Operation Epic Fury: US-Israel Strikes Iran, Trump Claims Khamenei Dead

Joint U.S. and Israeli forces launched major strikes on Iran on February 28, targeting military installations, nuclear sites, and leadership compounds across the country. President Donald Trump announced the operation, named Operation Epic Fury, on social media, describing it as an extensive effort to dismantle Iran’s armed forces and prevent nuclear weapon development.035

Key Targets in Iran

Explosions rocked Tehran around 9:30 a.m. GMT, with smoke rising over the Ministry of Intelligence, Ministry of Defence, Atomic Energy Organization, and Parchin military facility. Strikes also hit the Jomhouri district and a school east of the capital, where at least two students died.27

In Minab County, southern Iran, a girls’ elementary school suffered a direct hit. The governor reported 51 students killed and 60 injured in the attack.1

Military sites in Kermanshah, Qom, Isfahan, Tabriz, Karaj, and naval facilities in Kenarak faced assaults as well. Aerial imagery shows significant damage to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s compound.38

Trump’s Stark Announcement

President Trump posted on Truth Social, claiming Khamenei, whom he called “one of the most evil people in History,” died in the strikes. He stated: “Khamenei… is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans…” Trump added that U.S. intelligence and tracking systems, coordinated with Israel, ensured the outcome.911

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at the leader’s fate, saying: “The plan to destroy Israel no longer exists, and there is a high likelihood that the tyrant Khamenei does not either.” Iran denies Khamenei’s death, with state media asserting he remains safe and in command.12

Iran’s Retaliatory Barrage

Iran responded with drones and missiles targeting Israel and U.S. bases across the Middle East. Strikes hit American facilities, including the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, and sites in Qatar, where two missiles were intercepted over Doha.2226

Explosions echoed in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh. In the UAE, missile debris killed a civilian of Asian nationality in a residential area and damaged Dubai International Airport, injuring multiple people. Two hotels—the Fairmont on Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab—sustained shrapnel damage; four were injured at the Fairmont.1821

Blasts occurred over Jordan skies, and residents fled streets amid regional chaos. Air defenses activated across the Gulf as Iran targeted U.S.-linked sites.20

Trump urged Iranians to overthrow the regime, signaling ongoing operations.29