The United States and Israel initiated large-scale military operations against targets inside Iran on February 28, 2026, marking a significant escalation in long-standing tensions over Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missile capabilities, and regional proxy activities.
The coordinated strikes, described by US officials as aimed at degrading Iran’s military infrastructure and leadership structures, prompted immediate retaliatory missile and drone launches from Iran targeting Israel and US military installations in several Gulf countries.
President Donald Trump announced the start of what he termed “major combat operations” in a video statement released early on February 28.
He stated that the actions were intended to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, eliminate its ballistic missile program, destroy naval forces, and protect US personnel from threats posed by Iran’s network of allied groups in the Middle East.
Trump urged the Iranian population to seize the opportunity to challenge their government, emphasizing that the objective included enabling change in Tehran.
In his own reaction, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the operation as a pre-emptive effort to neutralize existential threats to Israel, including Iran’s nuclear and missile programs and its support for groups designated as terrorist organizations by Israel and the United States.
Israeli officials reported that the strikes targeted multiple sites across Iran, including facilities associated with the country’s leadership and military command.
Reports from Israeli sources indicated that the attacks included strikes on compounds linked to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran.
Satellite imagery published by international media showed damage to buildings within Khamenei’s official residence.
Israeli military statements suggested that several senior Iranian officials, including at least three top military figures, were killed in the operation.
Netanyahu stated there were “growing signs” and “many indications” that Khamenei had been killed, though Iranian state media maintained that the supreme leader remained safe and in command.
Reacting, Iranian authorities confirmed that explosions occurred in Tehran and other cities, with smoke visible over parts of the capital.
The Iranian Red Crescent reported more than 200 people killed and over 700 injured across the country, including civilians.
State media described the strikes as unprovoked aggression and illegal under international law.
In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles and drones toward Israel and US military bases in the region.
Targets included facilities in Bahrain (home to the US Navy’s 5th Fleet), Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan.
Iranian officials stated that the retaliation was proportionate and aimed at deterring further attacks. Videos circulating on social media platforms showed missile launches from Iranian territory and impacts in several locations, including smoke rising over Manama in Bahrain following a reported strike on US assets.
The attacks disrupted air travel across the Middle East, with airspace closures announced in Iran, Israel, Jordan, Qatar, and other countries.
Several international airlines suspended flights to and from the region, citing safety concerns amid ongoing exchanges of fire.The operation followed months of heightened military posturing.
In recent weeks, the US had deployed additional carrier strike groups, F-22 stealth fighters to Israel, and other assets to the Middle East.
Indirect nuclear talks in Geneva had stalled, with the US demanding the complete dismantlement of Iran’s uranium enrichment capabilities and restrictions on ballistic missiles.
Iran rejected these terms, proposing limited concessions while preparing counteroffers.
The strikes represent the most extensive direct military action against Iran by the United States and Israel since the brief but intense exchanges in June 2025, which involved Israeli targeting of Iranian nuclear-related sites and Iranian missile responses.
The 2025 conflict had ended after 12 days with a fragile ceasefire, but underlying issues, including Iran’s nuclear advancements, support for groups in Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, and Syria, and US sanctions, remained unresolved.
International reactions varied. The European Union called for maximum restraint from all parties and urged a return to diplomacy. Oman, which has mediated in past US-Iran discussions, warned against further escalation that could draw in additional actors.
Gulf Arab states hosting US bases expressed concern over the targeting of their territories and emphasized the need to prevent disruptions to global energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
The United Nations Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting to address the situation, with representatives from involved countries expected to present positions on the legality and consequences of the military actions.
As of late February 28, exchanges continued, with reports of additional explosions in Iran and alerts issued in Israel for potential incoming projectiles. Both the US and Israeli militaries stated that operations remained ongoing to achieve stated objectives, while Iranian officials vowed a sustained response.
The conflict has raised concerns about broader regional stability, potential disruptions to oil markets, and the humanitarian impact on civilian populations in Iran and neighboring countries.
Diplomatic channels have not been fully severed, but the scale of military engagement has diminished prospects for immediate negotiations.
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