Updated Factsheet: U.S.-Israel Joint Military Operation – Operation Epic Fury / Roaring Lion
Issued by: South African Zionist Federation (SAZF)
Date: 28 February 2026 (as of 19:00 SAST)
On 28 February 2026, the United States and Israel launched a major joint military operation against Iran, commencing early this morning (Tehran time, corresponding to approximately 05:00–06:00 SAST). President Donald Trump announced the start of “major combat operations” in a video statement, describing Operation Epic Fury as a massive and ongoing campaign to destroy Iran’s missile and military capabilities, prevent nuclear weapon acquisition, eliminate threats to America and its allies, and create conditions for the Iranian people to overthrow their oppressive regime. Israeli officials framed their parallel strikes – codenamed Operation Roaring Lion – as pre-emptive actions to remove existential threats posed by Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and terror network.
Explosions and smoke have been reported across Tehran (including near the Supreme Leader’s compound, Jomhouri Square, University Street, Seyyed Khandan, and other central areas), as well as in Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, Kermanshah, Bushehr, and additional sites. Satellite imagery and reports confirm extensive damage to regime nerve centres. Strikes targeted senior leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian, the head of the armed forces, IRGC commanders, and the defence minister (reports vary on casualties among top figures; some sources indicate senior IRGC and military leaders may have been killed). The U.S. has indicated plans for several days of continued operations, with additional waves of strikes reported, including on missile launchers.
Iran has retaliated aggressively with multiple waves of ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israel (air raid sirens nationwide, interceptions over Haifa, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and northern/central areas; no major casualties reported from direct hits) and U.S. military bases/facilities across the Gulf region (including Al Udeid in Qatar, Al Dhafra in UAE, Ali Al Salem in Kuwait, Fifth Fleet HQ in Bahrain, and sites in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iraq, and Syria). Additional Iranian missiles struck civilian areas in the Gulf, including a hotel in Dubai and targets in Kuwait City, causing civilian casualties and damage (at least one death in UAE from debris). Regional airspace remains disrupted, with closures and flight suspensions. Israel has declared a state of emergency, closed schools and workplaces, and shut its airspace.
The operation follows failed U.S.-Iran negotiations (including recent Geneva talks that collapsed) and Iran’s ongoing nuclear reconstitution after 2025 strikes, accelerated missile development, proxy aggression, and brutal internal repression.
The strikes target Iran’s nuclear breakout capacity, ballistic missile arsenal, leadership command structure, military infrastructure, and terror-sponsoring apparatus – framed as essential preventative defence to neutralise existential threats.
Core Strategic Position of the United States and Israel
Preventing a nuclear-armed Iran remains unwavering U.S. policy, as reaffirmed by President Trump: Iran will never obtain nuclear weapons. Israel regards a nuclear-capable Iran as an existential threat due to the regime’s genocidal ideology calling for Israel’s destruction, its arming and directing of terror proxies, and repeated direct threats.
Key security concerns:
- Near-weapons-grade uranium enrichment and stockpiles sufficient for multiple nuclear weapons if further processed.
- Rebuilt hardened underground facilities (Fordow, Natanz, Esfahan) with advanced centrifuges.
- One of the largest ballistic missile forces in the region, including long-range, precision-guided, and hypersonic systems threatening Israel and U.S. bases.
- Persistent blocking of IAEA access and unresolved undeclared nuclear sites.
- Imminent breakout risk amid regime instability and desperation.
Why the United States and Israel Acted Now
Imminent Nuclear and Missile Threat
Intelligence revealed rapid reconstitution and acceleration of nuclear and missile programs post-2025, posing unacceptable risks to regional and global security.
Leadership and Command Targets
Strikes disrupted regime command-and-control by hitting top political and military figures and headquarters.
Hostile Rhetoric and Aggression
Decades of explicit calls to “wipe Israel off the map,” “Death to America,” threats to raze Israeli cities, and material support for proxy attacks align with Iran’s missile posture and terror network.
Internal Volatility
Ongoing nationwide protests since late 2025, met with lethal force (thousands killed/arrested, internet blackouts), heighten risks of regime miscalculation or escalation.
Operation Details
Strikes began around dawn Tehran time using U.S. and Israeli aircraft, missiles, and standoff systems from regional assets and carriers. Multiple waves have targeted military, nuclear, leadership, and missile sites. Civilian areas were stated to be avoided, though explosions occurred in populated zones.
Targets included:
- Nuclear/strategic sites: Facilities in Bushehr, Fordow, Natanz, Esfahan.
- Leadership/command: Supreme Leader’s compound, IRGC/military headquarters, senior officials.
- Missile infrastructure: Launchers, assembly/storage (e.g., Khojir, Parchin), air defences.
Initial assessments show heavy degradation of targeted infrastructure.
Legal Basis Under International Law
The U.S. and Israel invoked Article 51 self-defence rights under the UN Charter. Anticipatory self-defence applies given the imminent, overwhelming threat and lack of diplomatic alternatives. Actions remain proportionate, focused on military and regime-threat targets to prevent catastrophe.
Iranian Retaliation and Escalation Risks
Iran’s response – named “Truthful Promise 4” in some reports – includes large-scale missile/drone barrages on Israel and U.S./allied assets (multiple waves; interceptions ongoing). Proxies (Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, militias in Iraq/Syria/Yemen) may activate further. Cyber attacks, disruptions to shipping, or additional strikes remain possible. U.S./Israeli forces are at maximum alert; any escalation will face decisive, calibrated responses to restore deterrence. Regional tensions are at a critical high.
Bottom Line
This joint preventative operation seeks to:
- Neutralise Iran’s imminent nuclear and ballistic missile threats.
- Protect Israel, U.S. personnel, and regional stability.
- Dismantle regime-sponsored terrorism and prevent a nuclear arms race.
SAZF Position
The SAZF unequivocally affirms Israel’s sacred and inalienable right to self-defence against existential threats. We stand resolutely with Israel in her decisive actions to dismantle Iran’s illicit nuclear programme, its feverish pursuit of severely dangerous ballistic missiles capable of mass destruction, and its relentless state sponsorship of terrorism. The Iranian regime’s decades-long campaign of aggression – funding, arming, and directing its deadly axis of terror proxies (Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, and militias across Iraq, Syria, and Yemen) to attack Israel, murder civilians, and destabilise the entire region – has created an intolerable and unacceptable threat that can no longer be contained through patience or diplomacy alone. Israel has no choice but to act decisively to safeguard her people, secure her survival, and defend the free world from this fanatical regime’s genocidal ambitions. The SAZF fully and unreservedly supports these necessary measures to end Iran’s nuclear ambitions, ballistic terror arsenal, and sponsorship of murderous proxies once and for all. We call on the international community to recognise the regime in Tehran as the primary architect of regional instability, terrorism, and proliferation risks, and to stand firmly with Israel in holding it fully accountable.
Legal Disclaimer
This factsheet is issued by the South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) for informational purposes only, based on publicly available reports and official statements from the United States and Israel as of 28 February 2026. The information is provided in good faith but may change rapidly due to the evolving situation. SAZF does not independently verify every detail in real time and makes no warranties regarding accuracy, completeness, or timeliness. Nothing herein constitutes legal, military, or strategic advice. The views expressed reflect SAZF’s support for Israel’s right to self-defence. Readers should consult primary sources for the latest developments. SAZF accepts no liability for any reliance on this document.
