United States and Israel Launch Joint Airstrike on Iran
The United States and Israel launched a joint military operation called “Epic Fury” against Iran, reportedly killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials after the Trump administration concluded that nuclear negotiations had failed. (Javad Esmaeili/Unsplash)
Following ongoing nuclear debates between the U.S. and Iran, the U.S. concluded that Iran would continue to pursue nuclear weapons, which led to the attack from both the United States and Israel.
Article by Casey Healey, Junior Political Reporter
TEHRAN, Iran - On Saturday, Feb. 28 the United States and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran, destroying major military sites and ultimately killing Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The operation was named “Epic Fury” by the United States and “Lion’s Roar” by Israel.
“This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country,” Trump wrote on Truth Social regarding reports of Khamenei’s death.
He was 86 years old and had been in power since 1989.
Israel confirmed that the supreme leader was dead, however, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman claims that Iran’s president and Khamenei are “safe and sound.”
Other senior Iranian officials were also confirmed to be killed in the airstrikes. Trump has also indicated that the bombing will continue through the week.
“I don’t want to say anything definitively until I see things but we believe he is,” Trump told ABC News “And much of their leaders are gone. Not only from the one site but two other sites we that we attacked also. We had great intelligence and so we think much of leadership is gone.”
Several cities within Iran were struck, the most notable site being in Tehran, where the supreme leader's compound was located. It was known as the beyt-e rahbari and served as the center of Iran’s regime.
The attacks occurred once Trump officials concluded that negotiations with Iranian leaders were stalled, and it did not seem that they would agree to the United States’ demands to keep away from nuclear weapons. The Trump administration claimed that Iran intended to rebuild its nuclear program which could lead to possible future attacks on the United States and Europe.
Iran’s theocracy had also been facing growing nationwide dissent regarding the economy and government.
According to the Red Crescent, at least 201 people across Iran have been killed, with 747 injured. 108 of the victims were killed due to a strike that hit a girls’ school.
Iran retaliated on Saturday, launching missiles and drones at Israel as well as U.S. military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar.
Following the attacks, the U.S. military reported no U.S. casualties. Israel also reported that the missiles were intercepted, however 89 are said to be “lightly injured” according to emergency responder Magen David Adom.
In an eight minute video on social media, Trump urged Iranian citizens to overthrow the leadership.
"When we are finished, take over your government," Trump said in the video. "It will be yours to take. This will probably be your only chance for generations."
Congress reserves the power to declare war, but they have not done so. However, the President also has broad authority to engage in military action.