A sharp escalation in hostilities between the United States, Israel, and Iran has led to significant loss of life and injuries across the region, as airstrikes and retaliatory missile attacks continue for a second consecutive day.
US and Israeli forces launched coordinated strikes on February 28, targeting Iranian military and command facilities in multiple provinces. Officials said the operation was aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities, but the attacks have also caused heavy civilian casualties, prompting global concern.
Casualties in Iran
Iranian emergency services report that more than 200 people have been killed and over 700 injured since the strikes began. Residential neighbourhoods in several cities were hit, with hospitals overwhelmed by the number of wounded.
In one of the deadliest incidents, a missile strike hit a school building in southern Iran, killing scores of children and teachers and leaving dozens injured. Authorities described the incident as a major humanitarian tragedy.
Casualties in Israel
Iran responded with ballistic missiles and drone attacks on Israeli territory. At least nine people have been killed in Israel, with more than 100 others injured, after missiles struck residential areas and caused building collapses in cities including Tel Aviv and surrounding districts.
US Military Losses
The US Department of Defense confirmed that three American service members were killed and five others seriously wounded when Iranian strikes targeted US military positions in the region. These are the first officially acknowledged US fatalities since the beginning of the operation.
Leadership Targeted
Iranian state media reported that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed during an airstrike on a leadership compound in Tehran, along with several senior military and political officials. An interim leadership council has reportedly taken charge, vowing retaliation against the attackers.
Regional Impact
Missiles and drones have also been launched toward US bases in Gulf countries, while explosions have been reported in multiple Middle Eastern capitals. Airspace restrictions and emergency measures have been imposed across the region and foreign embassies have advised citizens to shelter or evacuate where possible.
