An unprecedented wave of attacks shakes the Middle EastAt dawn on Saturday, February 28, United States e Israel they launched RAID on a large scale in Iran, hitting military sites, command centers, and, tragically, a girls' school in Minab, where the death toll has risen to at least 85, according to the local prosecutor's office. This is a joint operation "planned for months," as confirmed by the U.S. President. Donald Trump"We have launched a major operation in Iran. The goal is to protect Americans by eliminating threats from the regime."
They remain strong doubts on luck of the supreme leader Ali KhameneiIsraeli media are reporting a low probability of survival, while in Tehran, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared that "as far as I know" Khamenei is alive and has been transferred to a safe place. State television has announced a possible public appearance, but there has yet to be independent confirmation. Tehran called the attacks “a new aggression” and promised a devastating response, which was not long in coming: missiles and drones struck Israel and several American bases in the region. The UN Security Council has been convened for 10:00 PM (Italian time).
Joint US-Israeli attack on Iran: a preemptive operation
The Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Israel has launched a “preemptive strike” against Iran to remove threats to the state, declaring state of emergency immediate. The operation, called "Lion's Roar”, was jointly planned with the United States for months. The Pentagon dubbed the American part “Operation Epic Fury”.
According to the IDF, around 200 fighter jets were deployed, which 500 military targets hit between western and central Iran, including ballistic missile launchers and air defense systems. American sources cited by the New York Times They speak of attacks conducted by air and sea against the Iranian missile system, estimated at around 2.000 launchers.
The operation comes after weeks of increasing American military pressure in the region. Trump had spoken of a "massive armada" deployed near Iran, warning that without concessions on nuclear the military option would have remained concrete: “We had tried to make a deal with Iran, but it refused every opportunity to give up its nuclear ambitions.”
Trump announces Operation "Epic Fury"
The American president announced the operation in the middle of the American night from Mar-a-Lago, with a video aggressive on Truth, wearing a cap with the word "USA" written on it. In his speech, the president explained that the operation, called "Epic Fury”, aims to destroy Iran's missiles, navy and weapons industry, preventing the “evil and radical Iranian dictatorship” from threatening the United States and its “core national security interests”. During the speech, the president reiterated that Iran will never obtain a nuclear weapon and urged the Iranian people to take control of their own destiny: “The hour of your freedom is at hand. When we are finished, take control of your government. It is time to act. Don't let it slip away”. Finally, he warned the Pasdaran, members of the Revolutionary Guards and the armed forces: “If you do this, you will have complete immunity. Otherwise, you face certain death.”
Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu He stressed that joint action with the United States offers Iranians the opportunity to free themselves from the regime's tyranny.
Explosions and military targets in Tehran
The explosions hit the central and northeastern Tehran, affecting among others the Seyed Khandan Bridge, Jomhouri Street, University Street, the area of the Supreme Leader's residence, the Ministry of Intelligence, the Supreme Court building, and the Mehrabad Air Base. Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, Kermanshah, and Tabriz were also hit.
According to Iranian sources, more than 20 of the country's 31 provinces were affected by the attacks. President Masoud Pezeshkian is reported to be in good health.
A crash is recorded in Tehran exodus towards the north of the country, with paralyzed traffic and severely reduced communications; in some areas the Internet has dropped to 4% of normal connectivity. Israel and Iran have airspace closed to civilian flights.
The crisis had immediate effects on the regional air traffic: Numerous international airlines have suspended flights to Tel Aviv, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other Gulf airports, while several countries – including the Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait – have activated emergency measures and partial airspace closures.
On the economic level, the'OPEC+ is considering a more significant increase in oil production than the 137 thousand barrels per day initially forecast, especially due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by the Pasdaran, with a devastating effect on the crude oil prices.
Iranian response and regional retaliation
In response to the attacks by the United States and Israel, Iran launched missiles and drones at American bases in Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, announcing the operation “Truth Promise 4” in retaliation for “American-Zionist aggression.” Air raid sirens are sounding across the country, and residents are being urged to remain in shelters; schools and universities remain closed. In Israel, the IDF confirms intercepting all missiles so far, while alarm sirens have sounded in the north, center, and south. Houthi Attacks have resumed in Yemen since Red Sea in solidarity with Iran.
The Iraq It was involved: a raid hit a pro-Iranian militia base in Jurf al-Sakher, with at least two deaths according to local sources. The Emirates reported a civilian killed in an attack in Abu Dhabi.
The international community observes with concern
The international community is following the developments with concern. The leaders of France, UK e Germany condemned Iranian attacks against other countries in the region, calling on Tehran to resume diplomatic dialogue. The European Union, with statements by Ursula von der Leyen e Kaja Callas, emphasizes the urgency of protecting civilians and respecting international law, reaffirming the commitment to ensuring regional stability. The Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky He called the US-Israeli attack a necessary measure to allow the Iranian people to free themselves from the regime and prevent the spread of the conflict. On the contrary, the Russia condemned the operations as an unjustified aggression against a sovereign state.
Italy is also closely monitoring the crisis. The Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni he called a government meeting, while the Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani He activated the Farnesina Crisis Unit, assuring that at present no Italians were involved in the attacks and that the safety of Italians in the area was constantly monitored.
Last updated Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 19:00 AM
