Reuters World News US and Israel attack Iran; Tehran retaliates
Feb 28, 2026
Phil Stewart, Reuters national security correspondent in Washington, explains U.S. strategy and military planning. Edmund Blair, Reuters Middle East editor, reports on-the-ground chaos in Tehran and regional strikes. They discuss multi-day U.S.-Israeli operations, Iran’s retaliatory attacks, civilian warnings and risks of escalation into a wider conflict.
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Operation Epic Fury Targets Iran's Military Capacity
- The US and Israel launched Operation Epic Fury, striking Iranian military targets to eliminate missile capability and its navy.
- President Trump framed the campaign as maximalist, saying it aims to prevent any Iranian nuclear weapon and asked Iranians to stay sheltered.
Panic And Daily Life Disrupted In Tehran
- Tehran experienced civilian panic with queues at gas stations and banks, and parents rushing to collect children from school.
- Edmund Blair reported weekday chaos: schools open, offices functioning, and people scrambling for cash and fuel amid fear of what comes next.
Iran's Immediate Retaliation Targets Israel And US Bases
- Iran retaliated by firing missiles toward Israel and declared US bases in the region legitimate targets, with explosions reported around the Gulf.
- The Revolutionary Guards framed the operation as continuing until the enemy was "decisively defeated."