BREAKING: US & Israel Launch Joint Strike on Iran; Tehran Retaliates, Middle East on High Alert
In one of the most serious escalations in Middle East tensions in recent decades, the United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes on Iran early Saturday, February 28, 2026. President Donald Trump confirmed the initiation of major combat operations, describing the mission as necessary to neutralize threats linked to Iran’s ballistic missile program and nuclear ambitions.
Multiple explosions were reported across Iranian territory, including areas of Tehran associated with national leadership and security institutions. Reports indicated that missiles struck districts tied to government and strategic infrastructure. Iranian leadership figures were moved to secure locations as a precaution.
Iran responded swiftly. Missile launches were reported targeting Israel and US military installations across the Gulf region. Sirens sounded across Israeli cities as air defense systems intercepted incoming projectiles over Jerusalem and other areas. Israeli authorities declared a nationwide state of emergency.
Iranian state media claimed that US bases across the Middle East were targeted in retaliation, including facilities in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates. The extent of damage and casualties has not been officially confirmed.
The conflict triggered immediate regional disruption. Both Iran and Israel closed their airspace, forcing commercial airlines to divert flights and creating major air traffic disruptions across West Asia. Indian carriers, including Air India and IndiGo, rerouted flights to avoid affected air corridors.
Network monitoring services indicated a near-total internet blackout inside Iran, with connectivity dropping drastically amid heightened security controls.
US officials stated the objective of the strikes is to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and to eliminate immediate military threats. Israeli leadership described the operation as necessary to remove an existential threat.
The escalation follows months of rising tensions, including ongoing disputes over Iran’s nuclear program, regional proxy conflicts, and recent domestic unrest within Iran. Diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a new nuclear agreement had stalled in recent days.
US embassies across the region issued shelter-in-place advisories, and global leaders urged restraint to prevent further escalation.
The situation remains highly volatile and continues to evolve. Casualty figures and the full scale of damage are yet to be confirmed. Further developments are expected as military operations continue.
This is a developing story.
