1 / 9Major Military Escalation: US–Israel Joint Strike on Iran | On February 28, Israel and the United States launched coordinated air and missile strikes deep inside Iranian territory. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the operation targeted leadership compounds, Revolutionary Guard facilities, missile and drone launch sites, air defence systems and other strategic infrastructure in Tehran and beyond. US officials said the strikes were part of a broader coordinated offensive. Israeli military chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said hundreds of targets were hit. (Image: Reuters)
2 / 9Death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Senior Officials | Iranian state television confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the joint strike. He had led Iran since 1989 and held final authority over major policies. The IDF later said he was targeted in a “precise, large-scale operation” at his central compound in Tehran. Iranian officials declared 40 days of national mourning and announced a temporary governing council until a new Supreme Leader is chosen. Senior military officials, including top commanders linked to the Revolutionary Guard, were also reported killed in related strikes. (Image: Reuters)
3 / 9Iran’s Counterattacks Across the Region | In retaliation, Iran launched missiles and drones toward Israel and US military bases in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. The Israeli military said dozens of missiles were fired, many of which were intercepted. Israel’s emergency services reported civilian casualties in the Tel Aviv area. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard pledged further strikes on what it described as “legitimate targets,” warning that the attack would not go unanswered. (Image: Reuters)
4 / 9Civilian Impact and Humanitarian Toll | Civilian casualties have mounted on both sides. Iranian officials told the UN Security Council that hundreds of civilians were killed or wounded in the strikes. Reports from southern Iran said a girls’ school was hit, resulting in heavy casualties, though US officials said they were reviewing those claims. Residential areas, public facilities and infrastructure have also been damaged. Mass evacuations and widespread fear have followed the exchanges of fire. (Image: Reuters)
5 / 9Airspace Closures and Flight Disruptions | The escalation severely disrupted air travel across West Asia. Airspace closures in parts of the Gulf affected international routes linking Europe, Asia and North America. Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the cancellation of over 180 international flights. In India, 225 international flights were cancelled at Mumbai and Delhi airports due to the evolving situation and Gulf airspace restrictions. Authorities warned of further schedule changes. (Image: Reuters)
6 / 9Strait of Hormuz Closed, Global Oil Supply at Risk | The Iranian government announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as the conflict with Israel and the United States escalated. The narrow maritime passage connects the Persian Gulf to global shipping routes and carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil supply. Any disruption to traffic through Hormuz can immediately impact global energy markets. Analysts warn the closure could trigger a sharp rise in crude oil prices worldwide, as the strait is a critical gateway for oil exports from major Gulf producers. The move significantly raises the economic stakes of the war, extending its impact far beyond the battlefield. (Image: Reuters)
7 / 9Protests and Regional Unrest | The conflict has triggered protests beyond Iran. In Karachi, Pakistan, demonstrators stormed the US Consulate before security forces dispersed the crowd. Authorities reported casualties in the clashes. In India, protests were reported in parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh, largely in Shia-majority areas. According to PTI, thousands marched peacefully in Srinagar and other towns, raising anti-US and anti-Israel slogans. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah appealed for calm and urged communities to maintain peace. The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi lowered its flag to half-mast after confirmation of Khamenei’s death. (Image: PTI)
8 / 9International Reactions and Diplomatic Pressure | Global leaders responded with sharply divided reactions. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences and criticised the killing as a violation of international law. North Korea described the US and Israeli strikes as “illegal aggression,” according to state media. Other governments called for restraint and warned of a spiral of violence across the Middle East. Diplomatic channels at the United Nations are expected to intensify amid growing fears of a wider regional war. (Image: Reuters)
9 / 9Strategic Context and Escalation Risks | The escalation follows years of tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme, ballistic missile development and previous confrontations between Israel and Iran-backed groups. Israel said the latest offensive had been planned for months in coordination with the United States. US President Donald Trump warned that any further retaliation would be met with strong force. Analysts warn the conflict could widen, affecting global energy markets, security alliances and regional stability. With both sides vowing continued action, the risk of a prolonged confrontation remains high. (Image: Reuters)
