US-Israel Iran war completes one month with heavy casualties and global impact

ISLAMABAD: The war launched by the US and Israel against Iran has completed one month. In this conflict that began on February 28, 2026, Iran, the US, Israel and the Gulf countries suffered heavy casualties and financial losses. Let us review the important events and losses that occurred during this one month.

The beginning of the war

On February 28, 2026, the US and Israel launched a joint airstrike against Iran, targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. Explosions were heard in various cities including Tehran, Isfahan and Natanz. These attacks included the Natanz and Fordow nuclear facilities, ballistic missile warehouses and Revolutionary Guard centers.

The initial attacks also targeted Iran’s top leadership, with reports of the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other important military figures.

Meanwhile, a US missile hit a girls’ school in the Iranian city of Minab, killing 170 students.

Iran’s immediate response

Iran retaliated on the same day under ‘Operation Sadiq Promise 3’, launching hundreds of drones and missiles at US bases in Israel and the Gulf.

Week One: Intense Attacks and Global Impact

During the first week, the US and Israel hit more than 1,000 Iranian targets. The attack on the Ras Laffan LNG plant in Qatar disrupted global energy supplies. Oil prices rose from $70 to more than $90 per barrel, while civil aviation in the region was restricted.

Week Two: The War Spread

From March 7 to 14, the war spread to Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq. Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on Israel, while Israel bombed Beirut heavily. Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and began targeting ships, severely disrupting the global supply chain.

At the same time, attacks on Houthi groups in Yemen and US bases in Iraq also intensified. The US military also suffered casualties, while some aircraft were destroyed by accidents and their own fire.

Week Three: Direct attacks and cyber warfare

From March 15 to 21, Iran targeted Tel Aviv and Jerusalem with missiles. The pressure on Israeli defense systems increased and several missiles managed to reach their targets. During this time, cyber attacks were also exchanged between the two countries, which affected the electricity and banking systems.

Week Four: Deadlock and diplomatic efforts

From March 22 to 28, the war remained in a deadlock, but air strikes continued. There were also limited diplomatic signals from the US and Israel, while some countries, including Pakistan, stepped up mediation efforts.

Total casualties

More than 1,400 civilians were killed and thousands were injured in Iran, while about 800 soldiers were killed.

16 people were killed and more than 1,500 were injured in Israel.

13 US soldiers were killed and over 300 were injured.

In Lebanon, 1,340 were killed and thousands were injured, while millions were displaced.

In the United Arab Emirates, casualties were also reported in drone and missile attacks.

Economic and military losses

Thousands of Iranian military targets were destroyed, while a large part of its missile stockpile was claimed to have been affected. On the other hand, Iran targeted US bases and energy facilities in Gulf countries, causing billions of dollars in damage.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz severely affected global trade and sent oil prices soaring to $115 per barrel.

What next?

Although the US claims that Iran’s defense capabilities have been weakened, experts say Iran still has the ability to launch long-range missile attacks. The exact extent of the damage to Iran’s nuclear program is still unclear.

Overall, this war has become a major challenge not only for the region but also for the global economy and security, the effects of which are likely to continue in the future.