The conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, which erupted on 28/2, quickly escalated into one of the most significant crises in the Middle East in recent years. In just one week, the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East shifted with unprecedented speed.

Initial airstrikes targeting strategic locations in Iran led to the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, creating a global shockwave. Subsequent waves of attacks and retaliations occurred almost continuously, plunging the region into conflict and causing severe material damage and loss of life.

With over 3,000 targets attacked, the Strait of Hormuz blockaded, and casualties exceeding 1,300, the war not only destabilized Iran internally but also pushed global energy markets and security into a state of alarm.

A police station in Tehran was flattened after US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran on 3/3. Photo: AFP

A police station in Tehran was flattened after US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran on 3/3. Photo: AFP

Intense opening hours

The Middle East, a "powder keg" after weeks of tension, exploded on the morning of 28/2. The US and Israel launched large-scale airstrikes on Iran, targeting defense and intelligence facilities, as well as the residences of numerous high-ranking officials and generals.

The first explosions resonated in the capital Tehran at 9h27 (13h27 Hanoi time), followed by large plumes of smoke. President Donald Trump posted a video on social media, announcing that the US military had begun a major operation in Iran to "eliminate imminent threats from Iran." He accused Iran of rebuilding its nuclear program after the conflict in 6/2025.

"They pursue nuclear ambitions, refusing every opportunity to back down. We cannot tolerate this any longer," he stated.

The US and Israel reportedly "planned jointly for months." Israel announced the operation's name as "Roaring Lion," a continuation of the "Rising Lion" operation during the 12-day conflict in 6/2025. Meanwhile, the US Department of Defense named the attack on Iran "Terrible Fury."

President Trump explained the reasons for launching the operation against Iran. Video: Truth Social/realDonald Trump

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) quickly launched missiles and drones into Israeli territory and US bases in regional countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The conflict spread, engulfing the Middle East in fire. Arab nations with a US military presence continuously activated their air defense systems to intercept Iranian missiles. In the skies above cities, interceptions created streaks of light across the air accompanied by loud explosions.

Leaders and officials from many countries expressed concern, urging all parties to exercise restraint and prioritize civilian lives and safety. The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting on 28/2. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the actions of the US and Israel as violations of Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and breaches of international law, including the United Nations Charter. He also criticized Iran's retaliation as a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Arab nations.

Iran blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial choke point for global oil trade. An estimated 20% of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas is transported from major oil-producing powers in the Gulf through this strait for export worldwide.

Smoke and fire enveloped the Middle East during the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Video: Guardian

Turning point

Approximately 15 hours after the operation began, President Trump announced that Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei "had been eliminated." After several hours of silence, Iranian state media confirmed his death on the morning of 1/3.

This development marked a turning point in the conflict, as Khamenei held the highest authority within Iran's political and military apparatus. Tehran promptly established an interim council, as stipulated by law, to govern the country. The council included President Pezeshkian, Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, and cleric Alireza Arafi.

In addition to Khamenei, Iran confirmed the deaths of other high-ranking officials, including Ali Shamkhani, an advisor to the Supreme Leader; Iran's Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh; IRGC Commander Mohammad Pakpour; top intelligence official Saleh Asadi; and Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Abdul Rahim Mousavi. The IRGC announced the launch of its most intense offensive in history for revenge.

Iranians marched in Tehran on 6/3 to mourn Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Photo: AFP

Iranians marched in Tehran on 6/3 to mourn Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Photo: AFP

Middle East "ablaze"

The entire Middle East remained volatile on 2/3. The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia was attacked by Iranian drones, loud explosions were heard in Iraq, and air raid sirens blared in Bahrain. The Iran-backed Hezbollah group attacked Israeli territory, prompting Tel Aviv to retaliate with strikes in southern Lebanon.

US Defense Minister Pete Hegseth held a press conference, marking the first appearance of a senior US official before the media since the conflict erupted. The Pentagon chief affirmed that this was not a war to change the regime in Iran, "but the regime in Iran has certainly changed."

Hegseth did not rule out the possibility of the US deploying ground troops to Iran if necessary. President Trump also mentioned this in a press conference shortly thereafter.

Casualties significantly increased as fighting entered 3/3, the fourth day of the conflict. Iran reported 787 fatalities, including 160 deaths at a girls' school in the country's south. The US reported six service members killed in Kuwait and 18 injured.

The US and Israel conducted more selective strikes against Iran, focusing on ballistic missile systems and strategic infrastructure. Arab nations hosting US bases remained on high alert for missiles and drones from Iran; some of Tehran's projectiles managed to penetrate defenses, causing both material damage and casualties.

On 4/3, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that the US had attacked nearly 2,000 targets in Iran, destroying hundreds of missiles and launchers.

The Pentagon confirmed that a US submarine sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi later stated that there were "nearly 130 sailors" on board the IRIS Dena and that the Sri Lankan navy rescued 32 people.

On 5/3, Iran updated its casualty figures after five days of conflict: over 1,045 dead and over 6,000 injured. All parties continued their attacks and issued strong statements. The US urged Israel to continue the war "to the end" with Iran, while Tehran declared it would only cease retaliation after "inflicting heavy blows" on the US.

The situation somewhat de-escalated as the conflict entered its seventh day, 6/3. CENTCOM reported that the number of Iranian missile and drone attacks had significantly decreased compared to the initial days of the conflict, easing some pressure on Gulf nations.

However, the flow of energy in the Middle East was severely disrupted by the conflict, driving global energy prices higher.

Uncertain future

In interviews with US media, President Trump stated that the operation could last four to five weeks. On 6/3, the Israeli military announced a shift to the next phase of its conflict with Iran, threatening more surprises for its adversary. Iran continued to respond firmly, declaring readiness to confront US ground troops if they entered the country.

On 6/3, Trump demanded Iran's "unconditional surrender" and promised to help rebuild its economy if Tehran complied and established a new leadership. "There will be no deal with Iran except for their unconditional surrender," he wrote on the social media platform Truth Social.

Iranian media estimated that over 1,330 people had died due to the conflict. Iran has yet to announce Khamenei's successor, although Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Supreme Leader, has emerged as a strong candidate due to his influence in Iranian politics and close ties with the IRGC. Sources indicated that the selection process was delayed for security reasons, as Israel had warned it would eliminate any person appointed by Iran.

US-Israel conflict casualties in Iran as of 6/3. Graphic: Al Jazeera

US-Israel conflict casualties in Iran as of 6/3. Graphic: Al Jazeera

It is currently unclear how the US-Israel conflict with Iran will progress. Experts have presented several potential scenarios, including the emergence of a new, more Western-friendly government in this Middle Eastern nation, which could alter the regional geopolitical landscape.

Another scenario suggests Iran could fall into a situation similar to Libya, where the political scene is plunged into chaos for several months, with uncertainty about who Tehran will elect as its new leader.

The most likely scenario is that Iran will establish a new hardline government and continue its series of retaliatory measures. The parties might reach a ceasefire by the end of march as casualties mount, potentially causing a backlash in US public opinion, especially with mid-term elections approaching in november. However, there remains a risk of a new conflict erupting in the future.

President Trump declared that he must be involved in the selection process for Iran's new Supreme Leader and opposed the late leader Khamenei's son taking power. Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, criticized this intention, calling it an act of internal interference.

"Iran is an independent and sovereign nation. We do not accept and will never allow any foreign power to interfere in our internal affairs," Iravani emphasized.

Nhu Tam (According to CNN, Al Jazeera, Reuters)