From counterattack to celebrations on Tehran streets: How Iran has responded US-Israel strikes so far

Rescue workers and residents search through the rubble in the aftermath of what Iranian officials said was an Israeli-U.S. strike on a girls’ elementary school in Minab, Iran, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (Photo: Mehr News Agency via AP)

How has Iran responded to the attack so far?

Iran’s counter attack on Israeli territory, US allies

Following the expansive attack, Iran has responded with missile and projectile fire targeting Israeli territory, signalling a direct counter‑attack. Explosions were reported in northern Israel as air defence systems were activated to intercept incoming Iranian missiles, and sirens sounded across parts of the country amid fears of a widening conflict. The Islamic Republic also launched attacks on Washington’s regional allies – UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar – all of which house US military bases. According to a Congressional Research Service (CRS) report in 2024, there are eight persistent bases and 11 other military sites belonging to the US in the Middle East.

What Iran’s ambassador to India said

Iran’s Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali said his country has the right to self-defence and will use all options to protect itself. He said “the real goal is pressure, threat and military aggression to secure their own illegitimate interests”. Speaking at the Iranian Culture House in New Delhi, Fathali said, “Iran has once again been attacked by the US and Israel… They violated Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They attacked targets in several cities, including defensive infrastructure and civilian areas.” “Now we will defend our country… Iran has the lawful right of self-defence; as an independent country, Iran will use all necessary options to protect its territorial integrity, its independence, and the lives of its citizens. The armed forces of Iran are fully prepared,” he said.

Traces of air defense missile interceptions are seen in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (AP Photo)

What Iranian foreign minister did

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi spoke to his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Iraq, asking them to prevent the US and Israel from using their territories against Tehran. in telephone conversations with his counterparts in West Asia, Araghchi described the military aggression as a flagrant violation of the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations and a clear crime against international peace and security, as per a statement by the Iranian Foreign Ministry. Referring to Iran’s firm determination to continue its policy of good neighbourliness and friendship with all countries in the region, he underscored the fundamental principle of international law prohibiting any participation in an act of aggression against another state. He reminded all regional countries of their responsibility to prevent the US and the Zionist regime from exploiting their facilities or territories to carry out aggressive operations against Iran, said the statement. Araghchi said that “the war… is not only directed against the Iranian nation but against all countries of the region”. Therefore, he noted, it is incumbent upon all Muslim nations and regional governments to fulfill their historic responsibility in confronting the malicious designs.

Iran’s warning after Khamenei declared dead

With Khamenei’s death confirmed, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vowed in a statement that Iran’s armed forces would soon retaliate again with their biggest offensive against US bases and Israel, prompting a counter-threat from US President Trump, warning Iran not to retaliate to its Operation Epic Fury. Trump said Tehran “better not do that”. Trump added if Iran goes ahead with their plan of attacking, he will hit them with a force they’ve never seen.

A demonstrator marching in support of regime change in Iran, reacts to unconfirmed reports that the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed during US and Israeli strikes of Iran, in Richmond Hill, Ontario., Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (The Canadian Press via AP)

Celebrations in Tehran’s streets

Meanwhile, the killing of Khamenei sparked jubilant celebrations on Tehran’s streets. Videos from the capital city show massive crowds of people coming together — dancing, hooting, and hurling what can be understood are head coverings. Slogans of ‘Death to the Israel Republic’, and ‘Long live the Shah’ were also heard. In a video call with New York Times, three residents showed the scenes unfolding in their neighbourhoods. What was seen was — large crowds of men and women dancing and cheering, shouting, “Woohoo, hurrah.” Drivers passing by honked their car horns. Fireworks lit up the sky and loud Persian dance music filled the streets. Many residents, from their windows and balconies, joined in a chant of “freedom, freedom.”

What Iranian royal in exile said 

Iranian royal in exile Reza Pahlavi has thanked the US President Donald Trump for Operation Epic Fury against the regime in Iran and eventually killing Supreme Leader Ayotollah Khamenei. In a piece in the Washington Post, Pahlavi said: “In announcing the strikes, President Donald Trump laid out the grave threats the world’s foremost sponsor of terrorism poses to the United States and its allies. He also addressed the Iranian people — the regime’s longest-suffering victims — declaring that ‘the hour of your freedom is at hand’.” In a post on Facebook, Pahlavi said: “Ali Khamenei, the bloodthirsty despot of our time, the murderer of tens of thousands of Iran’s bravest sons and daughters, has been erased from the face of history. With his death, the Islamic Republic has in effect reached its end and will very soon be consigned to the dustbin of history.”