US Iran War: Massive Offensive Enters Fifth Day as Khamenei Killed

The US Iran war has escalated dramatically as the United States and Israel launched widespread military strikes on Iran. According to BBC News, this US Iran war offensive has now entered its fifth day, with Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed in the initial assault. The conflict has quickly spread across the Gulf region, pulling in multiple countries and raising fears of a wider regional war.

What Happened in Iran?

The US and Israel launched widespread strikes on February 28, targeting Iran missile infrastructure, military sites, and leadership in Tehran and across the country. Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who led the country since 1989, was killed during the first wave of strikes. Dozens more senior figures in the powerful Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) were also killed in the attacks.

Since the weekend, the US and Israel have continued to target key sites. Israel said that included a covert nuclear compound. Iran has repeatedly insisted its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful, but Western powers have long suspected otherwise. The death toll in Iran since the US-Israeli attacks began has reached 787, according to the Iranian Red Crescent, as reported by major news outlets.

How Has Iran Responded?

Iran has described the US and Israeli strikes as unprovoked, illegal and illegitimate, and has carried out widespread missile and drone attacks in response. The IRGC said it had targeted Israeli government and military sites in Tel Aviv and elsewhere. This escalation represents a significant turning point in the US Iran war dynamics across the region.

Strikes have also been reported in countries hosting US bases, including Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kuwait. Drones hit the US embassy in Saudi Arabias capital Riyadh, and a drone also hit a car park adjacent to the US consulate in Dubai.

According to the US and its Arab allies, who issued a joint statement condemning Irans attacks, the targeting of civilians and of countries not engaged in hostilities is reckless and destabilising behaviour. Six US servicemen have been killed and 18 injured in action as of Monday, according to Centcom.

Why Did the US and Israel Attack Iran?

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the attacks as a pre-emptive strike to remove threats against the state of Israel. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US knew there was going to be Israeli action, which meant America had to act pre-emptively in the face of expected Iranian attacks on American forces.

Israel and the US have been arch-foes of Iran since the Islamic revolution in 1979. The two countries have led Western opposition to Irans nuclear programme, claiming Iran is seeking to develop a nuclear bomb something Iran has vehemently denied. They previously attacked Iranian nuclear and military sites in June 2025 in a war which lasted for 12 days.

Since then, they have claimed Iran has been trying to rebuild its nuclear programme and develop missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons. President Trump said these missiles could eventually reach the US mainland.

Impact on Global Economy and Energy

Instability in the Middle East has begun to impact the global economy. According to Reuters, Iran has been accused of attacking ships in the Gulf, forcing the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz a key artery accounting for about 20% of global oil and gas supply.

Oil and gas prices have surged, with the Brent benchmark oil price hitting $83.96 a barrel, a rise of 15% since Saturday. The strikes have prompted some of the worlds largest producers of oil and gas to suspend production, including Qatars liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities and Saudi Arabias largest domestic refinery.

How Long Could the War Last?

Two days after the attacks began, Trump said military action was projected to last for four to five weeks, but we have capability to go far longer than that. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the campaign would continue as long as it is needed to eliminate the threat from Iran.

The war has prompted one of the most serious disruptions to global travel since the Covid-19 pandemic, with widespread airspace closures and thousands of flights grounded across the Middle East. According to UNHCR, nearly 100,000 people left Tehran in the first two days following the attacks. This US Iran war development continues to evolve rapidly and could reshape the entire Middle East region.