In late February 2026, tensions in the Middle East erupted when the United States and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes inside Iran in an operation called Operation Epic Fury. The strikes targeted military bases, command centers, and air defenses in cities like Tehran, Isfahan, and Qom, with reports claiming the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, turning the attacks into a major geopolitical crisis.
The conflict grew from years of rising tensions, drone and missile clashes, Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, and heavy sanctions on Iran. The U.S. and Israel said the strikes were necessary to stop Iran’s growing missile and drone threat.
After the attacks, Iran retaliated with waves of drones and ballistic missiles targeting Israeli cities and U.S. bases across the Gulf, including in Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Although many were intercepted, some caused casualties and infrastructure damage.
The war quickly spread across the region, with Hezbollah fighting Israel from Lebanon and U.S. forces battling Iranian-aligned militias in Iraq. Civilian casualties in Iran rose sharply as airstrikes damaged cities and essential services.
The conflict also shook the global economy. Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel and caused market volatility. World powers such as China called for a ceasefire, while Europe struggled to form a unified response.
As the war continued, humanitarian groups warned of growing refugee flows and a worsening crisis. With diplomacy uncertain and fighting spreading, the conflict threatened to reshape global security for years to come.