Developing: U.S. and Israel Launch Joint Military Strikes on Iran as Tehran Retaliates Across the Region
The United States and Israel launched a coordinated military operation against Iran on Friday, February 28, 2026, in what President Donald Trump described as the beginning of "major combat operations." The operation, codenamed "Epic Fury," represents the most significant direct U.S. military engagement with Iran in decades, targeting what officials described as the country's nuclear infrastructure and military capabilities. Iran responded swiftly, launching retaliatory strikes against multiple U.S. military installations in the region. Iranian officials confirmed they had struck a U.S. base in Bahrain and launched attacks across the broader Middle East, with reports of at least four U.S. military bases being targeted. Explosions were heard across the region as the situation escalated rapidly through the day. The strikes have sent shockwaves through global markets and diplomatic channels, with world leaders scrambling to respond. Flights across the Middle East have been cancelled and travel warnings issued as the conflict threatens to destabilize the entire region. Financial markets are bracing for significant volatility, with analysts warning of ramifications potentially exceeding previous geopolitical crises.