WASHINGTON/TEL AVIV/DUBAI, Feb 28 — The United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes on Iran on Saturday, targeting senior leadership figures and escalating tensions across the Middle East. The development marks a significant expansion of the long-running confrontation over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security.
President Donald Trump said the operation was intended to address what he described as a security threat posed by Iran. The Pentagon confirmed the first wave of attacks under the name “Operation Epic Fury.” Iranian authorities responded by launching missiles and drones toward Israel, according to Iranian state-linked sources.
An Israeli official said Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian were among those targeted, though the outcome of the strikes was not immediately clear. A source familiar with the situation told Reuters that Khamenei had earlier been moved to a secure location outside Tehran. Reuters said it could not independently verify reports of casualties among Iranian officials and Revolutionary Guard commanders.
Regional tensions intensify
The escalation has heightened concerns among Gulf Arab oil-producing countries. Loud explosions were reported in the United Arab Emirates, including in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Witnesses described hearing multiple blasts in rapid succession, with some reporting windows vibrating from the shockwaves.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said retaliatory operations would continue and warned that U.S. bases and interests in the region were within range. The United States has military installations across several Gulf states.
Diplomatic efforts stall
The strikes come after indirect talks between Washington and Tehran this week failed to produce progress on Iran’s nuclear programme. The renewed hostilities have further reduced prospects for a diplomatic resolution in the near term.
The confrontation unfolds less than a year after a previous round of conflict between Israel and Iran, underscoring the volatility of the region and the risks of wider escalation.
Officials from the countries involved have not provided a full assessment of casualties or damage.
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