The 2026 Iran war began on 28 February 2026 with US and Israeli airstrikes that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, according to research from multiple sources. The US and Israel launched surprise airstrikes on multiple sites across Iran, with the opening salvo assassinating Khamenei and several family members. The CIA gathered information about a Saturday morning meeting that would include Khamenei and senior military officials, and shared it with Israel, The New York Times reported, citing anonymous sources. CBS reported, citing an anonymous official, that the CIA shared Khamenei's location data with Israel. However, President Trump opposed an Israeli plan to kill Khamenei, according to two sources, and the US communicated to Israel that Trump opposed that plan, which was not executed, a senior US official said. A spokesperson for Netanyahu told CNN that reports of Trump rejecting an Israeli plan are 'FAKE'. This contradiction has major legal and diplomatic implications regarding US complicity in the assassination of a foreign leader.
Iran responded with missile and drone strikes against Israel, US bases, and US-allied countries, according to research from 12 sources. Iran's army chief warned of a 'decisive, deterrent, and regretful response'. The Revolutionary Guards reportedly launched missiles at central Israel 'in revenge'. An Iranian missile strike killed a man and a woman in their 70s in Ramat Gan, Israel, according to a Magen David Adom spokesperson. An Iranian projectile landed near Australia's military base in the UAE, causing minor damage, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least six people were killed and 24 injured in Israeli strikes on Beirut.
A spokesperson for Netanyahu told CNN that reports of Trump rejecting an Israeli plan are 'FAKE'.
The strikes killed 787 people across Iran as of Monday, according to the Iranian Red Crescent. At least 165 schoolgirls and staff were killed in a strike on a school in Minab city, according to research from two sources. Iranian state media confirmed the death of Ali Larijani. Iran says US and Israeli forces have bombed nearly 10,000 civilian sites and killed more than 1,300 civilians since the war began. The total number of casualties on each side remains unclear, and the extent of damage to Iran's nuclear program has not been confirmed.
The US struck Iran after years of rising tension over Iran's nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and regional influence, according to research from 12 sources. The 12-Day War in June 2025 was the first significant test between Iran and Israel. Israel's operation on June 13, 2025 targeted nuclear facilities, military sites, and regime infrastructure, killing top military leaders and nuclear scientists.
Iran's army chief warned of a 'decisive, deterrent, and regretful response'.
Mojtaba Khamenei has been selected as the new supreme leader, according to research from two sources. US and Israeli forces have struck more than 5,000 targets and decimated Iran's air force and navy, according to Washington and Israel.
The conflict caused surges in oil prices and disruptions in shipping routes, energy prices, and raw materials, according to research from 12 sources. Aluminum prices hit a four-year high after Iran struck two large smelters. Qatar has stopped producing and shipping helium due to the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Fertilizer prices have risen 25% due to natural gas shortages, affecting global food production.
The Indian beer industry is facing major trouble due to rising input costs, supply shortages, and pricing restrictions.
Shortages of Diet Coke and canned beverages in India are driven by disruption in aluminium supply, according to research from 12 sources. According to www.business-standard.com, Vivek Gupta, CEO of United Breweries, described the Indian beer industry as facing major trouble due to rising input costs, supply shortages, and pricing restrictions. He also said the war has added at least 15% to production costs for the beer industry.
City traders placed huge bets on oil prices shortly before Trump's announcements, raising suspicions of insider trading, the BBC reported. The BBC found a 'consistent pattern' of spikes in bets before Trump's social media posts or interviews. The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission is examining oil trades placed before major shifts in Trump's Iran war policy, according to research from 12 sources. It is not yet known whether any investigations have been launched into the suspected insider trading.
The war has added at least 15% to production costs for the beer industry.