OPERATIONEPIC FURY
The US and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran in the largest military operation in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Minute by Minute
FEBRUARY 28, 2026 — COMPLETE TIMELINE
Operation Epic Fury Begins
US Central Command and Israeli forces launch coordinated strikes on Iran. The US operation is designated "Operation Epic Fury," the Israeli operation "Operation Roaring Lion." Targets include IRGC command and control facilities, air defense systems, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields. Strikes are launched from air, land, and sea using precision munitions, Tomahawk cruise missiles, and — for the first time in combat — low-cost one-way attack drones.
Source: CENTCOM →First Explosions Rock Tehran
Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reports a series of explosions in the capital. Huge explosions ring out across downtown Tehran with thick smoke plumes visible over the city skyline. Strikes hit University Street and the Jomhouri area during Saturday morning rush hour — the first day of the work week in Iran.
Source: Al Jazeera →Simultaneous Strikes Hit Multiple Iranian Cities
Explosions reported across Iran: Tehran (Khamenei's compound, presidential palace, Ministry of Defense & Intelligence), Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, Kermanshah, Tabriz, Shiraz, Bushehr, and more. Approximately 200 Israeli fighter jets strike roughly 500 military targets — the largest Israeli Air Force operation ever conducted. Seven missiles confirmed striking the district where Khamenei resides.
Source: CNN →Senior Iranian Military Leaders Killed in Opening Strikes
Israeli officials assess the following were killed: Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Amir Nasirzadeh, IRGC Commander Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, Defense Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani, and four senior intelligence commanders. Israel says it targeted 30 key leaders simultaneously across three sites where gatherings of senior officials were taking place.
Source: Times of Israel →Trump Announces "Major Combat Operations" Against Iran
In a prerecorded video from Mar-a-Lago, Trump states the objective is "to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime." He vows to "destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground," "annihilate their navy." To Iranians: "The hour of your freedom is at hand... bombs will be dropping everywhere." He urges them to "take over your government."
Source: NPR →Israel Declares "Preemptive Strike" — Sirens Nationwide
Defense Minister Israel Katz confirms: "The State of Israel has launched a preemptive strike against Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel." He declares an immediate state of emergency. Sirens sound simultaneously across all of Israel. IDF Home Front Command warns all civilians to stay near bomb shelters.
Source: CBS News →Netanyahu: "We Will Remove the Existential Threat"
Netanyahu addresses the nation: "Just an hour ago, Israel and the United States embarked on an operation to remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran." He appeals to Iranians — Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Balochis, Ahwazis — to "rid themselves of the yoke of tyranny." Says the campaign "will last until the Iranian people are free."
Source: PBS →Strike Hits Girls' School in Minab — Dozens of Children Killed
An airstrike hits the Shajareh Tayyebeh elementary girls' school in Minab, Hormozgan province. Iran's judiciary reports at least 85 students killed, aged 7 to 12, with 63 others injured. Workers continue clearing wreckage. Washington does not comment on the reported strike.
Source: Al Jazeera →Trump Offers IRGC Soldiers Full Immunity to Surrender, Warns of Certain Death if They Refuse
President Trump called on IRGC members to lay down their weapons in exchange for full immunity, noting many forces no longer want to fight. He warned refusal means certain death. Senior IRGC commanders were killed in opening strikes and the Corps was reportedly seeking immunity terms from US forces.
Source: NPR →Jordan Military Shoots Down 49 Iranian Drones and Ballistic Missiles, Flaming Debris Falls Near Amman
The Jordanian military reported that it intercepted and downed 49 drones and ballistic missiles threatening Jordanian territory as part of Iran's retaliatory barrage. Explosions believed to be missile interceptions were heard over Amman, and flaming debris fell near a residential building. Jordan, which hosts major US military bases, confirmed its forces had shot down at least two confirmed ballistic missiles and multiple drones.
Source: Axios →Iran Closes Airspace — Internet Drops to 54%
Iran issues a NOTAM shutting down all civilian air traffic. Internet connectivity in Tehran drops to approximately 54% of normal levels. Phone communications cut in parts of Iran. Israel also closes its airspace. Subsequently Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE, and parts of Syria close their airspace. Dubai International Airport suspends all flights indefinitely.
Source: Al Jazeera →Mass Evacuation From Tehran Begins
Iranian authorities convert a major highway to all-northbound lanes to accommodate heavy traffic of residents fleeing the capital. Supermarkets experience shortages of bread, water, eggs, and milk. Long queues form at gas stations. Security forces patrol on motorbikes.
Source: PBS →Iran Defense Minister Nasirzadeh and IRGC Commander Pakpour Named Among Killed in Opening Strikes
Three sources confirmed to Al Arabiya that Iranian Defense Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and IRGC Commander General Mohammad Pakpour were killed in Israeli airstrikes in the opening hours of Operation Epic Fury. Pakpour had been appointed IRGC commander in 2025 and oversaw strategic missile capabilities and coordination with allied militias. An Israeli military official said 'several senior figures essential to the management of the campaign and the regime's governance were eliminated.' Iran has not officially confirmed the deaths.
Source: Al Arabiya English →Iran Launches "Operation True Promise 4" — Retaliatory Strikes Begin
The IRGC launches retaliatory strikes, declaring all US and Israeli "bases, facilities and assets" are "legitimate military targets." Approximately 170 ballistic missiles fired: ~125 at Israel in the first barrage, dozens at US military sites across the Middle East. 23 separate attack waves launched against Israel.
Source: Al Jazeera →IRGC Claims It Struck US Navy Auxiliary Ship and 14 US Military Bases Across Middle East
Iran's IRGC claimed it struck a US Navy auxiliary ship with cruise missiles and targeted 14 US military bases across the Middle East in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes. The Corps vowed to continue until the enemy is decisively defeated. US officials reported no American casualties from Iranian retaliatory strikes as of Saturday evening.
Source: Fox News / EADaily →Bahrain: US Navy 5th Fleet HQ Struck
Missile and drone attacks hit the US Navy 5th Fleet headquarters in Manama. Footage shows an Iranian Shahed drone striking a tower block near the facility, causing fires. Residential buildings near the base also hit. Counterstrikes continue for hours.
Source: Stars and Stripes →UAE: Al-Dhafra Air Base Targeted — Burj Khalifa Evacuated
Iran targets Al-Dhafra Air Base. UAE intercepts several waves of missiles. Falling debris kills one Pakistani civilian in Abu Dhabi. The Fairmont Hotel on Palm Jumeirah hit by debris; fire breaks out, 4 injured. The Burj Khalifa, world's tallest building, evacuated as a precaution after nearby interceptions.
Source: The Week →Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan All Hit by Iranian Missiles
Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base targeted — Qatar claims all missiles intercepted. Kuwait's Ali Al-Salem Air Base attacked by multiple missiles, all intercepted. Saudi Arabia repels attacks on Riyadh and eastern regions. Jordan shoots down 49 drones and ballistic missiles. Syrian residential building in Suwayda hit, killing 4 civilians.
Source: Fox News →Strait of Hormuz: Iran Warns "No Vessel Permitted to Pass"
Iranian Revolutionary Guard issues radio warning to ships in the Strait of Hormuz: "No vessel is permitted to pass." UK Maritime Trade Operations confirms vessels received closure messages. The strait handles roughly 20-25% of the world's seaborne oil trade. Oil futures jump ~6%.
Source: PBS →Iraq Warns Its Territory Will Not Be Used as Launchpad; Government Calls on All Parties to Keep Iraq Out of War
The Iraqi government issued a formal warning against any action threatening Iraq's sovereignty, stating that 'our territory will not be used as a passage or launch pad for attacks on Iran, nor will we allow Iraq to be dragged into the conflict.' Iraqi FM Fuad Hussein spoke with Iranian FM Araghchi, who clarified that Iran's strikes targeted only US military sites. A senior Iraqi source confirmed the US had informed Baghdad it wants to keep Iraq out of the ongoing war.
Source: The National →Oman Urges US Restraint — Calls for Return to Negotiations
Oman's Foreign Minister warns the US "not to get sucked in further," noting prior nuclear talks in Muscat and Geneva had made "substantial progress." Just one day earlier, Oman announced Iran had agreed to never stockpile enriched uranium.
Source: PBS →China "Highly Concerned" — Ukraine Backs Strikes
China calls for an immediate halt to military action and return to negotiations, stating "Iran's sovereignty should be respected." Ukraine's President Zelenskyy backs the operation, citing Iran's supply of over 57,000 Shahed drones to Russia.
Source: PBS →Iran's FM: Khamenei "Still Alive, As Far As I Know"
Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi tells NBC News that Khamenei and President Pezeshkian are alive "as far as I know." He confirms two commanders were killed but says senior officials survived. UN Security Council emergency meeting scheduled for 4 PM ET at the request of Bahrain and France.
Source: NBC News →Senator Kaine: Strikes Are "A Colossal Mistake"
Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) calls the operation "a colossal mistake" and demands a Congressional authorization vote. Strikes were launched without formal Congressional authorization — leadership was only notified shortly before, with mentions of ballistic missiles but not the full scope.
Source: NPR →Dubai International Airport — World's Busiest — Shut Indefinitely After Terminal Hit by Iranian Missile
Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest international hub, was shut down indefinitely after an Iranian drone or missile partially struck Terminal 3. All Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports suspended flights, and multiple Emirates flights were diverted across Europe. The UAE closed its national airspace as Iranian missile and drone attacks continued across the Gulf.
Source: Bloomberg →Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi Calls Strikes Humanitarian Intervention, Urges Iranians to Rise
Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last Shah, issued a video message calling the US-Israeli strikes a humanitarian intervention and urging Iranians to prepare to take to the streets. He declared the Islamic Republic has reached its end and is collapsing, and that any attempt to name a Khamenei successor is doomed to fail. He is positioning himself as a potential post-Islamic Republic transitional leader.
Source: Axios →UK Provided Air Defense — Russia Calls It "Unprovoked Aggression"
UK PM Keir Starmer confirms Britain provided air defense but did not conduct strikes, urges Iran to "end this now." Russia's Foreign Ministry calls the strikes "a pre-planned and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign UN member state." France's Macron warns of "grave consequences." Israel closes all Gaza border crossings.
Source: UK Government →Russia's Rosatom Evacuates 94 Personnel from Iran; Essential Staff Remain at Bushehr Nuclear Plant
Russia's Rosatom evacuated 94 non-essential personnel from Iran including all employees' children, while essential staff remain at the Bushehr nuclear plant to keep it operational. CEO Alexei Likhachev warned a strike on Bushehr could cause a Chernobyl-scale catastrophe and stated nuclear facilities must not be targeted. The Bushehr reactor status is reported as normal with no radiation abnormalities.
Source: Al-Monitor →FBI Elevates to Nationwide Counterterrorism Alert
FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces across the United States are elevated to the highest alert level. Law enforcement agencies increase security at government buildings, synagogues, mosques, and critical infrastructure. DHS issues an enhanced security advisory.
Source: Fox News →Red Crescent: 201 Killed, 747 Injured Across 24 Provinces
The Iranian Red Crescent reports 201 killed and 747 injured in strikes across 24 of Iran's 31 provinces. Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi pledges support for Iran, vowing Yemeni rebels will take action.
Source: PBS →Houthis Announce Resumption of Red Sea Shipping Attacks in Solidarity With Iran
Yemen's Houthi movement announced it would resume attacks on Red Sea shipping and Israeli targets in response to the US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Senior officials warned strikes could begin as early as Saturday evening, ending a three-and-a-half-month maritime attack pause following the November 2025 Gaza ceasefire. BIMCO warned ships with US or Israeli links face elevated risk.
Source: Times of Israel / gCaptain →Iranian Drone Strikes Kuwait International Airport — Workers Injured, Terminal Damaged
An Iranian drone struck the passenger terminal at Kuwait International Airport on Saturday, injuring several workers and causing material damage to the building. The attack was part of Iran's broad retaliatory campaign against Gulf states hosting U.S. military assets. Kuwait's Defence Ministry confirmed that the Ali Al-Salem Air Base also came under ballistic missile attack, injuring three Kuwaiti soldiers; all missiles were intercepted. Kuwait subsequently closed its airspace.
Source: Al Arabiya English →Saudi Arabia Condemns Iranian Retaliatory Strikes on Gulf States, Warns of Dire Consequences
Saudi Arabia condemned Iran's retaliatory missile and drone strikes on the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan as a breach of their sovereignty, warning of dire consequences if attacks continue. Riyadh said it fully stands by affected Gulf states. The statement is one of Saudi Arabia's strongest public condemnations of Iranian military action to date.
Source: Al Jazeera →CENTCOM Releases Operation Details and Strike Footage
CENTCOM publishes photos and video of US guided-missile destroyers launching Tomahawk land attack missiles. Confirms targets included IRGC command and control, air defenses, missile/drone launch sites, and military airfields. First-ever combat deployment of low-cost attack drones through Task Force Scorpion Strike.
Source: CENTCOM →IAEA Confirms Damage at Natanz Nuclear Facility, Warns of Radiological Contamination Risk
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi confirmed strikes damaged Iran's Natanz uranium enrichment facility and an Isfahan research site, with no change in radiation levels outside the sites. He warned of potential radiological and chemical contamination inside Natanz from possible uranium hexafluoride gas release and urged all parties to stop targeting nuclear sites. No radiological impact outside the facilities has been detected.
Source: CSIS / Reuters →Iranian Drone Strikes Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport — 1 Killed, 7 Injured
Abu Dhabi Airports officially confirmed that an Iranian drone struck Zayed International Airport on Saturday, resulting in one fatality — an Asian national — and seven injuries. The UAE Ministry of Defense reported intercepting 137 ballistic missiles and 209 drones launched toward the country, though some caused damage to civilian infrastructure. Etihad Airways suspended all departures until Sunday afternoon, and the U.S. Embassy issued a shelter-in-place alert for all staff.
Source: Khaleej Times →Bipartisan Push for War Powers Vote in Congress
Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) announce they will force a Senate vote on a war powers resolution. Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna prepare a House version. Senator Bernie Sanders calls the strikes "illegal, premeditated and unconstitutional war." Multiple House Democrats break ranks to support the operation.
Source: Fox News / NPR →Netanyahu: "Growing Signs Khamenei Is No Longer Around"
Netanyahu states: "There are growing signs that Khamenei is no longer around." Indicates strikes targeted the Supreme Leader's compound with 7 confirmed missile hits. Khamenei has not appeared publicly since operations began. Trump contacts leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, and NATO.
Source: Times of Israel →Celebrations Erupt on Tehran Streets
Witnesses describe loud cheers, celebratory music from windows, applause, and people dancing in the streets after reports of Khamenei's death. Videos circulate showing high school students laughing and celebrating, with one saying in English: "I love Trump."
Source: Times of Israel / Euronews →Iranian Drone Hits Fairmont Hotel on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah — 4 Injured, Fire Breaks Out
An Iranian Shahed-type drone struck the Fairmont The Palm hotel on Dubai's iconic Palm Jumeirah development on Saturday, injuring four people and igniting a fire that was brought under control by civil defense teams. Videos verified by CNN showed the drone diving into the structure before an explosion engulfed part of the building. The Burj Khalifa had already been evacuated as a precaution amid UAE air defense systems battling multiple waves of Iranian missiles and drones across the emirate.
Source: Times of Israel →Netanyahu and Trump Shown Photo of Khamenei's Body
Israel's Channel 12 reports both leaders received an image of the Supreme Leader's body recovered from his Tehran compound. Israeli officials confirm the kill to US officials. Khamenei's aide Ali Larijani pledges revenge, vowing "Zionist criminals and shameless Americans" will "regret their actions."
Source: Times of Israel →Iran FM Araghchi Writes to UN Security Council, Calls US-Israel Attack Illegal and Invokes Right to Self-Defense
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote a formal letter to UN Secretary-General Guterres and the President of the UN Security Council, terming the US-Israel military strikes on Iran a violation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter. Araghchi stated that Iran's retaliatory strikes were its 'inherent and legitimate' right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, and separately called the attack 'unprovoked, illegal, and absolutely illegitimate.'
Source: Sahara Reporters / NBC News →Israel Officially Confirms Khamenei's Death
A senior Israeli official confirms to the Times of Israel that killing the Supreme Leader "will finally make true peace possible." States dozens of IRGC commanders were targeted, ballistic facilities destroyed, and the regime is "crippled." US officials say they do not yet have independent confirmation.
Source: Axios / CBS News →Hundreds Protest in Times Square, New York
Hundreds of demonstrators gather in Times Square in support of Iran, linking the strikes to the Gaza campaign and chanting about "genocide."
Source: Times of Israel →UN Security Council Holds Emergency Session on Iran
The UN Security Council convenes an emergency meeting at the request of Bahrain and France. Russia's ambassador Nebenzya calls the strikes "a pre-planned and reckless act of armed aggression." UN Secretary-General Guterres calls for an immediate end to hostilities. Iran's UN ambassador claims "hundreds of civilians killed," including over 100 children.
Source: Reuters / PBS →Residential Buildings in Bahrain's Manama Hit by Iranian Strikes; US Embassy Closes, Schools Go Remote
Three residential buildings in and around Bahrain's capital Manama were struck by Iranian drone attacks and missile debris on Saturday, with the Era View residential tower in Hoora sustaining heavy direct damage from a drone hit, Bahrain's Interior Ministry confirmed. The United States Embassy in Bahrain announced it would close Sunday, and the Bahraini government ordered all schools and universities to shift to distance learning until further notice, following the earlier confirmed Iranian strike on the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet headquarters.
Source: Stars and Stripes →UN Secretary-General Guterres Demands Immediate Ceasefire at Emergency Security Council Session
UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the emergency UN Security Council session and demanded an 'immediate cessation of hostilities,' warning that 'military action carries the risk of igniting a chain of events that no one can control in the most volatile region of the world.' He condemned both the US-Israel strikes on Iran and Iran's retaliatory attacks, stating that both 'undermine international peace and security.' The UNSC emergency session was chaired by Britain and convened at the request of France, China, Russia, Bahrain, and Colombia.
Source: UN News →Trump: Iranian Leadership "Mostly Gone" — Strikes "Already a Success"
Trump tells NBC News the strikes are "already a success" and it will require "years" for Iran to rebuild. He states he believes reports that Khamenei is dead and that Iran's senior leadership is "mostly gone." Administration claims understanding of succession candidates in Tehran.
Source: NBC News →Trump Declares Khamenei Dead on Social Media
Trump posts on Truth Social: "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead." He calls it "Justice for the people of Iran" and states Khamenei "was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems." Adds that "heavy and pinpoint bombing" will continue "uninterrupted throughout the week." Iran's state media denies the claim.
Source: CNBC / NBC News →White House Releases Situation Room Photos
Images show Trump monitoring operations at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. Vice President JD Vance coordinates from the official White House Situation Room in Washington with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Dan Caine.
Source: Times of Israel →New Iranian Missile Launch Detected — Sirens Sound Again
IDF detects another missile launch originating from Iran. Alert systems activated for central and northern Israel. Fresh ballistic missile attack from Iran detected. Approximately 170 total missiles launched by Iran throughout the day. Pentagon sources indicate operations expected to continue for several days.
Source: Times of Israel →Iranian Missile Directly Hits Tel Aviv — One Killed, 20+ Injured
An Iranian ballistic missile scores a direct hit on a residential apartment building in central Tel Aviv. A woman in her 40s is killed and over 20 others injured, including several severely. The building partially collapses and catches fire. Eight residents rescued from the rubble. Magen David Adom ambulance service transports casualties to hospitals.
Source: Haaretz / Fox News →Over 1,800 Middle East Flights Canceled as Eight Countries Close Airspace
More than 1,800 flights in and out of Middle Eastern countries were canceled on Saturday as at least eight nations — including Iran, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE — declared their airspace closed following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and Iran's retaliatory campaign, per aviation data firm Cirium. An additional 1,400 flights were pre-canceled for Sunday. Major carriers suspending services included Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways, and Air India.
Source: Al Jazeera →Daughter, son-in-law, grandchild, and daughter-in-law of Khamenei were killed
The government-affiliated Fars News Agency has confirmed the killing of the daughter, son-in-law, grandchild, and one of the daughters-in-law of Khamenei in this morning's attack.
Source: Manoto →