Photo: EPA Air Defense Operations in Israel
Trump has already announced a strong response.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Sunday declared the start of “the most devastating offensive operation in Iran’s history.”
“The most severe offensive operation in the history of Iran’s armed forces will begin within minutes on occupied territories and U.S. terrorist bases,” the Fars news agency quoted in the morning. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf also stated that the U.S. and Israel “crossed the red line and will pay for it,” adding that the country will continue the path of Khamenei, according to Iranian state television. In response, U.S. President Donald Trump wrote that the United States would strike Iran with “a force the world has never seen before.”
“Iran just announced that today they will deliver a very strong strike, stronger than ever before. However, they better not do it, because if they do, we will hit them with a force the world has never seen,” he wrote on Truth Social.
Nevertheless, on Sunday, Iran launched a new wave of missile and drone attacks on U.S. military bases across the region and in Israel. Reuters reports that targets included twenty-seven U.S. bases in the region, as well as Israel’s military headquarters and a defense industry complex in Tel Aviv.
According to regional media, explosions were heard over Jerusalem on the morning of March 1, and the Israeli Air Force stated it was “acting to intercept and neutralize threats.” A series of explosions also occurred in Tel Aviv.
The Times of Israel, citing medical services, reported no casualties or direct damage to residential areas. Police confirmed reports of missile and interceptor debris falling to the ground.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that the military would continue to act to protect the country.
“Justice has been done, and the axis of evil has taken a lethal hit,” Katz said on X, referring to Khamenei’s killing. Several loud explosions were also heard on Sunday morning in Dubai. Two people were injured in the city due to debris from downed drones falling onto the yards of two homes.
Officials also confirmed that the explosions heard across the emirate on Sunday were the result of “successful interception operations.”
Explosions were reported in Tehran as well. Israel stated that its air force carried out a large-scale wave of airstrikes on “targets of the Iranian terrorist regime in the heart of Tehran.”
On Sunday night, Iran confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei following airstrikes by Israel and the U.S. on Saturday. He had led Iran and the Muslim ummah for 37 years. The Iranian government declared 40 days of national mourning and seven days of national holidays.
On the morning of February 28, Israeli forces carried out a series of strikes on Iran, including targets linked to Hezbollah in Lebanon. In response, Iran launched “dozens” of ballistic missiles toward Israel and struck U.S. bases in Bahrain, the UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran is ready for de-escalation and will attack only U.S. military bases in the Middle East, not “Americans on their land.” Tehran is also willing to negotiate after the U.S. and Israeli strikes conclude.
