28 February 2026
Israel and the United States launched a coordinated military assault on Iran on Saturday, dramatically escalating tensions across the Middle East and triggering a chain of retaliatory attacks, emergency measures, and airspace closures spanning multiple countries.
The strikes, carried out during daylight hours, targeted Iranian military, intelligence, and security infrastructure across several cities, including Tehran. The United States confirmed that it had entered major combat operations alongside Israel, framing the campaign as necessary to neutralise imminent threats and prevent further escalation linked to Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities.
Iran responded within hours by launching ballistic missiles across the region, activating air-defence systems, and declaring U.S. and Israeli assets legitimate targets. The confrontation quickly expanded beyond Iran and Israel, drawing in neighbouring states hosting foreign military bases and forcing governments across the Middle East to enact emergency security protocols.
Overview of the 28 February 2026 Escalation
The events of 28 February represent one of the most direct military confrontations involving Iran, Israel, and the United States in decades. Unlike previous proxy-based exchanges, the operation involved overt, large-scale strikes by state militaries, followed by immediate retaliation across a broad geographic area.
Explosions were reported in multiple Iranian cities, while missile interceptions and air-defence activity were recorded in several Gulf states. Within hours, the Middle East’s civilian air traffic network was largely shut down as countries closed airspace and redirected flights amid growing security concerns.
Initial Israeli Strikes
Israel initiated the operation early Saturday with what it described as a pre-emptive military strike. The Israeli government stated that the operation was designed to remove threats to national security and address Iran’s growing military capabilities.
The strikes were confirmed by Israel’s defence leadership and involved coordinated attacks on strategic targets. Visuals from Tehran showed smoke rising over central districts of the capital, including areas that house key government institutions.
Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency shortly after the strikes began, citing the high probability of Iranian retaliation. Civilians were instructed to remain close to shelters, public gatherings were suspended, and non-essential activities were halted.
Cities and Areas Hit Inside Iran
Confirmed reports indicated that the initial and follow-up strikes affected several Iranian cities:
- Tehran, including central and northern districts
- Isfahan, a key industrial and military hub
- Qom, a city of political and religious significance
- Karaj, near Tehran
- Kermanshah, in western Iran
In Tehran, missile impacts were reported near districts associated with political leadership, security institutions, and government offices. Roads around sensitive compounds were sealed, and security forces were deployed in large numbers.
Strikes Near Iran’s Political Leadership
Some of the strikes occurred near areas associated with Iran’s highest leadership, including districts linked to the offices of the Supreme Leader, the presidential complex, and the National Security Council.
Iranian authorities later confirmed that senior leadership figures had been relocated to secure locations ahead of the attacks due to elevated threat assessments. The Supreme Leader had not appeared publicly in the days leading up to the strikes.
State media later confirmed that Iran’s president was unharmed. However, officials released limited information regarding damage to leadership facilities, citing ongoing security operations.
United States Enters Major Combat Operations
Shortly after the Israeli strikes began, the United States publicly confirmed its participation in the military campaign. American officials stated that U.S. forces had begun major combat operations alongside Israel.
The United States framed its involvement as defensive, asserting that the objective was to:
- Protect American citizens and military personnel
- Eliminate imminent threats from Iranian military capabilities
- Prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons
The confirmation followed weeks of visible U.S. military buildup in the region. Aircraft carriers, guided-missile destroyers, fighter aircraft, and missile-defence systems had been deployed across the Gulf, the Arabian Sea, and surrounding waters.
U.S. officials emphasised that the operation was not limited in scope and involved coordinated air and naval strikes.
Military Targets and Operational Focus
Officials briefed on the operation stated that the strikes focused on:
- Military bases and installations
- Missile development and production facilities
- Intelligence and surveillance sites
- Command-and-control infrastructure
Israel described the campaign as necessary to counter the rapid expansion of Iran’s missile capabilities. Iran rejected this justification, condemning the strikes as a violation of international law and stating that the attacks occurred during active diplomatic negotiations.
Iran’s Immediate Retaliation
Within hours of the initial strikes, Iran launched dozens of ballistic missiles in retaliation. Missile launches were detected across the region, and air-defence systems were activated in multiple countries.
Iranian officials stated that:
- All U.S. military bases in the region were legitimate targets
- Retaliation would continue as long as attacks persisted
Missile interceptions and explosions were reported in:
- Israel
- Bahrain
- Qatar
- Kuwait
- United Arab Emirates
- Jordan
- Saudi Arabia
Bahrain confirmed that areas near the headquarters of the U.S. Fifth Fleet were targeted. Qatar reported successful interception of an incoming missile, while explosions were reported in Kuwait and Abu Dhabi linked to air-defence activity.
Civilian Casualties and Human Impact (Verified)
Confirmed casualty figures include:
- At least 24 to 40 children killed in an air strike on an elementary school in Minab, southern Iran
- Two members of Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces killed and three injured in strikes south of Baghdad
- One civilian killed in Abu Dhabi after falling debris from missile interception struck a residential area
- One civilian in Israel injured during Iranian missile retaliation
Military casualty figures remain unverified and have not been independently confirmed.
Internet Blackout and Internal Security in Iran
Following the strikes, Iran imposed a near-total internet shutdown. Network monitoring organisations reported connectivity dropping to approximately 4% of normal levels nationwide.
Authorities restricted access to sensitive locations, deployed internal security forces, and limited the release of information. Similar measures have been used by Iran during previous security crises.
Airspace Closures and Aviation Disruption
The escalation caused one of the largest regional aviation shutdowns in recent years.
Countries that closed airspace included:
- Iran
- Israel
- Iraq
- Kuwait
- Bahrain
- Qatar
- United Arab Emirates
- Syria
Civilian aircraft were grounded or diverted en masse. International airlines suspended or rerouted flights, affecting travel between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Indian carriers temporarily halted operations to affected destinations.
Flight-tracking services showed near-empty skies over Iran and neighbouring regions within hours of the strikes.
Emergency Measures in Israel
Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency, invoking civil defence laws. Measures included:
- Closure of schools and workplaces
- Suspension of public gatherings
- Activation of emergency hospital protocols
- Relocation of critical medical services underground
Civilians were instructed to remain near shelters and follow military alerts.
Diplomatic Context: Nuclear Negotiations and Rising Tensions
The strikes occurred amid indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States, mediated through third parties. Diplomatic officials had publicly indicated just one day earlier that progress had been made toward verification and enrichment limitations.
The sudden military escalation halted diplomatic momentum and marked a decisive shift from negotiation to open confrontation.
Western governments have accused Iran of accelerating missile production and nuclear-related activities, while Iran has consistently stated that its programme is peaceful and within its sovereign rights.
International Reactions
Governments worldwide reacted swiftly:
- European leaders urged restraint and protection of civilians
- Russia condemned the strikes as armed aggression
- Multiple Asian and Middle Eastern countries expressed concern over regional stability
- Several governments issued travel advisories and evacuation guidance
Diplomatic channels remain active, though officials acknowledged that de-escalation would be difficult amid ongoing hostilities.
Broader Global Implications
The escalation of 28 February 2026 has implications far beyond the Middle East:
- Threats to global energy supply routes
- Risks to major shipping lanes
- Disruption to international aviation and trade
- Heightened security risks for civilians across multiple countries
With multiple air-defence systems active and retaliatory strikes ongoing, analysts warn of a high risk of miscalculation.
Current Situation and Outlook
As of the latest verified updates:
- Hostilities remain ongoing
- Retaliatory strikes and interceptions continue
- Airspace closures remain in effect across much of the region
- Full damage and casualty assessments are not yet available
- Diplomatic efforts continue under significant strain
What is clear is that 28 February 2026 marks a historic turning point, transforming years of indirect confrontation into one of the most extensive and dangerous military escalations the Middle East has experienced in decades.
