Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, February 28 - The United States and Israel announced on February 28 that they have launched strikes against Iran from the air and sea. Iran subsequently retaliated against Israeli and American military targets in the Middle East. Xinhua reporters heard massive explosions in Tehran, the capital of Iran. Here are four key terms worth noting in this military conflict.
This is thick smoke captured in the urban area of Tehran, Iran, on February 28. Photo by Xinhua reporter Shadati
Preemptive Strike
According to Israeli Defense Minister Katz, Israel launched a "preemptive" strike against Iran on that day. The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation reported that the operation was codenamed "Operation Lion's Roar." An informed official told the Associated Press that the targets of the Israeli military included Iranian military facilities, government landmarks, and intelligence agencies.
Currently, a state of emergency has been declared across Israel, with air raid sirens sounding nationwide, "preparing the public for possible missile launches towards Israel." Additionally, citizens across Israel received mobile alerts warning them to be on guard against "extremely serious" threats.
US-Israel Joint Action
According to various sources, this was a joint attack carried out by the US and Israel. American officials stated that the US and Israel initiated a joint military operation against Iran with the aim of destroying the Iranian regime.
US President Trump stated that Iran is developing long-range missiles that threaten the United States, and this strike aims to destroy Iran's missile industry, eliminate the Iranian navy, and ensure that Iran cannot acquire nuclear weapons.
The New York Times cited sources saying that US officials expect the new round of attacks on Iran to far exceed the US attack on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025. One source indicated that US military aircraft and carrier-based aircraft deployed in the Middle East conducted "dozens of strikes" against Iran.
This is thick smoke captured in Tel Aviv, Israel, on February 28. Photo by Xinhua reporter Chen Junqing
Specific Targets
Saudi Arabia's Al Arabiya television reported, citing Israeli sources, that the first phase of strikes against Iran will last for four days, targeting all leaders, including Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei.
According to various sources, targets in the city center, including the Iranian President's office, the Supreme National Security Council building, and the Supreme Leader's office, have been struck. Media reports indicate that the road leading to Khamenei's office has been closed.
According to Iran's Mehr News Agency, Iranian President Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Zarif are safe.
After the attacks, explosions were reported in several locations in Iran, including Isfahan, Qom, and Lorestan. Israeli media reported that dozens of Iranian targets were attacked.
In June 2025, the US claimed to have successfully struck three Iranian nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
Iranian Retaliation
According to Iranian media, Iran is preparing to carry out a "devastating retaliatory strike" against Israel. Ibrahim Aziz, chairman of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, stated: "We (Iran) warned you (Israel), now that you have opened this path, the outcome is no longer in your control."
The Israeli military stated that it has detected the first and second waves of missiles launched from Iran and is intercepting them with air defense systems. Additionally, Israeli media reported that air raid alerts were sounded in many areas of northern and central Israel.
On the same day, Iran retaliated against US military bases in the Middle East. Al Arabiya television also reported that the US Fifth Fleet service center located in Bahrain was hit by a missile attack. The Associated Press cited witnesses saying that alarms and explosions were heard near the US military base in Kuwait. (Zheng Haoning)
On February 28, 2023, U.S. and Israeli forces launched coordinated air and naval strikes against Iranian military targets, including facilities in Tehran. In response, Iran initiated missile strikes against U.S. military bases in the Middle East. The Israeli government declared a state of emergency and issued nationwide air raid alerts as part of the operation, which aimed to dismantle Iran's missile capabilities and prevent nuclear weapon development.
- U.S. and Israel conducted air and naval strikes against Iran on February 28, 2023.
- Israel declared a state of emergency and issued air raid alerts nationwide.
- Iran retaliated with missile strikes against U.S. military bases in the Middle East.
- The strikes targeted Iranian military facilities and leadership, including Ayatollah Khamenei.
- The operation was described as a preemptive strike by Israeli officials.