On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched coordinated and expansive military strikes against multiple targets in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including a reported radar installation and other strategic military infrastructure in the northwestern city of Tabriz. What initially began as a military operation with specific tactical objectives has quickly evolved into one of the most significant escalations in the decades-long tensions between Tehran, Jerusalem, and Washington.
The Strike and Its Immediate Targets
In the early hours of the assault, explosions were heard across several major Iranian cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, Kermanshah, and Tabriz. Iran’s civil aviation authority reported the closure of the entire country’s airspace as a precautionary measure following multiple blasts.
According to multiple reports, the military action — referred to in Israel as Operation Lion’s Roar and known in U.S. military circles as Operation Shield of Judah or Epic Fury — involved strikes against:
- Military and radar installations, including in Tabriz, intended to degrade Iranian air defense and surveillance capabilities.
- Government and defense facilities in the Iranian capital and other strategic urban centers.
- Sites linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and missile infrastructure.
A U.S. official confirmed involvement by American forces, including strikes launched from air and naval platforms, marking a joint offensive rather than isolated Israeli action.
Justifications Given by the United States and Israel
U.S. and Israeli leadership framed the operation as pre-emptive and defensive, asserting that Iran posed an imminent threat to regional stability and its own adversaries, particularly with regard to its missile programs and alleged support for militant proxies across the Middle East.
- President Donald Trump stated that the strikes aimed to “eliminate imminent threats from the Iranian regime” and protect American and allied security interests. He also warned Iranian military forces that continued hostility would result in further military consequences.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the joint action as a turning point, saying it was intended to reduce the “existential threat” Tehran posed and create conditions for change within Iran.
Officials in both countries signaled that this was not a one-off attack but the beginning of a larger campaign if necessary, hinting at sustained operations targeting additional military objectives.
Iran’s Response and Warnings
Iranian authorities were swift to condemn the operation, issuing statements that any violation of Iran’s territorial integrity is unacceptable. Tehran portrayed the attacks as an infringement on sovereignty and vowed to defend the nation and its people by all available means.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry asserted that it reserves the legal and legitimate right to respond under international law (Article 51 of the U.N. Charter), and Iranian leaders signaled that counterattacks would follow.
Indeed, within hours of the initial assault, Iranian forces reportedly launched missile and drone barrages toward Israeli territory, part of what Iran described as a direct retaliation for the attack.
Human Impact and Civilian Fear
The strikes triggered widespread fear and panic across Iranian cities. Residents described long queues for fuel, mass movements of families attempting to leave major urban centers, and profound uncertainty about safety and the future. In Tabriz, Robert X, a local mother, spoke of terror as explosions rattled the city and sirens sounded.
Schools were closed, telecommunications were disrupted in some areas, and hospitals across Iran were placed on high alert as authorities grappled with the chaos.
International Reaction and Regional Consequences
Reactions from the global community have been mixed and intense:
- Russia’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the strikes, labeling them “unprovoked armed aggression” and warning of severe humanitarian, economic, and regional instability. Moscow demanded an immediate end to the military action and urged renewed diplomatic efforts.
- Several neighboring countries and diplomatic sources expressed deep concern that the conflict could rapidly destabilize the broader Middle East, disrupt energy routes like the Strait of Hormuz, and trigger refugee flows into Europe and beyond.
- Governments worldwide, including that of India, issued travel advisories urging their citizens in the region to exercise caution and avoid conflict zones.
Historical Context — A Long-Standing Conflict
The 2026 strikes occurred against a backdrop of years of bitter hostility between Iran and Israel, punctuated by periodic military actions, cyberattacks, proxy conflicts, and earlier airstrikes. In October 2024 and June 2025, Israel launched significant operations against Iranian military and nuclear-related sites, which in turn provoked missile responses from Tehran and intensified global concern about a broader conflagration.
These earlier incidents involved targeting radar stations, missile bases, and nuclear infrastructure — similar objectives to those purportedly hit in the current strikes — and already set a precedent for escalating military engagement between them.
What This Means for the Future
The situation remains highly fluid and unpredictable. Key questions now facing regional and global policymakers include:
- Will the conflict remain contained between Iran, Israel, and the United States, or will it spread to involve other regional players and proxy groups?
- Can diplomatic channels be reactivated to de-escalate tensions before further civilian harm occurs?
- How will world powers and international organizations respond to potential widespread instability and humanitarian needs?
The significance of this moment extends far beyond the current clashes. It strikes at the heart of Middle Eastern geopolitics, touches on unresolved disputes over nuclear programs, and raises urgent concerns about the safety and welfare of millions of civilians caught in the escalating crisis.
