Following weeks of negotiations between US and Iranian officials over Iran’s nuclear program, the United States and Israel on February 28 launched coordinated operations called “Epic Fury” and “Roaring Lion” against the Iranian regime.
This overview breaks down what happened and its consequences.
#1 Which locations have been hit by US-Israel strikes?
The US and Israel have struck multiple Iranian military bases and government buildings. Satellite images show extensive destruction. The residence of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was heavily damaged and Khamenei was killed in the attack. Sites at missile facilities in Kermanshah show damage to multiple buildings, and access to an underground missile facility near Kangavar appears destroyed.
#2 Where have the US and Israel attacked and where has Iran retaliated?
US and Israeli strikes have focused on targets inside Iran. Tehran has retaliated with strikes against Israel and countries allied with Washington. The conflict has spread beyond the Gulf into Lebanon. On March 3, during a White House meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, President Donald Trump said “just about everything’s been knocked out” in Iran, including its navy, air force and air detection systems, and claimed that many potential successors to Iran’s leadership had been killed.
#3 Why did the US and Israel attack Iran?
US officials have offered different explanations. President Trump said a primary goal is to “eliminate the Iranian nuclear program once and for all.” When the bombing began, Trump urged Iranians to “take over your government” after the bombardment. By March 2, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the attacks were not a “regime change war.”
#4 Iran’s leaders: Who’s been killed?
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader of nearly four decades, was killed on the first day of the coordinated attack, along with other senior leaders. No successor had been named before his death; constitutionally that role is chosen by the Assembly of Experts, an elected body of 88 senior clerics. An interim leadership council comprises President Masoud Pezeshkian, Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei and cleric Alireza Arafi. Power currently appears concentrated with Iran’s top national security official, Ali Larijani.
#5 How long can Iran keep fighting?
Despite high-profile deaths, Iran’s regime remains intact. President Trump projected the conflict to last four to five weeks but said he was prepared to go longer if necessary. Israeli military officials have warned that Iran retains substantial missile capacity even after strikes on launch sites. The Israeli military reported striking a facility in Isfahan used for storage, production and launch of ballistic missiles, including Ghadr missiles; satellite images show a building at a missile facility near Isfahan was hit.
#6 How many people have died so far?
Reliable casualty figures are unavailable. Estimates for Iran range from about 500 to more than 800. Oman, Iraq, Bahrain, the UAE and Kuwait have reported fewer than 10 deaths collectively. Lebanese figures range from about 10 to more than 50. Six US soldiers were killed in a strike on a US air base in Kuwait. Israel has reported 11 casualties.
#7 What’s the situation in the Strait of Hormuz?
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been paralyzed. Revolutionary Guards General Ebrahim Jabbari warned Iran would “burn any ship” attempting to pass. The US said the Navy could escort tankers if necessary. On March 4, the Revolutionary Guards claimed the Strait was under Iran’s “full control,” according to the semi-official Fars news agency.
#8 How is the war affecting oil prices?
The conflict sent global oil prices higher. Brent North Sea crude reached new highs for the first time since July 2024 and was trading at just over $80 per barrel on March 4.
Julian Peschel, Anne Serwas and DW’s Infographics team contributed to this report.
Edited by: Gianna-Carina Gruen and Rob Mudge
More data-driven stories by DW can be found here.
