Middle East Crisis Deepens After Joint U.S.–Israel Strikes on Iran
The conflict in the Middle East entered a volatile new phase on February 28, 2026, after the United States and Israel carried out coordinated airstrikes against targets inside Iran, dramatically escalating long-running tensions over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence.
Major Joint Operation Targets Iranian Military and Nuclear Infrastructure
In a nationally broadcast statement, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that American and Israeli forces had begun what the administration described as “major combat operations” against the Islamic Republic. According to U.S. and Israeli officials, the strikes focused on Iranian military installations, ballistic missile facilities, and components of the country’s nuclear infrastructure.
Preliminary reports indicate that sites associated with Iran’s nuclear program—including facilities linked to Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan—may have been struck again, or that supporting infrastructure was targeted. These locations were previously hit during U.S. operations in June 2025.
Explosions were reported across multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah, with plumes of smoke visible in several areas. Israeli officials characterized the strikes as “pre-emptive,” citing imminent threats from Iran’s missile capabilities and senior command structures.
Satellite imagery and unconfirmed reports suggest damage to compounds linked to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other high-ranking figures, though Iranian authorities have not verified these claims.
In a video message posted on Truth Social, President Trump said the operation aimed to cripple Iran’s military capacity, eliminate any remaining pathway to nuclear weapons, and create conditions for political change. Addressing the Iranian public directly, he urged citizens to “take control of your future,” framing the strikes as the end of what he described as failed diplomatic efforts.
Background: From the 2025 Conflict to Renewed Hostilities
The latest escalation follows the June 2025 conflict—often referred to as the “12-Day War”—which began with Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and later expanded to include U.S. attacks on three major nuclear facilities. While Washington and Jerusalem initially claimed those strikes significantly set back Iran’s nuclear program, subsequent assessments suggested only partial degradation.
Efforts to revive negotiations between Washington and Tehran collapsed in the months that followed, amid mutual accusations and a growing U.S. military buildup in the region, including aircraft carriers and long-range bombers.
Iran Retaliates With Missile and Drone Attacks
Iran responded swiftly. State media and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed the launch of ballistic missiles and drones toward Israel, as well as U.S. military installations across the Gulf region. Targets reportedly included bases in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.
Air-raid sirens sounded across Israel as missile defenses intercepted incoming threats. Explosions were reported near Jerusalem and in the Tel Aviv area. Iranian officials described the strikes as an act of war and vowed a “crushing” response, warning that further escalation would bring severe consequences.
Unverified reports from Iranian sources also claimed civilian casualties, including strikes near non-military locations, though details remain unclear amid rapidly evolving conditions.
Regional and Global Fallout
The attacks have placed the region on high alert. Several Middle Eastern states hosting U.S. forces have voiced concern over stability, while airspace closures and emergency measures have been enacted across Israel. Analysts warn that the involvement of Iranian-aligned militias could widen the conflict beyond its current scope.
As diplomatic efforts struggle to gain traction, global attention remains fixed on whether this confrontation will decisively curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions—or ignite a prolonged and destabilizing regional war.