.
Iran's Response
Iran has already begun retaliating. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched "extensive" missile and drone strikes targeting:
* Israel: Air raid sirens have been sounding across northern Israel and Jerusalem as defense systems attempt to intercept incoming fire.
* U.S. Bases: Retaliatory strikes have targeted U.S. military installations in Bahrain (5th Fleet), Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, and the UAE.
* Regional Impact: One person was reportedly killed by falling shrapnel in Abu Dhabi. Several countries in the region, including Jordan and the UAE, have closed their airspace.
This is a rapidly developing story with major implications for global security. Would you like me to look for the latest updates on the retaliatory strikes or the international community's reaction?

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