Explainer: The U.S.-Israel war on Iran
U.S. President Donald Trump said there would be “no deal” unless Iran agreed to an “unconditional surrender”
The U.S. launched a military campaign against Iran called Operation Epic Fury with Israel on Feb. 28. (U.S. Navy/Wikimedia Commons)
Iran is at the centre of political and global attention. From protests in the country to rising conflict with other nations — many people are wondering how the situation developed and what it could mean moving forward.
The current
Affairs escalated late last month, when a major political development shocked the world. On Feb. 28, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a U.S.-Israel airstrike.
The war began when the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, targeting missile infrastructure, military sites, and leadership in Tehran.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the first “pre-emptive strike” was to “remove threats against the state of Israel,” BBC News reported.
Khamenei was killed without having declared an official heir.
In response, Iranian officials moved quickly to organize an interim leadership structure in order to maintain continuity in government. A three-member council was established, consisting of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, head of Iran’s judiciary, and Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, a senior cleric and member of the Guardian Council, a constitutional watchdog.
Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was appointed as his successor on March 8 — the first new leader in 37 years.
Despite these efforts to stabilize leadership, tensions both inside Iran and across the Middle East remain high.
Both Israel and Iran have launched strikes on each other and neighbouring countries. Iran attacked Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the U.A.E. — all of whom are allies of the United States.
Israel attacked Lebanon, including its capital Beirut, and launched a ground assault in south Lebanon.
As of March 20, Al Jazeera reported at least 1,444 people have been killed in Iran, 21 in the Gulf states, and 18 in Israel. The U.S. military has confirmed 13 of its soldiers were killed.
The context
On Dec. 28, 2025, shopkeepers at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar shut down and began striking in response to the rapid collapse of Iran’s currency, the rial, and economic pressure.
Within days, what seemed to be a protest against the economy spread across the country and eventually reached all 31 provinces. The protest soon became a wider movement calling for political change, including the end of the Islamic Republic system.
Thousands of Iranians were killed. The government reported 3,117 people were killed, but a United Nations (UN) special rapporteur said the death toll could be higher than 20,000.
But for many Iranians, the frustration had been building for years.
Economic hardship is part of the issue. Iran is one of the most heavily sanctioned countries in the world. In September 2025, the UN re-imposed sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program when the UN Security Council voted against permanently lifting economic sanctions.
The cost of living has also increased for Iranians. On average, food prices were up 72 per cent from 2025. In December, Iran created a new tier in its national fuel subsidy system — raising the price of petrol and gasoline.
Many criticized strict government policies, social restrictions, and limits on political expression — which created ongoing tension between the government and Iranian citizens. The Woman, Life, Freedom protests began in September 2022 when Jina Mahsa Amini died in custody after being arrested by the country’s morality police.
As protests continued, the Iranian government responded with force. Security forces were deployed to control those acting against the regime.
In addition to physical violence, authorities have imposed widespread internet and communication blackouts since Jan. 8 — restricting information flow and protest organization. In some areas, people reported restricted access to basic needs, such as water.
How can we help?
In times of crisis, it is important for people to stay informed. Sharing reliable information, following credible reporting, and discussing global issues keeps world events like this from being ignored.
Supporting humanitarian and human rights organizations can also make a difference. Groups like United for Iran and Doctors Without Borders work to provide medical aid and humanitarian support to those affected.
