Iran Vows Devastating Response After Strikes Kill 34
Iran has warned of a “more devastating” response following military strikes that have killed at least 34 people, as the country faces a coordinated air campaign by the United States, and Israel.
The military action, which began on February 28, 2026, consists of two joint operations: “Epic Fury,” led by the United States, and “Operation Lion’s Roar,” conducted by Israel. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the start of major combat operations, stating the objective was to eliminate imminent threats from the Iranian regime and ensure Tehran never acquires a nuclear weapon.
Targeting of Leadership and Infrastructure
The campaign has focused on the Iranian regime’s leadership, nuclear facilities, and military infrastructure. President Trump announced the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, although Israeli officials claimed that at least 40 senior Iranian commanders were killed during the first day of attacks.
Strikes have hit key security and political targets in Tehran, including the residence of the supreme leader. Beyond the capital, the operations targeted ballistic missile caches across the country. Israeli officials reported that the Israel Defense Forces have destroyed or disabled more than 330 Iranian ballistic missile launchers out of an estimated 470.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel acted to remove an “existential threat” posed by the regime. President Trump further specified via his Truth Social platform that the overarching aim of the assault is regime change, calling on the Iranian people to rise up against their government.
Iranian Counter-Strikes and Casualties
Iran has responded to the strikes with a series of counter-attacks. This retaliation has included the bombing of targets in the Gulf and the launch of waves of ballistic missiles directed at Israel. Reports indicate that the strikes within Iran have resulted in both military and civilian casualties.
Despite the loss of a significant portion of its senior political and military leadership, the Iranian government has not slowed its retaliatory efforts. The regime continues to signal that further escalations are forthcoming.
The United States and Israel have maintained that their operations will continue for as long as necessary to degrade the regime’s capabilities.