U.S. and Israel Launch Coordinated Military Campaign Against Iran
The United States and Israel initiated a large-scale, coordinated military campaign against Iran on February 28, conducting nearly 900 joint strikes within the first 12 hours. Codenamed “Operation Epic Fury” by the U.S. and “Operation Roaring Lion” by Israel, the opening bombardment targeted a high-level meeting in Tehran, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders.
President Donald Trump, who commenced the war amid stalled nuclear negotiations, stated the objective is to eliminate Iran’s missile capabilities and prevent it from ever achieving nuclear weapons. Reports indicate that over 2,000 strikes have since focused on IRGC facilities, air defenses, and nuclear research sites. Iran has retaliated with hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones, expanding its attacks to include Gulf Arab states like Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, targeting civilian infrastructure such as desalination plants and airports.
This direct, large-scale conflict follows a prior escalation in June 2025, when Israel conducted targeted airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, including Natanz and Fordow. That exchange resulted in over 220 casualties in Iran and more than 20 in Israel, marking a shift from a shadow war of proxies to overt confrontation.
International reaction is divided. The UN Secretary-General has condemned the strikes as violating the UN Charter, warning of widespread barbarism and noting the conflict now impacts 16 countries. Political backing has come from Polish President Karol Nawrocki and some Baltic leaders, who frame the action through a security lens. Spain has notably refused U.S. access to its military bases, positioning itself as a vocal Western critic. China and Russia have condemned the U.S. and Israel while observing from afar, with analysts noting they could influence the conflict’s trajectory.
Military analysts suggest the campaign has significantly degraded Iran’s air defense systems, but questions persist about the political endgame. The International Institute for Strategic Studies warns that shifting focus to ground forces like the IRGC and Basij will require a massive increase in strike capacity. The Center for Strategic & International Studies estimates the first 100 hours of war cost $3.7 billion, largely unbudgeted. Think tanks like the Middle East Institute and Just Security question whether leadership decapitation will cause regime collapse or a protracted insurgency, and whether the preemptive justification meets legal standards for imminent threat.
A key concern is the U.S.’s approach to coalition-building. The Council on Foreign Relations notes that excluding allies from initial planning may leave the U.S. without a “coalition of the willing” to manage post-war humanitarian and governance crises if the regime falls.
The conflict is disrupting global markets. Crude oil prices have surged over 20 percent, exceeding $100 per barrel—the highest since 2022—threatening supply chains and global economic growth. In Nigeria, the oil price spike has already increased commodity costs and inflation, illustrating the conflict’s reach beyond the region.
Analysts warn that while the military phase appears successful, the lack of a clear political strategy risks a prolonged and destabilizing regional conflict, with the long-term costs for international stability yet to be determined.
