Middle East on the Brink: US–Israel Strike Iran, Khamenei Killed, Regional War Spreads
Massive aerial assault on Tehran confirms the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader — conflict has now spread to Lebanon, Qatar and the UAE — Trump declares it “the last and best chance” to eliminate the threat
At a Glance — What We Know So Far
- Trump: Strikes on Iran were “the last and best chance” — ‘Operation Epic Fury’ ongoing
- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed — Iran’s Supreme Leader’s death confirmed by state media
- Lebanon: 52 killed, 154+ wounded, 28,500+ displaced in Israeli strikes
- Qatar: 7 ballistic missiles and 5 drones intercepted — air force claims successful defence
- UK: Did not participate in strikes — Starmer clarifies position in the House of Commons
- Iran retaliates: Missiles fired at Israel, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan and Saudi Arabia
Tehran / Washington / Beirut — US President Donald Trump declared from the White House on Monday that “Operation Epic Fury” — a joint American–Israeli air campaign launched in the early hours of Saturday — is the largest and most precise military operation in history. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes, confirmed by Iranian state media itself. The decision came after a final round of diplomatic talks in Geneva collapsed, with Tehran refusing to halt its nuclear enrichment programme.
🇺🇸 United States
Trump says the operation will continue “week after week.” 4 US service members killed. Over 1,000 targets struck, the Pentagon claims.
🇮🇷 Iran
200+ killed, 700+ wounded. Internet shut down nationwide. Retaliatory strikes hit six Gulf states, Israel and Iraq.
🇱🇧 Lebanon
Hezbollah launches rockets into northern Israel — first major ceasefire breach since 2024. Israel retaliates across Beirut and the Bekaa Valley.
⛽ Global Economy
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz effectively halted. Oil prices at a 52-week high. Widespread aviation disruption.
Why Did the Strikes Happen?
Two rounds of diplomatic talks — in Oman on 6 February and Geneva on 17 February — ended without progress as Iran refused to suspend its nuclear programme. At the Geneva session, Iran’s Foreign Minister declared the country had no interest in receiving “American goodwill.” Trump subsequently finalised plans for a military operation, describing diplomacy as exhausted.
This was our last and best chance to eliminate an intolerable threat. They refused to stop their nuclear programme — we had no other option.— Donald Trump, President of the United States, The White House
Casualties & Damage
Iranian authorities claim more than 100 children were killed when a girls’ school in the southern city of Minab was struck. Separately, the Pentagon confirmed that Kuwaiti air defences accidentally shot down three US fighter jets in a case of mistaken identification.
Lebanon: The War Expands
Hezbollah launched a rocket barrage into northern Israel in the early hours of Monday — the first major violation of the 2024 ceasefire. The attack was framed as retaliation for Khamenei’s killing. Israel responded with sustained strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley.
If Hezbollah follows Khamenei’s path, it will soon find itself in the depths of hell.— Israel Katz, Israeli Defence Minister
Qatar: Tension Around Gas Infrastructure
Explosions were reported in Doha, with plumes of smoke visible near the Barwa district. Qatar’s air force stated it intercepted 7 Iranian ballistic missiles, 5 drones and two Su-24 combat aircraft. Qatar hosts the vast Al Udeid Air Base — the largest US military installation in the Middle East — making it a primary Iranian target.
UK’s Position: Standing Apart
Prime Minister Starmer told the House of Commons that the United Kingdom did not participate in the initial strikes. He later authorised US forces to use RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus for “defensive purposes only.” Within hours, the base was struck by a drone — with minor damage and no casualties reported.
We do not believe in regime change from the air. It is my responsibility to make decisions in Britain’s national interest — and I stand by that decision.— Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, House of Commons
Timeline of Events
- 6 February 2026 US–Iran nuclear talks in Oman — no breakthrough reached.
- 17 February 2026 Final Geneva talks collapse. Iran refuses to halt uranium enrichment.
- 28 February 2026 Joint US–Israeli strikes begin. Massive explosions in Tehran. Khamenei’s death confirmed.
- 1 March 2026 Iran retaliates with missile strikes against Israel, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
- 2 March 2026 Hezbollah rockets Israel; Israeli counter-strikes hit Lebanon. RAF Akrotiri struck. Trump announces weeks of operations ahead.
Global Reaction
Russia and China condemned the strikes at an emergency UN Security Council session. Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez emerged as the sole EU leader to publicly oppose the operation. In the US Congress, legislators began moving to invoke the War Powers Resolution. In Pakistan, 24 people were killed during protests in which UN offices were set on fire and the US consulate was besieged.
JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon warned of heightened cyber and terrorist attack risks. Amazon issued delivery delay notices for the Middle East. Asian stock markets fell sharply, and analysts warned oil could breach $100 per barrel if Hormuz remains closed.
