A Sudden War
On 28 February 2026, the United States and Israel carried out a large, coordinated [[coordinated::carefully planned together]] attack on Iran. Using fighter jets, missiles, and drones, they struck hundreds of targets across the country. These included missile bases, military centres, and facilities linked to Iran’s [[nuclear programme::government plan to develop nuclear technology]]. Israel named its operation “Roaring Lion,” while the United States called its operation “Epic Fury.”
One of the most shocking results of the attack was the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after strikes caused heavy damage in the capital city of Tehran.
A Long History of Tension
This conflict did not begin suddenly. Iran, Israel, and the United States have had [[tensions::serious disagreements or strained relations]] for many years.
One major reason is Iran’s nuclear programme. Iran says its nuclear work is for peaceful uses such as energy and medicine. However, many Western countries fear that the same technology could also be used to develop [[nuclear weapons::extremely powerful bombs that use nuclear energy]].
In 2025, the situation became more serious. There were exchanges of strikes, protests inside Iran, and an increase in [[military forces::soldiers, weapons, and equipment used by an army]] across the region.
How The Attacks Unfolded
The first day of the conflict saw hundreds of strikes using jets, cruise missiles, and drones. Some reports also said that [[cyber-attacks::attacks carried out using computers to damage or control systems]] were used to target Iran’s communication systems.
Iran responded by launching [[ballistic missiles::long-range missiles that travel high into the sky before hitting targets]] and armed drones at Israel and at United States military bases in the Gulf region. [[Air-defence systems::weapons and technology used to shoot down incoming missiles or aircraft]] managed to shoot down many of these missiles, but some still caused damage and [[casualties::people who were injured or killed in fighting]]. The fighting also affected [[civilian areas::places where ordinary people live]] and hospitals, increasing fear and suffering among ordinary people.
What Happened Next
The conflict soon began to spread beyond direct fighting between Iran, Israel, and the United States. Groups linked to Iran, such as Hezbollah, launched attacks in northern Israel. At the same time, shipping through the [[Strait of Hormuz::a narrow sea route used by many oil tankers in the Middle East]], an important oil route, was disrupted.
Several oil tankers were hit, and ship traffic decreased. This pushed oil prices higher and worried many countries around the world. The United Nations quickly held emergency meetings and warned that the region was being pushed close to a wider war.
The Takeaway
This crisis shows how long-standing tensions and fears about nuclear weapons can quickly turn into a larger conflict that affects ordinary people and the global economy, far from the [[battlefields::the place or ground on which a battle is fought]].
Quick Revision
The United States and Israel launched a major military attack on Iran on 28 February 2026.
Iran responded with missiles and drones, leading to damage and casualties.
The conflict disrupted global oil routes and raised fears of a wider war.
