U.S.-Israel Strikes on Iran Trigger Middle East Escalation

On February 28, 2023, at approximately 0620 GMT, a joint military strike by the U.S. and Israel against Iran commenced, leading to a rapid escalation in the region. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed a preemptive strike, with air raid sirens sounding across Israel.

The strikes targeted multiple locations in Iran, including Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, and Kermanshah, with reports of missile exchanges and significant casualties. By 0800 GMT, Iranian media reported preparations for retaliation, and by 0930 GMT, Iranian forces launched missile attacks on U.S. military bases in the region.

The conflict resulted in the deaths of 201 people and injuries to 747, with Iranian officials confirming the death of key military leaders, including Ali Khamenei. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have destroyed U.S. radar installations in Qatar and launched missile attacks on U.S. aircraft carriers.

The situation prompted an emergency session of the UN Security Council.