US and Israel Launch Preemptive Strike Against Iran

On February 28, the United States and Israel announced a joint air and sea strike against Iran. Iran subsequently retaliated against Israeli and US military targets in the Middle East. Xinhua News Agency reporters in Tehran, the Iranian capital, heard a massive explosion. The following are four key terms to watch in this military conflict.

According to Israeli Defense Minister Katz, Israel launched a preemptive strike against Iran that day. The Israeli public broadcaster reported that the operation was codenamed “Operation Lion’s Roar.” An informed official told the Associated Press that Israeli targets included Iranian military facilities, landmark government buildings, and intelligence agencies.

Currently, a state of emergency has been declared throughout Israel, with air sirens blaring nationwide to “prepare the public for possible missile strikes against Israel.” Furthermore, residents across Israel have received mobile phone alerts warning them of an “extremely serious” threat.

Based on multiple sources, this was a joint US-Israeli attack. US officials stated that the joint US-Israeli military operation against Iran aims to destroy the Iranian regime.

US President Trump stated that Iran is developing long-range missiles that threaten the United States, and that the strikes aim to destroy Iran’s missile industry, eliminate its navy, and ensure Iran cannot acquire nuclear weapons.

The New York Times, citing sources, reported that US officials expect the new wave of attacks on Iran to far exceed the US attack on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025. One source stated that US warplanes deployed in the Middle East and carrier-based aircraft have carried out “dozens of strikes” against Iran.

Saudi Arabia’s Al Arabiya TV, citing Israeli sources, reported that the first phase of the strikes against Iran will last four days, targeting all leaders, including Supreme Leader Khamenei.

Multiple sources indicate that targets in the city center, including the Iranian presidential office, the Supreme National Security Council building, and the Supreme Leader’s office, were targeted. Media reports indicate that roads leading to Khamenei’s office have been closed.

According to Iran’s Mehr News Agency, Iranian President Pezehizian and Foreign Minister Araghchi are unharmed.

Following the attacks, explosions were heard in multiple locations in Iran, including Isfahan, Qom, and Lorestan. Israeli media reported that dozens of targets in Iran were attacked.

In June 2025, the US claimed to have successfully struck three Iranian nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

According to Iranian media, Iran is preparing a “devastating retaliatory strike” against Israel. Ibrahim Aziz, chairman of the Iranian parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said, “We (Iran) warned you (Israel), and now you have embarked on this path; the outcome is no longer in your control.”

The Israeli military stated that it detected the first and second waves of missiles launched from Iran and intercepted them with its air defense system. Israeli media also reported that air raid sirens were sounded in multiple locations in northern and central Israel.

Iran retaliated by striking US military bases in the Middle East that day. Al Arabiya TV reported that the US Fifth Fleet service center in Bahrain was attacked by missiles. The Associated Press also cited witnesses reporting sirens and explosions near a US military base in Kuwait.