U.S. and Israel Strike Iran After Khamenei's Death

Unprecedented military operation eliminates Iranian regime's institutions after brutal crackdown

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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In a major escalation, the U.S. and Israel have launched a coordinated military strike against Iran following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The operation has targeted over 2,000 sites across Iran, including naval facilities and underground nuclear program sites. This comes after the Trump administration offered Iran 'free nuclear fuel forever' for civil demands, which Iran declined, prompting the strike.

Why it matters

The death of Khamenei and the subsequent U.S. and Israeli strikes mark a major turning point in the long-standing tensions between Iran and the West. This operation aims to cripple Iran's military and nuclear capabilities, as well as the internal institutions responsible for the regime's brutal crackdown on protests. The fallout could have significant geopolitical and economic ramifications, including potential retaliation from Iran and its proxies.

The details

The U.S. military utilized 'one-way attack drones' to target Iranian naval facilities and underground nuclear sites, while Israel employed its laser air defense system to intercept Hezbollah rockets. This operation follows months of high-level intelligence gathering between the U.S. and Israel. The Trump administration had offered Iran 'free nuclear fuel forever' for civil demands, but Iran declined, which was the 'final straw' for President Trump.

  • On Saturday morning, the U.S. and Israel launched the coordinated military strike against Iran.

The players

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

The late Supreme Leader of Iran, who died following an unprecedented military operation.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President who authorized the military strike against Iran.

Israel

A key U.S. ally that coordinated with the U.S. on the military operation against Iran.

Hezbollah

The Iran-backed militant group that launched rockets into Israel, which were intercepted by Israel's laser air defense system.

Iran

The target of the U.S. and Israeli military strikes, which aimed to cripple the regime's military and nuclear capabilities.

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What they’re saying

“We haven't even started hitting them hard. The big wave hasn't even happened... The big one is coming soon.”

— Donald Trump (Jake Tapper)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This operation marks a significant escalation in the long-standing tensions between Iran and the West, with potentially far-reaching geopolitical and economic consequences. The strike aims to cripple Iran's military and nuclear capabilities, as well as the regime's internal institutions, raising questions about the future stability of the Iranian government and the potential for further retaliation.