The Latest on Iran, United States, and Israel Conflict

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As of February 28, 2026, the latest and most significant escalation in the long-standing tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel has erupted into open military conflict today.

The United States and Israel have launched a major joint military operation against Iran, involving large-scale airstrikes and other attacks on Iranian targets. This marks a dramatic shift from previous proxy confrontations and limited strikes to direct, overt warfare involving the U.S. military.Key Developments

• U.S. and Israeli Strikes on Iran — Explosions have been reported across Tehran and other Iranian cities, with smoke rising over the capital. The operation has targeted Iranian military infrastructure, ballistic missile capabilities, nuclear-related sites, and reportedly senior political and military leadership (including claims of targeting Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the president, and heads of the armed forces/Revolutionary Guards).
  • The U.S. has described it as "major combat operations," with President Donald Trump announcing the action in a video statement, framing it as necessary to eliminate threats from Iran's nuclear and missile programs and to prevent a "radical dictatorship" from endangering U.S. interests.
  • Israel has called its portion a "pre-emptive attack" (with codenames like "Roaring Lion" mentioned in some reports), and one U.S.-Israel joint operation has been referred to as "Epic Fury."
  • Trump has explicitly called on Iranians to "take over your government," "seize control of your destiny," and overthrow their rulers, suggesting an intent to encourage regime change.
• Iran's Retaliation — Iran has responded with missile and drone strikes, targeting Israel directly (with intercepts reported over areas like Haifa and air raid sirens in Jerusalem) and U.S. military bases/assets across the region, including in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and possibly others. Explosions and disruptions (e.g., flight suspensions in Dubai) have been reported in several Gulf states. Iran has vowed a "crushing" response and described some Israeli strikes as hitting civilian targets, including an elementary girls' school in southern Iran that reportedly killed dozens.
• Background Leading Up to This — Tensions had been building for weeks/months, including:
  • A major U.S. military buildup in the Middle East (described as the largest since the 2003 Iraq invasion).
  • Failed negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, with Trump pressing for Iran to dismantle facilities and commit to limits (building on warnings after a prior June 2025 Israel-Iran conflict).
  • Iran's recent military exercises near the Strait of Hormuz and along its coast, signaling preparations for potential conflict.
  • Reports of internal Iranian contingency planning (e.g., naming successor chains for leaders in case of decapitation strikes).

This is a rapidly developing situation with live updates across major outlets (e.g., NBC, CNN, Al Jazeera, Reuters, AP), and the conflict risks expanding regionally. Casualties, full extent of damage, and leadership status (some Iranian officials have stated the Supreme Leader and president are alive "as far as we know") remain fluid and unconfirmed in all details.The involvement of direct U.S. combat operations alongside Israel represents one of the most serious escalations in U.S.-Iran relations since 1979, with potential for broader war. Global reactions are emerging, but the focus remains on immediate military exchanges.