As of Feb. 28, 2026, the United States and Israel have engaged in a war against Iran. Tension has been building up for a while now, but the first strikes were sent by both the U.S. and Israel.
President Donald Trump said the aim of the strikes were to prevent Iran from getting control of a nuclear weapon, as well as to create an opportunity for Iranians to overthrow their government, says the Council of Foreign Relations. They were trying to target the Iranian government. One of those strikes, launched by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), was successful in killing the Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He left no clear successor, so for now, while a new one is found, a group of people will lead Iran. This council consists of the president, the head of the judiciary, and a jurist from the Guardian Council, says Bloomberg . The Guardian Council is a group of around 12 people who have considerable influence in the country. They have three basic functions, to veto laws, supervise elections, and approve candidates running for office, according to United Against Nuclear Iran. The missiles have also killed other Iranian officials who have died in the attacks, which, according to Trump, is around 49 people.
According to The Guardian, Khamenei was a supporter of Hamas, a militant group in Palestine, supporting them financially and publicly praising them. Feelings on Khamenei’s death are widely varied, globally. Bloomberg says that many Iranian people have been seen celebrating and dancing, while others protest angrily. Khamenei belonged to a group of Muslims called the Shia. He led religiously, which is why other Shia Muslims are mourning his death.
Iran retaliated quickly, hitting U.S. bases throughout the Middle East. The first fatalities from the U.S.’s side have begun, with six soldiers being killed in the crossfires. According to Bloomberg , Iran states over 200 of their people have already died. Civilians are having to flee and take cover, however humanitarian aid is underfunded, and not much help is available. The volleys between the U.S. and Israel, and Iran, have been devastating, with missiles and drones being launched back and forth, trapping innocents in the middle. Israel has bombed Lebanon as well, stating that people in Lebanon will need to evacuate if they’d like to be safe, says the Norwegian Refugee Council.
Bloomberg states that Iran is sending waves of drones at other countries as well, countries that hold U.S. military bases. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, as well as Kuwait have taken hits from Iran’s fire. Dubai is suffering the repercussions of this war. The Dubai International Airport (DXB) was closed after it was hit, as well as almost all air traffic, leaving tourists stranded. The U.S. is urging people to evacuate the Middle East as soon as possible, but this is hard, given the fact that most airports are closed in order to avoid open fire. Other major landmarks in Dubai have been affected by a series of strikes.
The war also is creating economic struggles. Bloomberg says the Strait of Hormuz has been shut down. The Strait of Hormuz is key in oil traffic through the Persian Gulf, but they have momentarily paused all production. Oil production in the Middle East is incredibly important, and with this war, it might be halted, causing other companies and businesses worldwide to suffer.
As the countries trade blows, everyone is hoping a talk of peace will slow the war down, as the fatalities start to rise.
