TEHRAN/INTERNATIONAL – A volatile “war evening” has descended upon Iran today, February 28, 2026, as a coordinated, large-scale military operation—identified by the US Department of Defense as “Operation Epic Fury”—hit key infrastructure across the country. The offensive marks a significant escalation in regional tensions, drawing immediate retaliatory fire from Iranian forces across the Middle East.
The Operation
The campaign, which began earlier today, escalated throughout the afternoon. According to military reports, approximately 200 fighter jets participated in the strikes, targeting over 500 locations associated with the Iranian missile array, air defense systems, and government command centers.
Strikes were reported across 28 regions, including significant damage in:
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Tehran: Targets included the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Intelligence, and critical government compounds, including the area surrounding the residence of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
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Key Industrial/Military Zones: Facilities in Karaj, Qom, Tabriz, Kermanshah, and Isfahan have sustained significant damage.
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Naval & Aerospace Forces: Infrastructure belonging to the IRGC Aerospace and Naval forces in the south of the country was heavily targeted.
Retaliation and Regional Scope
The conflict has not remained contained within Iranian borders. Tehran has launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes against US military installations and interests across the region, including bases in Iraq, Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.
Casualty reports remain fluid and difficult to verify, but initial state media reports from Iran indicate significant infrastructure damage and civilian casualties, including reports of schools affected in southern regions. Global markets and international observers are monitoring the situation closely, particularly given concerns regarding the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional stability.
The Current Outlook
While international leaders, including UN officials, have called for immediate de-escalation, the situation remains active and highly unpredictable. US President Donald Trump has publicly urged the Iranian public to seize the moment, framing the military operation as an opportunity for regime change. Conversely, Iranian officials have vowed a “crushing response” and have placed the country under heightened security protocols, with schools and government offices operating at reduced capacity.
As of this evening, the international community is braced for the next phase of this developing conflict.
Disclaimer: This report is based on current intelligence and major news coverage as of February 28, 2026. The situation is evolving rapidly and details may change as new information becomes available.
