Early on Saturday, February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel carried out big air strikes together on Iran. They targeted nuclear sites and missile bases. President Donald Trump said this is “major combat operations” to stop Iran from making dangerous weapons and to help the Iranian people.
Israeli officials named their part “Roaring Lion”. They said it was a preemptive move because they had secret information that Iran was getting ready to attack. Iranian leaders called it pure aggression and promised a strong reply. But inside Iran, some people came out on the streets to celebrate. Dissidents said it was like removing a long-standing tumor from their country.
Casualty numbers are still not clear. Reports from both sides differ a lot. The world is watching with worry. Many fear this could turn into a bigger war. For Indians, this matters because India buys a lot of oil from the Gulf and thousands of our people live and work there.
What Led to These Strikes?
Tensions with Iran have been high for many years. Iran has a nuclear program that started decades ago. The US and Israel worry that Iran wants to make atomic bombs. Iran always says its program is only for peaceful power and medicine.
In 2015, many countries made a deal with Iran called the JCPOA to limit its nuclear work. But in 2018, President Trump pulled America out of that deal. Things got worse.
Fast forward to 2025. In June 2025, the US hit three Iranian nuclear sites – Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Trump said at that time the sites were “completely obliterated”. But later checks showed Iran still had some enriched uranium left.
Then, in December 2025, big protests started in Iran. People were angry about high prices, no jobs, and strict rules. The government cracked down hard. Reports say thousands died in January 2026. Trump spoke in support of the protesters.
America sent two big aircraft carriers and many ships to the Middle East. Talks happened in Oman to make a new nuclear deal. Just on February 27, there was a small breakthrough – Iran said it would stop some uranium work and let inspectors check.
But on February 28, everything changed. US and Israel decided not to wait. They struck first.
Trump had warned for weeks. In his State of the Union speech, he said Iran was still trying to make weapons and long-range missiles. Israel said it had clear proof of plans to attack them.
Details of the Operation: ‘Roaring Lion’ and ‘Epic Fury’
Israel called its action “Roaring Lion”. The US named the whole thing “Operation Epic Fury“.
The strikes started early morning Iranian time. Planes from US carriers and Israeli bases flew in. Missiles also hit from far away.
Explosions shook Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. Smoke rose high in the sky. People heard loud booms and saw flashes.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said it was preemptive to remove the threat to Israel. He thanked Trump for strong leadership.
The attacks went on for hours. US officials said they planned for several days of action if needed.
Targets That Were Hit
The main focus was Iran’s nuclear and missile places.
- In Tehran: Compound of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was hit hard. Satellite pictures show big damage. Presidential offices and security council buildings also targeted.
- Isfahan: This is a key nuclear and missile centre. It was hit again after the June 2025 strike.
- Other sites: Military bases in Bushehr, Lorestan, Tabriz, and Qom. IRGC (Revolutionary Guard) facilities where missiles are made and stored.
US officials said America mainly hit missile and nuclear targets. Israel focused on leadership and military heads.
One sad report from Iran: A girls’ school in Minab, southern Iran, was hit. Iranian media said 40 to 53 students died. This is still not fully confirmed by independent sources.
Iran says the strikes happened even while talks were going on. They call it a “brutal attack” during diplomacy.
Trump’s Strong Message to Iran
President Trump posted an 8-minute video on Truth Social. He spoke directly to Iranians.
He said: “We are undertaking a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America… We sought repeatedly to make a deal. We tried.”
He told Iranian soldiers: “Lay down your weapons and you will have complete immunity. Or face certain death.”
To the people he said: “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations… The hour of your freedom is at hand. America is backing you with overwhelming strength.”
Trump added that some American lives might be lost, but “that often happens in war”. He called it a “noble mission” for future safety.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the goal was to “remove the existential threat” from the “terror regime” in Iran.
Iran’s Anger and Retaliation
Iran’s leaders were quick to react. The Supreme National Security Council said the armed forces will give a “crushing response”.
Iran fired dozens of ballistic missiles back. Targets included:
- Israel (many intercepted, one building hit in north Israel – 1 injured)
- US bases in Qatar (Al Udeid), Bahrain (Fifth Fleet HQ), UAE (Al Dhafra), Kuwait, Jordan
- Some damage reported in Gulf cities. One person died in Abu Dhabi from falling debris.
Iran said all US and Israeli interests in the region are now fair targets.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the strikes a “crime against the Iranian people”.
Internet in Iran went almost black – only 4% working. Airspace closed in many countries. Flights from Air India and IndiGo stopped.
Mixed Reactions Inside Iran: Some Celebrate, Others Fear
Not everyone in Iran is angry at the strikes.
Videos before the full blackout showed people in Tehran and Parchin laughing and cheering. They pointed at smoke from the “leader’s house” and shouted “Death to Khamenei”. Some chanted “I love Trump”.
Students in some places came out celebrating.
Exiled opposition leaders praised the action.
Reza Pahlavi, son of the last Shah, called it a “humanitarian intervention”. He said the target is the regime’s “apparatus of repression, not the country and great nation of Iran”.
He told Iranians: “Fateful moments lie ahead… The aid that President Trump promised has now arrived.” He asked the military and police to side with the people and said “the time to return to the streets is near”. He urged Trump to protect civilians.
Maryam Rajavi of the opposition also spoke about starting a transitional government.
Dissidents called the strikes like removing a long-standing “tumor” that has troubled Iran for 47 years.
But many ordinary people are scared. They rushed home, took children from schools, and hid. Panic spread in cities.
How the World is Reacting – Special Focus on India
Reactions are split.
Russia called it “unprovoked aggression”. China and Oman condemned the strikes as illegal.
Europe asked for calm. UK and Australia said they understand the security worries but want no bigger war.
In India, the Ministry of External Affairs said it is “deeply concerned”. It urged all sides to “exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians”. Dialogue and respect for every country’s borders is important.
India issued safety advisories for its citizens in Iran, Israel, Jordan, UAE, and other Gulf countries. Many Indians work there. Helplines are open.
Opposition Congress criticised the timing of PM Modi’s recent Israel visit. They called it “moral cowardice” or something that shows wrong signals.
Flights to the region are affected. Oil prices may go up, which will hit Indian petrol and diesel costs.
What This Means for the Future
This is a big moment. If the strikes destroy Iran’s nuclear and missile power, it could stop a big threat.
But Iran has friends like Russia and proxies like Hezbollah and Houthis. They may hit back more.
Oil supply from Gulf can get disturbed. World economy may feel the pain.
For Iran’s people, this could be the start of real change – or more suffering.
No one knows how long the fighting will last. Trump said operations are “ongoing”.
Experts say this is different from past fights because both US and Israel are hitting hard together and calling for regime change openly.
Background: Iran’s Nuclear Program in Simple Words
Iran started its nuclear work in the 1950s with help from America and others for power plants.
Over years, it built secret places to enrich uranium. Enriched uranium can make electricity or, if done a lot, bombs.
The world watches because a nuclear Iran could change everything in the Middle East.
Israel says it will never allow that. America has the same worry.
Past deals tried to control it but failed to give full trust.
The 2025 US strike set it back, but Iran kept working quietly.
Now these new strikes aim to finish the job.
FAQs
Q1: What exactly happened on February 28, 2026?
A: US and Israel launched surprise air and missile strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile factories, and leadership buildings in many cities. Trump confirmed it as “major combat operations”. Israel named it “Roaring Lion”. Iran hit back with missiles on Israel and US bases in Gulf countries.
Q2: Why did US and Israel strike now?
A: They had intelligence that Iran was preparing attacks. Nuclear talks had a small breakthrough but Trump and Netanyahu said Iran was still dangerous. Recent protests in Iran showed the regime is weak, so they acted to support the people and remove the threat.
Q3: Are there many deaths?
A: Not fully confirmed. Iran says dozens of students died in a school strike in Minab. Other reports mention IRGC members killed. On the other side, one death in UAE from debris and one injury in Israel. Full picture will come later.
Q4: What did Trump say to Iranians?
A: He asked them to take over their government after the strikes. He promised America supports their freedom and told soldiers to surrender for safety.
Q5: How does this affect India?
A: India has asked its people in the region to stay safe. Oil prices can rise and increase our fuel costs. Flights are cancelled. Our government wants peace and talks, not more fighting.
Q6: Will this lead to a big war?
A: It is possible but leaders are trying to control it. Iran promises strong reply but many countries are calling for calm. US says it is ready for more action if needed.
Q7: What do Iranian opposition leaders say?
A: Reza Pahlavi called it humanitarian help to free Iran. He wants people to get ready for change but stay safe now. Other dissidents say it removes the old bad system.
Q8: Is Iran’s nuclear program finished?
A: Strikes hit key sites but experts say full damage check will take time. The goal was to set it back many years.
Q9: Can Indians travel to the area now?
A: No. Check MEA website for latest advisories. Avoid non-essential travel.
Q10: Where to get latest updates?
A: Follow trusted news like this site, or official government handles. Things are changing fast.