Operation Epic Fury: US & Israel Bomb Iran — Khamenei Killed, Region in Flames
On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched a massive joint military assault on Iran — codenamed Operation Epic Fury by the Pentagon and Roaring Lion by Israel — targeting military commanders, nuclear facilities, and Iran's supreme leadership. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in an Israeli airstrike on his Tehran compound. Iran declared 40 days of mourning and launched six retaliatory waves of ballistic missiles and drones targeting 27 US military bases across the Middle East, plus civilian and military sites in Israel, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Cyprus.
How We Got Here — Full Timeline
Why This Started
The Coup That Broke the Trust
Root CauseIn 1953, the CIA and MI6 orchestrated a coup that removed democratically popular PM Mohammad Mosaddegh and installed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi — whose authoritarian regime became one of America's closest Cold War allies. The US was previously seen as a trustworthy neutral power, even appointing Americans as Iran's treasurers-general. That trust was permanently destroyed.
↗ Wikipedia: Iran–United States relationsThe Revolution That Made It Permanent
Structural CauseThe 1979 Islamic Revolution reversed everything. Iranian revolutionaries seized the US Embassy, holding 66 Americans hostage for 444 days. The US severed diplomatic relations on April 7, 1980 — and they have never been restored. Pakistan now represents Iran in the US; Switzerland represents the US in Iran. In 2018 Khamenei banned even indirect direct talks with the United States.
↗ Wikipedia: Iran–United States relationsThe Nuclear Deal That Collapsed
TriggerIn 2015, the US led the JCPOA nuclear deal, placing strict limits on Iranian enrichment with IAEA inspections. In 2018, Trump withdrew unilaterally and launched a 'maximum pressure' sanctions campaign. Iran gradually exceeded pre-JCPOA enrichment levels. By May 31, 2025, the IAEA reported Iran held a record amount of military-grade enriched uranium. The IAEA declared Iran in breach of non-proliferation obligations on June 12, 2025.
↗ Wikipedia: 2025–26 Iran–US negotiations32,000 Dead Protesters
AccelerantBeginning December 28, 2025, protests erupted across all 31 Iranian provinces — the largest uprising since 1979, sparked by record inflation and currency depreciation. The government deployed security forces and foreign Shia militias. Death toll estimates range from 3,117 (Iranian government) to 36,500 (Iran International). On January 13, 2026, Trump told Iranians to 'keep protesting' and said 'help is on the way.' The January massacres became the direct political justification for US military action.
↗ Wikipedia: 2026 Iran massacresKey Perspectives
United States & Israel
- Trump: The goal is to "defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats" and destroy Iran's missile and nuclear capabilities.
- Netanyahu: Strikes will "remove the existential threat" and allow "the brave Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands."
Regional Overview
Alignment
What to Watch Next
Who succeeds Khamenei — Iran's leadership vacuum
Reason: Khamenei held supreme authority for 37 years with no named successor. The Assembly of Experts must convene during an active military assault — an unprecedented situation with no constitutional playbook.
Will Iran close the Strait of Hormuz?
Reason: A third of global seaborne oil exports pass through this 33km chokepoint. Iran threatened closure multiple times since 2011. Closure would be an economic strike at the entire world — including China and India.
Houthis resuming Red Sea attacks
Reason: Yemen-based Houthis have already announced a resumption of Red Sea attacks. Combined with Strait of Hormuz pressure, global shipping faces a simultaneous dual chokepoint crisis.
US Congress authorisation — was this legal?
Reason: Democrats are challenging Trump for acting without a formal AUMF vote. The White House briefed some leaders but sought no authorisation. A constitutional clash in Congress may follow.
Will protests in Iran topple the regime?
Reason: Trump explicitly called for regime change. Some Iranians reportedly celebrated Khamenei's death. With up to 36,500 protest deaths already, popular anger is real — but the movement is leaderless and the IRGC is still armed.
Global oil prices and India's economy
Reason: India imports ~80% of crude oil. Dubai airport is shut. If the Strait closes, India faces an immediate energy crisis. Oil markets are already pricing in a risk premium as of March 1.