Current State of Mutual Strikes Between the US, Israel, and Iran
First, the US and Israel launched a large-scale joint airstrike codenamed “Epic Fury.” Starting from the morning of February 28 local time, the United States and Israel conducted multiple rounds of high-intensity strikes against over 1,000 targets across Iranian territory. Israel deployed over 200 fighter aircraft (operation codenamed ” Roaring Lion “), focusing on striking the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command headquarters, intelligence departments, and air defense systems in Tehran. The US military, for the first time in this conflict, deployed four B-2 “Spirit” stealth strategic bombers, flying directly from the US mainland to Iran to drop bunker-buster munitions, destroying missile storage facilities deep within mountains. US President Donald Trump claimed to have sunk 9 Iranian naval vessels and “basically destroyed the Iranian naval headquarters.”
Second, Iran launched a large-scale saturation counterattack, “Truthful Promise-4.” In retaliation, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched multiple waves of missile and drone strikes against Israeli territory and US military bases in the Middle East. As of March 2, the counterattacks have reached the ninth round, covering 27 US military bases across 7 countries including Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait. Iran claims to have used “Fattah” hypersonic missiles to strike targets in central Tel Aviv, Haifa port, and the Israeli military’s general staff headquarters, and also claims to have attacked the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. Iran announced it has caused “560 US military casualties,” but the US only acknowledges 3 US military deaths and 5 seriously wounded.
Third, the conflict has caused significant casualties and triggered a humanitarian crisis. Iranian officials confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was “martyred” in the attacks, and the nation has entered a 40-day mourning period. Also killed were approximately 40 high-ranking military and political officials, including the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, the Commander of the Revolutionary Guards, and the Minister of Defense. US-Israeli airstrikes hit an elementary school in the southern Iranian city of Minab, resulting in the deaths of 165 students. Iranian missile strikes caused at least 8 deaths and 23 injuries in Beit Shemesh, Israel. The UAE reported that attacks on its territory resulted in 3 deaths and 58 injuries.
Fourth, the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively blocked, severing the global energy artery. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards warned via radio, banning all vessels from transiting the Strait of Hormuz, bringing shipping in the area to a standstill. An oil tanker attempting to forcibly transit was hit and began sinking. International oil prices surged immediately in response, with Brent crude futures spiking up to 13%, putting approximately 20% of global seaborne oil trade at risk of disruption.
Latest Statements and Actions from the Three Sides
US President Trump Sets One-Week Strike Deadline, Threatens Escalated Retaliation. On March 1, Trump explicitly stated that military strikes against Iran “will continue for at least a week until Iran completely disarms its nuclear program and achieves regime change.” He warned Iran that if it ceases retaliation, the US would use “unprecedented force.” The White House declined to comment on specific decision-making processes, only stating that “the media can continue to speculate about the president’s thoughts.” US Central Command confirmed that strikes are ongoing and released the first official US military casualty figures.
Iran Enters Emergency Power Transition, Exhibiting Dual Posture of Revenge and Negotiation. Following Khamenei’s death, Iran swiftly activated its constitutional transition mechanism. A provisional leadership council currently exercises power, composed of President Masoud Pezeshkian, the Minister of Justice, and a jurist from the Guardian Council. Domestically, there is a sharp divide: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has issued successive statements vowing to “fight to the bitter end,” emphasizing that revenge is the sole source of political legitimacy. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has publicly expressed hope to restart negotiations with the US, leaving room for a diplomatic solution. Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani stressed that strikes target only US military bases and “have no intention of violating the sovereignty of neighboring countries.”
Israel’s Netanyahu Declares “Historic Turning Point,” Insists on Expanding Strikes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Khamenei’s death a “historic turning point,” stating that the Israeli military will continue striking all Iranian targets that threaten Israel. The Israeli military remains on the highest state of alert nationwide and has reinforced troop deployments along the Lebanese and Syrian borders to prevent Hezbollah from joining the conflict. The Israel Defense Forces claim to have “eliminated over 40 senior officials in Iran’s leadership” and destroyed over 80% of its predetermined military targets in Iran.
Iran’s “Axis of Resistance” Proxy Forces Provide Political Support but Limited Military Involvement. Politically, they have firmly voiced support for Iran, forming a unified deterrent posture within the “Axis of Resistance.” Militarily, however, constrained by their own capabilities and pressure from host governments (e.g., the Lebanese government has explicitly stated it will not enter the war), they have not yet become fully engaged, primarily playing roles of containment and regional tension generation.
- Houthi Movement: Issued a statement expressing “sincere condolences” to the Iranian people, condemning the US-Israeli actions as “heinous crimes” reflecting a “continuation of unjust attacks against Islamic nations.”
- Lebanese Hezbollah: Leader Naim Qassem vowed to “fulfill the duty of confronting American and Israeli aggression” and would not leave the “field of honor and resistance.” However, to date, it has not undertaken large-scale military action.
- Hamas: Expressed condolences over Khamenei’s death, calling the US-Israeli attacks “outrageous.”