Joint Israel-U.S. Attacks on Iran Raise Fears of Wider Middle East War   

• Israel and the United States launched coordinated “preemptive” strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, sharply escalating tensions in the Middle East and pushing the region toward open conflict. The attacks targeted sites linked to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs after months of rising diplomatic friction between Tehran and Western powers. Officials in Israel and Washington said the goal was to weaken Iran’s military capabilities and prevent further development of its nuclear program. The strikes effectively ended stalled negotiations that had sought to limit Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. The situation took a dramatic turn when Iranian state media reported that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed during an airstrike on his compound in Tehran. Khamenei, 86, had been Iran’s most powerful political and religious authority for nearly four decades. As supreme leader, he held ultimate control over the country’s government, armed forces, and foreign policy. His death created immediate uncertainty within Iran’s political system. Authorities quickly formed a temporary leadership council to manage the country while the process of selecting a new supreme leader begins. President Masoud Pezeshkian is expected to play a central role during the transition. Analysts say Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader’s son, has emerged as a possible successor, though the outcome remains unclear. Israel moved quickly to prepare for retaliation from Iran. As the strikes began, the government declared a national state of emergency, closed civilian airspace, and shut schools across the country. Air raid sirens sounded in several cities as officials warned residents to stay near shelters and protected areas. Iran soon responded with missile launches aimed at Israeli territory, raising concerns that the confrontation could expand into a wider regional war. Military analysts say both sides appear to be preparing for a prolonged conflict. The strikes have also sparked international concern over civilian casualties. On March 1, a strike in the southern Iranian city of Minab hit the Shajarah Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school. Iranian media reported that more than 160 children and their teachers were killed. Analysts reviewing satellite imagery and video evidence suggested the attack may have occurred during a strike on a nearby Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps facility. Some experts believe the school may have been hit unintentionally due to a targeting error. The tragedy has fueled anger inside Iran and intensified calls for retaliation. Leaders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that they could launch major operations against U.S. and Israeli military bases across the region. Sean Jung R&D Division Director teen/1774255567/1613367592