Iran Launches “Operation True Promise 4” Retaliatory Missile and Drone Strikes

Iran launched a large retaliatory campaign of missile and drone strikes across the Middle East following a joint United States and Israeli air operation earlier that day that targeted Iranian leadership and military infrastructure and resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader. The Iranian response was announced by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) under the codename “Operation True Promise 4.” The attacks targeted Israel, U.S. military installations in the region, and several Gulf countries hosting American military assets. The strikes began later on 28/02/2026 and involved ballistic missiles and large numbers of unmanned aerial vehicles launched toward multiple countries. Iranian officials described the campaign as a direct response to the earlier U.S. and Israeli airstrikes conducted inside Iran. The scope of the operation extended beyond Israel to include U.S. military bases and regional partners, marking one of the widest geographic strike campaigns launched by Iran. The United Arab Emirates was among the most heavily targeted countries during the retaliatory campaign. Iranian forces reportedly launched more than 500 drones and approximately 150 ballistic missiles toward the UAE. Some of the incoming weapons were intercepted by regional air defense systems, but several impacts were reported. A strike hit a luxury hotel complex on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai International Airport sustained minor damage during the attacks. Authorities reported three foreign nationals were killed and several others were injured. Iran also targeted several U.S. military facilities located in Gulf states. In Bahrain, a naval support facility in Manama connected to the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet was reportedly struck during the operation. In Kuwait, damage was reported to the runway at Ali al Salem Airbase, a major base used by the United States Air Force. In Qatar, a medical clinic at Al Udeid Airbase, the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East, was damaged by incoming projectiles. Other regional states also faced incoming missiles and drones during the escalation. Jordan and Saudi Arabia intercepted numerous projectiles that crossed their airspace. Although many were destroyed before impact, falling debris from intercepted missiles caused civilian injuries and property damage in several areas.