1021 US launches nearly 900 strikes on Iran in RARE daytime operation

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1021 US launches nearly 900 strikes on Iran in RARE daytime operation

1 Mar 2026 The US and Israel launched a joint military operation against Iran, targeting the Supreme Leader and other top officials. The operation, involving nearly 900 strikes in 12 hours, aimed to cripple Iran’s leadership. Iran retaliated with missile strikes on neighbouring countries, escalating tensions in the region. Iran’s retaliatory strikes against Israel and its allies, including missile attacks on US bases and Gulf countries, have escalated tensions in the region. Despite Iran’s threats of further retaliation, the US and Israel maintain air superiority and are monitoring Iran’s missile capabilities. The involvement of Gulf countries, particularly the UAE, in the conflict could significantly alter the dynamics of the situation.

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US Military Action in Iran: The US military initiated major combat operations in Iran, citing an act of aggression.
Iranian Retaliation: US military bases faced retaliatory strikes from Iran, which vowed revenge.
President Trump’s Warning: President Trump cautioned Iran against further escalation, warning of unprecedented consequences.
Iranian Retaliation: Iranian leaders, including the President and Ali Khamenei, have threatened to attack 27 U.S. bases in the Middle East in retaliation for the strikes.
Protests and Security Concerns: Protests erupted in Iraq and Pakistan, with a mob attempting to storm the U.S. embassy in Baghdad and Pakistani forces dispersing a crowd. Both countries have significant Shia Muslim populations.
International Response: British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has condemned the Iranian strikes.
Missile Strikes: Two missiles fired towards Cyprus, over 300 missiles fired at UAE, and about 100 ballistic missiles fired towards Israel.
Public Reaction: Crowds in Tehran chanting against America, unclear if protests are spontaneous or organised.
Key Figure to Watch: Ali Larijani, who described the killing as “extremely painful” and vowed retaliation.
Missile Strikes: Qatar received about 65 Iranian missiles, Bahrain received approximately 35, and explosions were heard in eastern Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Israeli Airstrikes: Israel increased airstrikes, targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, IRGC headquarters, and barracks in Tehran.
U.S. Operation: The U.S. military carried out 900 strikes in 12 hours, and a meeting at Khamenei’s compound was targeted.
Daytime Strike: The U.S. military conducted a daytime strike, a departure from their usual nighttime operations, targeting a meeting during Ramadan.
Target and Aftermath: The strike aimed at senior leaders, some of whom survived, including Iran’s president. * Potential Retaliation: Speculation on whether Lahr Janney will retaliate against the IRGC or activate the Basij militia.
Post-Strike Public Reaction in Iran: Public demonstrations might be less significant than expected due to fear instilled by the regime and past experiences.
US Military Strategy: Unlike the Iraq War, the US won’t have a ground presence in Iran, eliminating potential targets within the country.
Potential Retaliation by IRGC: The IRGC might resort to attacks through proxies or sleeper cells as a form of retaliation.
Iran’s Strategy: Iran is targeting U.S. military bases in the region with missile strikes, aiming to create chaos and pressure for a ceasefire.
Regional Response: Countries like the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have mobilised in response to the strikes, indicating a potential escalation of conflict.
Potential for Asymmetric Warfare: The possibility of asymmetric attacks, such as assassinations and terror attacks, is anticipated, particularly when defences are lowered.
Leadership Replacement: Discussion on the capabilities of the remaining leadership (“B-team” or “C-team”) after a strike eliminated the primary leaders.
Follow-on Strike Risk: Ali Larijani, as a potential successor, is now at increased risk of a follow-on strike, a common occurrence observed in similar situations.
Intelligence Gathering: The success of the strike relied heavily on human intelligence gathered on the ground by the U.S. and Israel.
Significance of the Strike: The strike was significant as it targeted key leaders, including the spiritual leader, causing a major impact.
Ongoing Threat: The threat is not over as there are still remaining leaders, but they will be more cautious in their movements.
Future Challenges for Iran: Israel is working on suppressing Iran’s air defence systems, which will make it easier for them to target leaders in the future.
Target Difficulty: Targeting individuals who are willing to die for their beliefs is challenging.
Regional Complexity: The situation in Iraq is complex, involving Shia militias and potential repercussions from various groups.
Diverse Reactions: The end of the theocracy in Iran could be celebrated by some Shia Muslims while others might perceive it as an attack on Shia Islam.
Current Situation: Air raid sirens and car alarms are heard due to incoming missiles being intercepted.
Israeli Response: Israel launched a fresh round of strikes into Tehran, targeting an IRGC command centre used to order the crackdown against protesters.
Iranian Response: Iran has been responding to the Israeli strikes for the past 24 hours.
Casualties and Damage: One woman killed in the attacked building, another injured.
Iran’s Threat: Iran’s Supreme National Security Council leader threatens renewed strikes on Israel and regional countries. * US Response: President Trump warns Iran to stand down and threatens a forceful response if attacked.
Iran’s Targeting Strategy: Iran is directly targeting Israeli civilian population centres and Gulf countries, causing significant damage.
Miscalculation of Response: Iran’s response has backfired, drawing in regional countries that were previously hesitant to support US actions against Iran.
Regional Implications: The situation raises questions about the involvement of regional countries in the conflict and potential escalation.
Iran’s Response to US Actions: Iran is not taking President Trump seriously and is threatening to retaliate against the US and Israel despite suffering significant losses in a US-led operation.
US Operation Against Iran: The US, in collaboration with Israel, launched a series of airstrikes targeting Iranian leadership, including the Supreme Leader and over 40 senior officials.
Iran’s Diplomatic Rejection: Despite the US offering a diplomatic solution before the escalation, Iran rejected it and continued its aggressive rhetoric.
U.S. Concessions and Iranian Response: The U.S. offered significant concessions to Iran, but Iran was unwilling to make a reasonable deal regarding their nuclear program, ballistic missiles, or support of proxies.
Existential Threat for Iran: Iran perceives the situation as existential, believing they have little to lose and potentially facing leadership consequences if they don’t reach a deal.
Increased Pressure on U.S. Administration: Attacks on other Persian Gulf countries, resulting in damage and casualties, increase pressure on the U.S. administration to act.
Iran’s Military Capabilities: Iran possesses short-range ballistic missiles, drones, and anti-ship missiles, which they have used against Gulf countries.
Iran’s Restrained Response: Despite their capabilities, Iran’s response has been relatively weak compared to previous conflicts, likely due to US and Israeli monitoring and preemptive strikes on missile launchers.
US-Israeli Collaboration: The US and Israel are actively monitoring Iran’s coast and preemptively targeting missile launchers to prevent large-scale ballistic missile attacks.
Iran’s Military Limitations: Iran’s air force is vulnerable to U.S. and Israeli superiority, and their ballistic missile capabilities, a key leverage point, are limited.
Gulf Countries’ Potential Involvement: Gulf countries might become directly involved in the conflict, potentially escalating the situation.
Strengthened U.S.-Gulf Relations: President Trump, through Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, has fostered increased trust and collaboration with Gulf leaders, leading to their support.
Ceasefire in Gaza: Board of Peace Participation and close coordination are ongoing.
Regional Officials’ Confidence: Regional officials are confident in President Trump’s decision-making regarding the conflict.
Potential Game-Changer: Emirati fighter jets striking targets in Tehran would be a significant development.