Joint operation Epic Fury/Lions Roar began at 1:15 a.m. ET, Feb. 28. After weeks of negotiations and military buildup, President Donald J. Trump made the executive decision to initiate the military operation. The goal, to eliminate Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities, dismantle their navy and take out key leadership.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed during the first wave of missile strikes. This mission took out not only the Supreme Leader, but also his likely successors. During Epic Fury, the partnered countries also hit hundreds of targets in Iran including a nuclear facility.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth attended a press release Monday morning alongside Air Force General Dan Caine.
“This is not a so-called regime change war, but the regime sure did change, and the world is better off for it,” Hegseth said.
Reportedly, the United States Central Intelligence Agency tracked the Iranian Supreme Leader’s movements for months, even learning his daily routine. After gathering intelligence regarding a meeting between top Iranian leaders in Tehran, Iran, the United States of America and Israel engaged in a joint operation to take out Khamenei on, Feb. 28.
Trump does not hide his strong support of Israel and backs them in this military operation against Iran. Trump issued a statement to the American people addressing the attacks, Feb. 28.
“A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran,” Trump said. “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.”
Ayatollah Khamenei took power in 1989 and has served as Iran’s Supreme Leader for 36 years, the longest tenure in Iranian history. During his reign, Khamanei rearranged the country’s hierarchy and forced military, security and civilians to submit to his rule. Several large-scale protests occurred, and the government stopped them with violent force killing an estimated 30,000.
Iran fought back against the American-Israeli attacks by launching missile strikes on its neighboring countries of Kuwait, Israel, Jordan, Bahrain, and Qatar, among others. During retaliation, Iran struck multiple hotels, military bases and public airports.
The death toll of these attacks has risen to over 200 Iranians and four American service members.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a recorded statement on the morning of Feb. 28.
“Together with the United States, we will strike hard at the terror regime and create conditions that will allow the brave Iranian people to cast off the yoke of this murderous regime,” Netanyahu said.
Between Iranian retaliation and American-Israeli attacks, this conflict shows no sign of ceasing any time soon, with casualties on both sides rising and things changing by the minute.
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Hayden Spurr • Mar 5, 2026 at 9:07 am
Wonderful article Sophia! Very informational in a rapidly developing situation. Hopefully the other superpowers stay out of it.
Hayden Spurr • Mar 5, 2026 at 9:07 am
Wonderful article Sophia! Very informational in a rapidly developing situation. Hopefully the other superpowers stay out of it.
Tabitha Peters • Mar 4, 2026 at 8:09 pm
Another win for the USA. Keeping Iran from having a nuclear weapon is extremely important. Hopefully tensions do not get too high, though. Thank you for getting this article out promptly, Sophia! Your swiftness helps this team continue to shine!