The Israeli Air Force has conducted a historic series of airstrikes on central Tehran, marking the first direct attacks on the Iranian capital under Operation “Roaring Lion.” Launched on February 28, 2026, as a joint U.S.-Israel campaign, the operation specifically targets Iran’s nuclear facilities and senior leadership within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Aerial footage shows precision strikes hitting key regime sites in Tehran, representing a strategic escalation designed to disrupt Iran’s command and control capabilities. Initial waves of the operation have reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 40 senior Iranian commanders, including the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. In response, Iran has declared 40 days of national mourning and launched retaliatory missile strikes against Israeli positions.

Operation Roaring Lion reflects an unprecedented collaboration between U.S. and Israeli military forces, combining intelligence, airpower, and precision strike capabilities to neutralize critical threats. Officials indicate that the campaign aims not only to target nuclear infrastructure but also to degrade Iran’s ability to coordinate regional proxy operations that have destabilized the Middle East in recent years.

The escalation underscores Israel’s willingness to extend its defensive perimeter into Iran itself, a significant shift in regional military doctrine. Experts note that the operation sends a clear warning to Tehran that future provocations, including nuclear advancement or attacks on allied nations, will carry immediate and decisive consequences. The campaign also demonstrates the integration of American strategic support with Israeli tactical expertise, creating a combined force capable of operating deep within hostile territory.

While the operation is ongoing, early indications suggest that the initial strikes have achieved high-value targets, severely impacting Iran’s command hierarchy. The unfolding situation highlights the volatile nature of Middle Eastern geopolitics, where the convergence of Israeli initiative and U.S. backing reshapes the operational calculus for Tehran. As missile retaliation continues, regional security analysts warn that the risk of broader escalation remains significant, emphasizing the importance of monitoring developments closely in the coming days.