Iran War: Israel Strikes Tehran, US Evacuates Citizens – Updates

The conflict in the Middle East intensified Wednesday as Israel launched a recent wave of strikes targeting Tehran, while the U.S. Military assessed that Iran’s defenses have been “severely degraded” following days of escalating attacks. The strikes come amid a postponement of public mourning ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, signaling a potential shift in the immediate response from Iranian authorities.

Escalation and Retaliation

Israeli military officials reported a “broad wave of strikes” Wednesday targeting internal security command centers within Tehran, alongside missile launchers and other systems. This action follows a series of U.S. And Israeli strikes beginning February 28th, 2026, which targeted Iranian military infrastructure. The initial strikes were triggered by the deaths of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top security officials, as reported by Al Jazeera.

The planned three days of funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Khamenei have been postponed, according to Iranian state media, citing an “overwhelming response.” A new date has not yet been announced. This postponement suggests a potential recalibration of Iran’s immediate response, though the long-term implications remain unclear.

U.S. Assessment of Iranian Capabilities

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated late Tuesday that Iranian air defenses and a significant number of ballistic missile launchers and drones have been “severely degraded” following approximately 2,000 strikes conducted by the U.S. And Israel. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, described the U.S. Operation as “ahead of our game plan” in a video posted on X. CNN reported on February 28th that these strikes were a direct response to escalating tensions in the region.

CENTCOM also reported the destruction of 17 Iranian ships, including what they described as Iran’s “most operational” submarine. Iran has reportedly retaliated with over 500 ballistic missiles and more than 2,000 drones, prompting a significant buildup of U.S. Forces in the region. Currently, the U.S. Has deployed 50,000 troops, 200 fighter jets, and two aircraft carriers to the Middle East, with “more capabilities on the way,” according to Cooper.

Regional Impact and Diplomatic Concerns

The conflict is extending beyond Iran’s borders. Across the Gulf, U.S. Diplomatic sites have been targeted in recent days. On Tuesday, drones struck near the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, prompting the embassy to issue a shelter-in-place order. Similar incidents occurred near the U.S. Consulate in Dubai and led to the closure of the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described these attacks as originating from a “terrorist regime.”

Inside Iran, Israel reported targeting the building housing the Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for choosing a new supreme leader. The status of the assembly at the time of the strike remains unconfirmed.

Thousands of Iranians gathered Tuesday for the funeral of children killed in an elementary school struck Saturday. Over 160 students and 14 teachers were killed, according to Iranian officials. Israel denies responsibility for the strike, and the U.S. Military is investigating.

Evacuation Challenges for American Citizens

The U.S. State Department is urging American citizens to depart the Middle East, but many are facing significant challenges. Evelyn Mushi, a U.S. Citizen stranded in Abu Dhabi, described difficulties reaching State Department assistance and a lack of clear evacuation plans. The State Department has announced it is facilitating charter flights from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, covering the costs for U.S. Citizens. However, reports indicate that airspace closures and logistical hurdles are delaying evacuations.

As of Tuesday, the State Department said it had been in contact with nearly 3,000 Americans and assisted over 9,000 in leaving the region. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem is advising Americans to consider crossing into Egypt by land, while the embassy in Jordan has been evacuated.

Casualties and Military Operations

The Pentagon has released the names of four U.S. Soldiers killed in a drone attack in Kuwait on Sunday. The soldiers were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command. Six U.S. Service members have died in total since the start of the conflict. Iran reports at least 787 deaths from the strikes, while the U.S. Military estimates the number to be lower.

President Trump stated Tuesday that the U.S. Initiated strikes on Iran because he believed Iran was preparing to launch an attack. He also suggested that Israel may have been prompted to act by U.S. Actions. These statements contrast with earlier remarks from Secretary of State Rubio, who indicated that the U.S. Anticipated and responded to an impending Israeli action.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the goal of Operation Epic Fury is to destroy Iranian offensive missiles, missile production capabilities, and its navy, and to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

— Hadeel Al-Shalchi, Jane Arraf, Tovia Smith, Julia Simon, Jawad Rizkallah, Jackie Northam, Michele Kelemen, Camila Domonoske, Deepa Shivaram, and Alex Leff contributed to this report.