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The 2026 Iran conflict refers to a coordinated military attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran launched by the United States and "Israel" on February 28, 2026[1]. The operation, described by US President Donald Trump as "major combat operations," marked a significant escalation in the imperialist war against the Axis of Resistance.[2][1]
Background
The attack came amidst ongoing diplomatic negotiations between Iran and the US in Geneva, mediated by Oman, which had shown signs of progress. In the days leading up to the assault, the US had escalated its military posture in the region, deploying 12 F-22 fighter jets to an Israeli air base in southern Israel, which arrived just days before the strike. This military buildup coincided with Iran conducting defensive military exercises, including a drill by the IRGC Ground Force in southern Iran and on Persian Gulf islands.[2][3]
Tensions had been high since the summer of 2025, when the US and Israel had previously bombed Iranian nuclear facilities in an operation called "Operation Midnight Hammer". Despite subsequent talks, the US and Israel maintained a policy of maximum pressure and threats of "regime change".
The Attack
In the early hours of February 28, 2026, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Israel had carried out a "preemptive strike" against Iran "to eliminate threats against the State of Israel." Shortly after, US President Donald Trump confirmed that the United States had begun "major combat operations" in Iran, announcing the operation on his Truth Social platform.
Trump, joined at his Mar-a-Lago estate by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, oversaw the launch of the campaign . The operation was named "Operation Epic Fury" by the US Department of War.[3]
Numerous videos show evidence of U.S. and "Israeli" bombs targeting schools with precise strikes that violate international law.
Human Casualties
The human cost of the US-Israeli aggression was immediate and severe.
- Iran: The deadliest single attack was on a girls' elementary school in Minab County, in southern Iran. At least 51 students were killed and 60 injured in the strike, an act of mass murder of children that laid bare the barbarism of the imperialist operation . Initial reports from Iran's state-run IRNA news agency put the death toll at the school at 40, though the toll later rose.[3]
Other Casualties
- UAE: One civilian was killed in Abu Dhabi by falling debris from the Iranian retaliation.[3]
- US: The IRGC claimed over 200 US personnel were killed or injured in the retaliatory strikes on its bases . This figure could not be independently verified due to the US military's control of information.[3]
- Israel: Several Israelis were reported injured while running to shelters, but no direct fatalities were reported in the initial hours . Damage to property was reported.[2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Anadolu Staff (2026-2-27). "US, Israel launch strikes on Iran, begin ‘major combat operations’" Anadolu Ajnasi.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 CNN (2026-2-27). https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/israel-iran-attack-02-28-26-hnk-intl?t=1772281974736&Date=20260228&Profile=CNN&utm_content=1772282693&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin US and Israel attack Iran as Tehran retaliates across Middle East.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 The Hindu Staff (2026-2-28). "Iran-Israel conflict LIVE: Iran Guards launch new wave of missiles against U.S. bases in Gulf, says state TV" The Hindu.