The Iran War

Calleigh Whalen '29

The Outbreak of Conflict

On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched a military operation known as "Operation Epic Fury." The campaign involved about 900 strikes during the first 12 hours, targeting Iranian air defenses, missile facilities, and other government buildings.

One of the objectives of the initial strike was to take out Iranian leadership officials. Reports confirmed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in these strikes. In the following days, the Iranian government named his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as his successor.

Regional Escalation

Iran responded to the initial attacks by launching hundreds of missiles and drones at the surrounding countries. These strikes targeted U.S. military installations and bases across the region, including sites in Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.

The conflict has also impacted neighboring countries. Nations like Kuwait and the UAE have reported casualties from falling debris or direct strikes. Furthermore, the Strait of Hormuz—a source of 20% of the world's oil—has seen significant disruptions, causing some prices to slowly rise.

Arguments and Perspectives

The motivations behind the war are viewed differently depending on the source:

• The United States: President Trump stated the strikes were a measure to eliminate imminent threats and dismantle Iran's nuclear and missile programs, as well as keep Iran from holding a large amount of the world's oil hostage (This would lead to a massive increase in the price of gasoline and other oil-based products).

  
  

• Iran: Officials have labeled the campaign an "illegal war of aggression" and a violation of national sovereignty, asserting their right to self-defense.

• International Community: While some allies support the goal of degrading Iran's military capabilities, others, including the UN and several European leaders, have called for an immediate return to diplomacy to prevent a wider regional war.

Current Standing

As of March 9, 2026, the war has entered its second week. Casualties have passed 1,300 in Iran, with additional deaths reported among U.S. service members and regional civilians. While the U.S. maintains that Iran's missile capacity has been "degraded," retaliatory drone strikes continue to be a threat.