Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-28 at 13:02

HEADLINESIsrael unleashes largest air assault on IranIran drones strike Dubai and BahrainStrait of Hormuz risk rattles oil marketsThe time is now 1:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, Israeli authorities say the Israeli Air Force conducted its largest aerial campaign to date, with more than 200 aircraft striking about 500 Iranian targets in a multi-wave operation. The first wave hit dozens of radars and air defenses near Israel and around the Tehran region, while the second wave targeted Iran's ballistic missile apparatus to blunt its ability to strike the Israeli home front. In the Tabriz area, a major site linked to ballistic missiles was struck. Israel says it is working to establish and maintain air supremacy to keep drones and other aircraft from Tehran as it tries to destroy missile teams before they can fire. Separately, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed the mission as an effort to remove what he described as an existential threat. Reports from the day include sirens in northern Israel and the Jerusalem area, and claims that Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, though Iran has not confirmed such actions. The IDF spokesperson said the Air Force is striking missile launchers in Iran. There were reported Israeli injuries, including a 17-year-old lightly wounded in Kafr Qasim, and an initial hit in central Israel. In an NBC interview, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Khamenei is still alive. These are developing events.In Iranian Retaliation, experts warn Iran now views the conflict as an existential war and is likely to escalate and use all of its capabilities. Former IDF intelligence official Yossi Kuperwasser said Iran could target the regime’s leadership, ballistic missile capabilities, nuclear and military industry facilities, and security forces, mainly the IRGC, with the aim of pressuring opponents and potentially striking American targets as well. There are reports of Iranian drone activity abroad, including a Dubai hotel hit and a direct strike reported in Bahrain, with a separate note of a drone strike at Kuwait International Airport causing limited damage and injuries. A claimed direct hit of an Iranian drone was reported in Manama, Bahrain. These are indications of intensified cross-border actions as the situation evolves.In Regional Impacts, officials say communications in the Gulf indicate the Strait of Hormuz could be affected. An EU naval mission official and other sources reported VHF messages from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards navy stating that no ship is allowed to pass through the Strait, though Iran has not formally confirmed any closure. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint through which roughly a fifth of global oil supplies pass. Separately, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said British forces are participating in coordinated regional defensive efforts to protect interests and allies, but they are not involved in the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, and have not disclosed further operational details.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hezbollah signaled solidarity with Iran after US and Israeli strikes but stopped short of pledging involvement. The group warned of regional consequences should the confrontation widen, while Lebanon’s prime minister stressed that Lebanon should not be dragged into any adventures that threaten its security and stability. The message underscored ongoing regional tension and the potential for spillover beyond Iran itself.In US Policy Concerning Israel, CIA assessments conducted in the run-up to the strikes suggested that even if Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were killed, he would likely be replaced by hardline IRGC figures rather than a moderate successor. The assessments, produced in the preceding weeks, did not reach a certain forecast about outcomes and did not identify a definitive leader to assume power. The CIA did not comment on the briefings, while President Trump described Tehran as a terrorist regime and urged Iranian people to take over their government.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-888297https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-888294https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-888293https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-888292https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-888291https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-888290https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/02/28/israel-us-joint-strike-iran-tehran/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hjbrsolkblhttps://t.me/hnaftali/21568