The United States and Israel launched a joint military attack on Iran on February 28, 2026, according to multiple reports. The attack killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as confirmed by several sources. It also resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian officials and family members, research indicates.
S. S. military stating it struck nearly 2,000 targets in Iran, a campaign comparable to the 2003 Iraq 'shock and awe' invasion.
S. Central Command said American forces destroyed 17 Iranian ships as part of the offensive. The specific military objectives achieved beyond the killing of Khamenei and other leaders have not been detailed publicly, and the full extent of damage to Iran's military capabilities remains unclear.
S. military facilities in Gulf Cooperation Council countries, according to research. These Iranian strikes caused serious damage and casualties in Israel, multiple reports indicate.
Iran also struck civilian infrastructure in the Gulf region, including ports and airports. The retaliatory attacks have effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting 20% of global oil supply, according to research. The human toll of the conflict is severe, with more than 1,800 people killed, research shows.
S. S. strike on an Iranian school.
Exact casualty figures for Iranian civilians and military personnel remain unknown, as comprehensive counts from within Iran are not available, and the total number of injured is still being assessed. Following the death of Ali Khamenei, Iran's Assembly of Experts appointed Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed him as Supreme Leader, according to multiple reports. The conflict has seen international military involvement and several critical incidents.
Iran has received military support from Russia, including MiG-29 and Su-35 fighter jets, research confirms. S. S.
U.S. President Donald Trump declared the aim was regime change in Iran.
claims they were downed by friendly fire. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted two Iranian cruise missiles. Global financial markets have been rocked by the conflict, with research showing stock market declines in Asia.
South Korea halted trading after an 8% drop. The International Energy Agency released 400 million barrels from its strategic reserve due to the energy shock caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. How long the strait will remain closed and the full global economic projections are currently unknown, with analysts warning of potential long-term impacts on energy prices.
S. and its NATO allies. S.
President Donald Trump over what he described as 'zero' European support in the conflict with Iran. Trump has repeatedly criticised NATO allies for not backing Washington, and he raised the issue again during a White House meeting earlier this month with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, major media reports state. On Monday, Trump said the United States would maintain its blockade of Iranian ports until Tehran agrees to a peace deal, according to major media.
S. and Iran regarding such a deal is unclear, and it is unknown if other countries are mediating. Legal assessments of the conflict present a stark disagreement.
Susan M. -Israeli attacks on Iran cannot be legally justified under international law. Furthermore, research indicates that Iran's attacks on civilian infrastructure are contrary to international law and may constitute war crimes.
The potential for international legal proceedings or investigations into these actions has not been specified. Humanitarian and evacuation efforts are underway amid the violence. The UK government is arranging repatriation flights for stranded British nationals, according to research.
The scope and scale of other international evacuation operations have not been detailed, and it is unclear how many people are affected. Norway's diplomatic stance has historical context. Norway, alongside Spain and Ireland, recognised the State of Palestine in 2024, major media reports, which may influence its current position in the conflict.