Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-28 at 15:02

HEADLINESKhamenei Assassination Claim Shocks Iran RegionUS Says No Casualties in Iran StrikesFlights Grounded as Gulf Attacks DisruptThe time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, Israeli officials say Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was assassinated in an Israeli strike on Tehran, with his body reportedly found under the rubble. Documentation of the leader's remains has been shown to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, though confirmation remains fluid. Khamenei, who has led Iran since 1989 and was 86, was the central figure in a weekend of targeted actions that authorities say hit senior officials and key command centers. Reports also described a broader set of targets, including aides Ali Larijani and Ali Shamkhani and IRGC leaders, though the full tally was not confirmed. An analytical briefing emphasized that airstrikes can weaken a regime but are unlikely to deliver the final change without internal dynamics, and some accounts described the operation as prioritizing leadership and military infrastructure over nuclear sites. Netanyahu later asserted that there are indications Khamenei was eliminated, though assessments remain preliminary.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, the analysis notes that the Mossad is not actively speaking at the moment, with sources silent as Israel and the United States strike Iran. The piece recalls Mossad's 2018 operation to seize Iran’s nuclear archives and outlines methods used then, including tracking shipments, surveillance of transport, intercepting communications, and undercover intelligence work to locate hidden nuclear material. The article raises questions about the clandestine agency's current activity amid an unfolding confrontation.In US Military Role, CENTCOM reported no US combat casualties despite hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks as Operation Epic Fury commenced. The Pentagon described a campaign targeting IRGC command and control facilities, air defenses, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields, with damage to US installations described as minimal and operations continuing. The operation showcased the largest regional firepower deployment in a generation, with platforms across air, land and sea and the use of one-way attack drones by Task Force Scorpion Strike.In Regional Impacts, UAE authorities intercepted waves of Iranian missiles and issued safety alerts urging residents to stay indoors and follow official guidance. Airlines suspended flights across the Middle East, including to and from Dubai, amid the broader strike activity and regional disruption. Israeli officials cautioned that the conflict could continue for several days to a week, and there were reports of multiple missiles fired at Israel and Gulf states. Global travel was thrown into chaos as Gulf hubs faced flight suspensions, leaving cargo and passengers stranded as aviation networks faced a massive logistical challenge.In US Policy Concerning Israel, far-right influencer Candace Owens drew attention for a post in which she appeared to declare she stands against Israel, framing the Iran strikes in personal terms and reviving conspiracy theories about Charlie Kirk’s death. The same day, President Trump announced that the United States had begun major combat operations in Iran in coordination with Israel, describing the campaign as aimed at dismantling Iran’s missile and naval capabilities and urging Iranians to take over their government after the operation ends. Democrats and some Republicans criticized the approach as lacking clear authorization, sparking a debate over presidential war powers as lawmakers weighed the constitutional and political implications.In Israeli Domestic Politics, opposition leader Lapid said he backed Netanyahu's decision to strike Iran, describing the campaign as a just war against evil and urging unity in facing the threat. In Jerusalem, Prime Minister Netanyahu noted signs that the Iranian leadership may have been affected by the strikes, while emphasizing that the operation would continue. The domestic political scene reflected broad support for the action, even as strategic disagreements persisted.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. 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