February 28: Tensions in the Middle East sharply intensified on Saturday, after the United States and Israel reportedly carried out a coordinated, large-scale military operation against Iran. The campaign—referred to by the Pentagon as “Operation Epic Fury” and by Israel as “Lion’s Roar”—involves a combination of air and naval strikes aimed at numerous locations across the country.
The operation reportedly began early Saturday morning, with powerful explosions reported in several major Iranian cities, including Tehran, Qom, Tabriz, and Karaj.
Reports indicate that more than 30 high-profile sites were struck. Among the locations reportedly targeted were offices linked to Ali Khamenei and Masoud Pezeshkian in central Tehran. Iranian officials stated that President Pezeshkian is safe, while the Supreme Leader had been moved to a secure location before the strikes occurred.
Meanwhile, Iranian state media, including Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), reported a deadly strike on a girls’ school in Minab in southern Iran, where the death toll has reportedly reached 40 students. Several senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and other officials are also feared to have been killed.
Iran’s Response: “Crushing Retaliation”
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced what it described as a “first wave” of retaliatory strikes shortly after the initial attacks.
Iran reportedly launched numerous drones and ballistic missiles toward Israel, setting off air-raid sirens in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Pro-Iran groups and IRGC units reportedly targeted several U.S. military installations in the Gulf region, including bases in Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.
In Abu Dhabi, one person was reported killed after debris from intercepted missiles fell in the area. Several countries—including the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan—have reportedly closed their airspace as a precaution.
Further updates are expected as the situation continues to develop.
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