U.S. and Israel Launch Massive Military Strikes on Iran in Operation Shield of Judah

Operation Shield of Judah Begins

On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched a coordinated military assault on Iran, striking targets across multiple cities including Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. The operation goes by three names: "Shield of Judah" (the joint designation), "Roaring Lion" (Israel's name), and "Epic Fury" (the U.S. Department of Defense's name). President Trump announced the beginning of "major combat operations" in Iran, and the stated objectives are sweeping: destroy Iran's missile capabilities, obliterate its nuclear program, and bring about regime change.

This is not a limited strike. This is the start of what both governments are framing as a comprehensive military campaign against the Iranian regime.

What Was Hit

The strikes targeted Iran's military, nuclear, and political infrastructure simultaneously. Seven missiles struck the district in Tehran that houses Supreme Leader Khamenei's residence, the presidential palace, and the National Security Council. Command and control nodes, launch complexes, hardened nuclear protection layers, nuclear support facilities, and ballistic missile architecture were all targeted.

The human cost is already mounting. At least 40 people were killed when an Israeli strike hit an elementary girls' school in Minab, Hormozgan province, according to Iran's state news agency IRNA. Reuters reported that senior IRGC commanders and regime officials were among the casualties. The scale of the strikes makes clear that this operation is designed to systematically dismantle Iran's military capacity and decapitate its leadership structure.

The Rhetoric Is Extraordinary

The language from both Trump and Netanyahu goes far beyond the typical carefully calibrated statements that accompany military operations. Trump used words like "annihilation" and "elimination" in his video address, warning that the mission could involve American casualties. He directly addressed the Iranian people: "When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations."

Netanyahu was equally explicit about regime change: "This murderous terrorist regime must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity." He said the operation "will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands" and called on "all sections of the people in Iran to remove the yoke of tyranny."

Israeli Defense Minister Katz described the strikes as a "preemptive attack" intended to "remove threats to the State of Israel."

Iran Retaliates

Iran's response was swift. Under the code name "Truthful Promise 4," Iran launched missiles at the U.S. 5th Fleet command in Bahrain, U.S. bases in Qatar and the UAE, and military targets in Israel. Four U.S. military bases were reportedly hit. One person was killed by debris in Abu Dhabi after air defenses intercepted incoming Iranian missiles.

Iran's Supreme National Security Council declared that its armed forces would deliver a "crushing response" to the attacks. Iran's Foreign Ministry called the strikes "criminal aggression" and demanded the UN Security Council "take immediate action to confront the violation of international peace and security." France's President Macron called for an "urgent meeting" of the UN Security Council, warning that any escalation "must stop."

How We Got Here

The strikes came after months of failed diplomacy. Iran and the U.S. held hours of indirect negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program but walked away without a deal. The U.S. had presented three core demands: a permanent end to all uranium enrichment, strict limits on Iran's ballistic missile program, and a complete halt to support for regional proxy groups including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. Iran said it was willing to compromise on nuclear issues but insisted its missile program was not on the table.

This is also not the first time Israel has struck Iran. The "Twelve-Day War" of June 2025 (June 13-24) saw Israel bomb military and nuclear facilities in Iran in a surprise attack, assassinating prominent military leaders, nuclear scientists, and politicians. The February 2026 operation represents a dramatic escalation, most significantly because of direct U.S. military involvement in offensive operations against Iran.

The Regional Powder Keg

The strikes are happening against an already volatile regional backdrop. Israel continues to violate the November 2024 Lebanon ceasefire, with strikes on southern Lebanon happening on the same day as the Iran operation. Pakistan declared "open war" on Afghanistan just days ago, on February 26-27. The New START nuclear treaty between the U.S. and Russia expired in February 2026 without renewal.

The biggest economic wildcard is the Strait of Hormuz. Roughly 20% of the world's oil transits through this narrow waterway, and up to 3.5 million barrels per day of Iranian supply could be disrupted. Oil prices climbed to six-month highs on the news, and analysts are warning of potential spikes into the $80-$100 per barrel range if the conflict disrupts Gulf shipping.

What to Watch

The immediate question is whether this escalates into a full-scale regional war. Iran's missile strikes on U.S. bases could trigger further American retaliation, creating an escalation spiral with no clear off-ramp. The UN Security Council emergency session called for by France will be a test of whether international diplomacy can exert any restraining influence.

Watch for the civilian casualty numbers to climb. The school strike in Minab has already drawn international condemnation. How global public opinion shifts in response to civilian casualties could affect the political sustainability of the campaign. And the energy markets will be the early warning system: if oil breaks above $90 per barrel, the economic fallout from this conflict will be felt by consumers worldwide within weeks.