US and Israel conduct coordinated strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026; Tehran responds with attacks across Middle East.
Escalation of Conflict
On Saturday, February 28, 2026, a sharp escalation occurred between Iran, Israel, and the United States. The US and Israel conducted coordinated strikes on targets in Iran, prompting Tehran to respond with rocket and drone attacks not only against Israel and US military installations but also across several countries in the region.
The confrontation has deep political roots dating back to the 1979 revolution, with the nuclear program remaining the central point of tension. Iran maintains its program is civilian, while Western nations and Israel view it as proliferation risk.
Key Disputes in Nuclear Talks
From the US and Israeli perspective, critical elements include uranium enrichment levels, inspection restrictions, and missile/drone development. Since 2021, the UN has been unable to accurately verify Iran’s enriched uranium stocks due to monitoring equipment removal in 2022.
Iran demands sanctions relief and recognition of its right to uranium enrichment as a starting point for any agreement, rejecting “zero enrichment” demands as infringing on technological sovereignty. Strategic analyses suggest the political cost of concessions may outweigh the risk of military escalation for Iranian authorities.
Regional Factors and Escalation
Allied groups with Iran in the region have indicated readiness for retaliatory attacks, including resuming actions against US and Israeli targets and threatening shipping routes. Military preparations and political pressure intensified in the days before the strikes.
Additional rounds of Geneva negotiations were scheduled for February 26, with concerns that disputes over “temporary” agreement terms could become another flashpoint.
Chronology of Events
Tensions escalated rapidly over 48 hours. On February 26, diplomatic prospects remained alongside signals of possible confrontation. By February 27, political pressure mounted as expectations for quick diplomatic breakthroughs faded.
The US and Israeli strikes began February 28 morning, targeting military infrastructure, command systems, air defenses, and drone/missile support facilities. Civilian casualties were reported, including over 80 deaths from an attack on a girls’ school in southern Iran.
Regional Impact and Response
Iran reported 201 killed and over 700 injured from the strikes and subsequent actions. Iranian retaliatory attacks targeted Israel and US installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and other regional countries.
Bahrain reported a rocket attack on the US 5th Fleet headquarters. Explosions and alarms occurred in Kuwait and Qatar, while Saudi Arabia claimed to have repelled attacks on its capital and eastern region. One person died in the UAE from Iranian rocket fragments, and Kuwait reported injuries.
The UN Security Council called an emergency meeting, with the Secretary-General criticizing the escalation and urging a return to diplomatic channels.
