US and Israel Launch Coordinated Strikes on Iran; Tehran Responds with Regional Attacks
The United States and Israel initiated joint military operations against Iran, targeting key facilities, while Iran retaliated with missile strikes on Israel and US bases in the Gulf region.
On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel commenced coordinated military operations against Iran, targeting key facilities across the country. Explosions were reported in Tehran and other cities, with strikes near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. President Donald Trump announced the beginning of "major combat operations" and urged the Iranian populace to "seize control of your destiny" and rise against the Islamic leadership.
In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US military bases in the Gulf region, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Explosions were reported in northern Israel and multiple Gulf Arab states.
Casualties have been reported on both sides. In Iran, a strike on a girls' school in Minab resulted in at least 85 deaths. In the United Arab Emirates, one civilian was killed by falling debris in Abu Dhabi.
International reactions have been swift. Russia condemned the joint US-Israeli strikes as a "preplanned and unprovoked act of armed aggression" and expressed readiness to mediate peace. European Union leaders called for maximum restraint and adherence to international law.
The situation remains fluid, with concerns about further escalation and its impact on regional stability.