ATTA KENARE / AFP
Saturday, February 28, 2026, at dawn. The United States and Israel launch a military offensive against Iran, which quickly retaliates with salvoes of missiles, raising fears of a regional conflagration. Tehran, the capital, is hit by multiple strikes. WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters
Named "Epic Fury," the American operation aims to "eliminate imminent threats" from Iran, says President Donald Trump in a video posted on his social network, Truth Social. "The hour of your freedom is within reach," he also tells the Iranian people from his residence in Palm Beach, Florida. Screenshot
The Israeli army, for its part, is striking “hundreds of Iranian military targets,” targeting several meetings of senior Iranian officials in Tehran. These strikes will continue “as long as necessary,” warns a security source. Iranian authorities, for their part, accuse Israel of bombing a girls' school in the south of the country. The toll: more than 80 dead. Majid Asgaripour/WANA via Reuters
In Tehran, the day unfolds to the rhythm of explosions. Plumes of smoke regularly rise in the center, east, and west of the capital, where ambulance sirens wail. Photo from various sources / AFP
Among the targets of the US-Israeli strikes were Iranian military centers. US Central Command (CENTCOM) / AFP
But also, and above all, the compound where Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei resides, in Tehran. Strikes also hit, according to Iranian media, the cities of Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, Kermanshah, Minab, Lorestan, and Tabriz, in all corners of the country. Pleiades Neo (c) Airbus DS 2026/Handout via REUTERS
The offensive, massive, sows panic among the population in Tehran. Atta KENARE / AFP
Shortly after the strikes began, gas stations in Tehran were stormed. Atta KENARE / AFP
And those who can are fleeing the capital. In the evening, the Iranian government calls on the residents of Tehran to leave the city, through text messages sent to their phones. ATTA KENARE / AFP
Which does not prevent some Iranians from demonstrating, in the streets of Tehran, in support of the regime. Majid Asgaripour/WANA via Reuters
The Iranian response is not long in coming. First against Israel, where a number of Iranian missiles are intercepted. REUTERS/Gil Eliyahu
In this context, Israeli authorities are instituting a "special and immediate state of emergency" and are closing the airspace to civilian flights. Residents are being told to take shelter, as here in Tel Aviv, whenever a salvo of Iranian missiles is announced. REUTERS/Tomer Neuberg
Some missiles evade the Iron Dome, like here in Bnei Brak. REUTERS/Itai Ron
The Iranian response also targets Gulf countries hosting American military bases. Like here, in Abu Dhabi, where a civilian is killed by a missile fragment. Photo AFP
Bahrain, where the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet is stationed, is particularly targeted by Iranian missiles. Photo UGC / AFP
The whole day is marked by detonations. REUTERS/Stringer
Qatar, which hosts the Al-Udeid air base, the largest American base in the Middle East, is also not exempt from Iranian missiles. MAHMUD HAMS / AFP
In Dubai... Four people are injured following an incident at the city's international airport. According to the Dubai Media Office, a drone was intercepted near the famous Burj Al Arab hotel, causing a "limited fire on the exterior facade" of the building. Photo AFP
In Lebanon, anxiety is spreading rapidly. As early as Saturday morning, lines are forming in front of gas stations. However, the authorities are seeking to reassure the public, denying any risk of shortage and claiming they are working to keep the Land of the Cedars out of the escalation. Hezbollah, for its part, confines itself on Saturday to condemning the strikes and declaring itself “in solidarity” with Iran. Photo Lucile Wassermann
In the evening, information multiplied regarding the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The elimination of the Supreme Leader, killed by strikes on the first day of the war, will be confirmed in the middle of the night. Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/WANA /Handout via Reuters
On March 1st, about 24 hours after the start of the American-Israeli offensive against the Iranian regime, thousands of Iranians pay tribute to the leader in Tehran. The transition is underway; Donald Trump threatens Iran with an “unprecedented” military response in case of retaliation. Atta KENARE / AFP