Updated factsheet: Israel-United States joint military operation – Operation Roaring Lion / Epic Fury

Issued by: South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) 

Date: 20 March 2026 (as of 09:00 SAST – Day 21 of the conflict) 

The Israel-led joint campaign with the United States (US) against Iran has entered its 21st day with sustained high-intensity operations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation last night, stating that after 20 days of war, Israel has achieved major strategic victories: the regime’s ballistic missile production and launch capabilities are no longer operational, and its uranium enrichment and nuclear weapon production infrastructure have been effectively destroyed. He stressed that further action – including potential ground components – remains necessary to eliminate any residual threats and ensure long-term security. 

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has conducted extensive airstrikes across western, central, and southern Iran in recent days, hitting more than 200 targets including: 

• Iranian Navy assets on the Caspian Sea. 

• The South Pars gas field (shared with Qatar), causing major fires and production disruptions. 

• Military and naval facilities at Bandar Lengeh Port. 

These strikes continue to dismantle Iran’s remaining missile production, naval capabilities, and energy infrastructure that sustains the regime’s war effort. US forces are providing ongoing air and naval support, maintaining pressure on threats to international shipping lanes. 

Key Iranian military and regime leadership structure degraded 

The campaign has decapitated much of Iran’s top military and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) leadership, including: 

• Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (initial strikes, 28 February to 1 March) 

• IRGC Commander-in-Chief Major General Hossein Salami (early March) 

• IRGC Aerospace Force Commander Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh (early March) 

• IRGC Quds Force Commander Brig. General Esmail Qaani (early March) 

• IRGC Deputy Commander-in-Chief Major General Mohammad Reza Naghdi (mid-March) 

• IRGC Intelligence Chief Major General Mohammad Kazemi (mid-March) 

• Several senior Quds Force division commanders and IRGC Navy commanders (ongoing targeted strikes) 

These losses, combined with the destruction of command centres and communication networks, have severely disrupted the regime’s chain of command and operational coordination. 

Israeli civilian casualties 

As of 20 March 2026, Israeli civilian casualties from Iranian and Hezbollah attacks stand at: 

• 13 civilians killed directly (confirmed by Magen David Adom and IDF reports; includes nine in Beit Shemesh on 1 March, two in Yehud on 9 March from shrapnel/cluster munitions, and smaller incidents). 

• Broader estimates reach 15 to 17 when including indirect deaths (stress-related or delayed injuries). 

• More than 2 500 injured, with 1 929 to 3 461 requiring hospital treatment (many light or moderate cases from shrapnel, debris, or shelter rushes). No new fatalities have been reported in the past 48 hours despite ongoing sirens and barrages. 

Rockets fired on Israel since the start of the war 

Since 28 February 2026, projectiles fired at Israel (primarily from Hezbollah in Lebanon, with Iranian ballistic missiles and drones) include: 

• Hezbollah rockets and drones: Estimates range from several thousand total (IDF assessments indicate more than 800 rockets/drones in a single week in mid-March alone, with daily averages of ~100 rockets since early March; one of the largest barrages was ~100–200+ rockets/drones on 11 and 12 March). 

• Iranian ballistic missiles: ~520–651 launched (mostly in early waves; recent barrages limited due to >60–80% launcher destruction). 

• Total projectiles (rockets, missiles, drones): In the low thousands overall (Hezbollah dominates recent fire; Iranian direct attacks dropped sharply after initial phases). 

The Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s attempts to hold the oil market hostage 

Iran has repeatedly attempted to weaponise the Strait of Hormuz, through which ~20% of global oil passes, to pressure the international community: 

• Early in the conflict Iran declared the strait “closed” and threatened to “set ablaze” any passing vessels. 

• Multiple tankers have been attacked or set on fire (at least six confirmed incidents in recent days, including two foreign oil tankers ablaze in Iraqi waters). 

• Bahrain’s national oil company declared force majeure due to disrupted shipping. 

• These actions have driven Brent and WTI crude prices above $100–$120 per barrel (highest levels since 2022), despite some reserve releases. 

• The regime’s explicit goal, stated in official channels, is to create global economic pain to force a ceasefire on its terms. 

Operation details 

Precision strikes continue to focus on military, nuclear-related, energy, naval, and proxy targets, with civilian areas avoided where possible. 

Recent targets include: 

• South Pars gas field and other energy infrastructure. 

• Caspian Sea naval assets. 

• Bandar Lengeh Port and IRGC Navy headquarters. 

• Missile production and storage sites. 

• Hezbollah assets in Beirut suburbs and southern Lebanon. 

Iran’s air force, navy, air defences, and missile production are now largely crippled. Air superiority remains firmly with Israel and the US. 

Iranian retaliation and escalation risks 

• Ballistic missile barrages from Iran have declined sharply (~70–92% reduction in frequency/volume due to launcher destruction); total fired since 28 February: ~520–651. 

• Hezbollah has escalated rocket and drone attacks, with one of the largest single barrages (~100–200+ rockets/drones) on 11 and 12 March. 

• Proxy strikes continue on Gulf facilities; Hormuz tanker threats persist. 

• Global energy market volatility and food-security risks (per World Trade Organization warnings) are growing. 

Bottom line 

The joint operation continues to degrade Iran’s nuclear and missile threats, dismantle its proxy terror network, and protect regional stability. Significant progress has been achieved after 21 days, with the regime’s ballistic and uranium-producing capabilities declared eliminated by Netanyahu, but sustained pressure is required until the existential danger is fully eliminated. 

Stay informed through reliable sources as the situation evolves. Am Yisrael Chai!