Israel Launches Unprecedented Military Campaign Against Iran: Timeline, Impact, and Global Repercussions

On the night of February 28, Israel launched a complex, synchronized air operation alongside American forces, known in U.S. military channels as Operation Epic Fury. The initial wave of strikes targeted dozens of sites across northern Iran, including missile storage facilities, air defense installations, command centers, and leadership compounds.

The most consequential strike was the attack on a central leadership compound in Tehran that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran confirmed his death on March 1. Khamenei had led Iran since 1989, succeeding Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. His assassination sent shockwaves through Iran, the Middle East, and the international community. Survivors within Iran’s leadership reportedly feared further targeted eliminations and a systematic dismantling of the Islamic Republic.

Expansion of the Offensive
In the days following the opening strikes, Israel intensified operations across the country. Military and civilian infrastructure alike were targeted. Oil storage depots in Tehran — including Aghdasieh, Shahran, and the Tehran refinery — were bombed, igniting fires that burned for days. Iran’s Deputy Health Minister warned of environmental hazards, including soil contamination, respiratory damage, and acid rain, though Israel maintained the strikes targeted facilities supplying energy to military operations.