The conflict escalated on Saturday morning, February 28, when President Donald Trump ordered a joint military operation involving the USA and its "partner forces," primarily Israel, targeting Iran. The rationale behind these preventive strikes centers around perceived threats from Iran's nuclear program, prompting both nations to close their airspaces in response to the increasing tensions.

In retaliation, Iran swiftly initiated counterattacks, utilizing drones that targeted northern Israel and then extending its reach to countries hosting US military bases, including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, and Kuwait. The initial wave of strikes highlighted the serious implications of the conflict extending beyond Iran, as regional allies found themselves drawn into a rapidly escalating situation.

By the end of the first day of warfare, President Trump announced the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, alongside several other high-ranking officials. This event marks a significant turning point in the ongoing geopolitical landscape, further complicating relations in an already volatile region and raising questions about the future stability and security of the Middle East.