A major military conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran began on 28 February 2026, when American and Israeli forces launched coordinated strikes on Iranian military and strategic targets in an operation known as Operation Epic Fury. The attacks were aimed at weakening Iran’s military capabilities, particularly its missile systems and nuclear-related infrastructure. Airstrikes, missiles, and drones were used in the opening phase of the campaign, targeting air-defense systems, missile launchers, command centers, and other strategic sites across Iran. The operation followed months of escalating tensions over Iran’s missile program and regional influence. Military officials stated that the purpose of the operation was to neutralize threats posed by Iranian weapons and to reduce the country’s ability to launch large-scale attacks against U.S. forces and regional allies.

The first phase of the operation involved hundreds of coordinated strikes carried out by aircraft, cruise missiles, and unmanned systems. Reports indicate that several hundred targets were attacked within the first days of the campaign, including missile bases and military facilities across Iran. Israeli fighter jets reportedly conducted one of the largest combat sorties in the country’s history, hitting hundreds of sites in western and central Iran. At the same time, cyber operations targeted Iranian communication networks and infrastructure, causing severe disruptions to internet connectivity and government systems. These combined air, cyber, and intelligence operations were designed to rapidly degrade Iran’s command structure and prevent a coordinated military response.

One of the most significant events reported during the early phase of the conflict was the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. According to multiple reports, he was killed during strikes on leadership facilities in Tehran on the same day the operation began. Iranian authorities later confirmed the death, which occurred alongside several other high-ranking officials. The strike was part of a broader attempt to target leadership and military command structures during the initial assault. Following the event, Iran established an interim leadership structure and vowed retaliation against both Israel and the United States. The assassination dramatically escalated the conflict and increased fears of a wider regional war.

Iran responded quickly with missile and drone attacks directed at Israeli territory, U.S. military installations, and other regional targets. Some strikes were launched toward Gulf states hosting American bases, while other projectiles were aimed at Israeli cities. The confrontation expanded beyond Iran’s borders as allied groups in the region also launched attacks. Military defenses in several countries were activated to intercept incoming missiles. The conflict spread to additional areas in the Middle East, increasing tensions and raising concerns that more countries could become involved. Governments around the world called for restraint while preparing for possible disruptions to global security and trade.

The war has also had serious economic consequences worldwide. The fighting has disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important routes for global oil shipments. The threat of attacks on ships and warnings from Iran caused many vessels to avoid the area, sharply reducing traffic through the strait. Because around one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes through this region, the disruption quickly pushed global energy prices higher and created uncertainty in international markets. Analysts warned that if the conflict continues, the interruption of oil exports could increase inflation and trigger economic instability in multiple countries.

The conflict has also highlighted the increasing role of advanced military technology in modern warfare. Satellite systems, cyber operations, and precision-guided weapons have played a major role in the campaign. U.S. space-based sensors and radar networks help detect missile launches by identifying the heat signatures produced during launch, allowing defense systems to respond quickly. Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy has been developing new laser-based defense systems such as the HELIOS directed-energy weapon, which has previously been tested against drones. Although such systems exist and have demonstrated the ability to destroy small aerial targets during tests, officials have not fully confirmed whether they are being used in combat during the current conflict.