Middle East Conflict: Iran Retaliates After U.S.–Israel Strikes

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated sharply after coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel on targets inside Iran, prompting a wide-ranging Iranian retaliation across the region.

U.S.–Israel Strikes Inside Iran

On February 28, 2026, joint operations by the United States and Israel targeted multiple strategic sites within Iran. According to international reports, the strikes focused on military infrastructure and other high-value assets believed to be linked to Iran’s defense and security operations. Explosions were reported in and around Tehran and other key locations.Officials in Washington and Tel Aviv described the operation as a necessary response to escalating threats, stating that the objective was to weaken Iran’s military capabilities and deter further regional destabilization.

Iran’s Retaliatory Response

In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. and Israeli-linked assets across the Middle East. Strikes were reported near U.S. military facilities in several Gulf states, including Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. Air defense systems were activated in multiple countries to intercept incoming projectiles.Explosions were also reported in parts of Israel as sirens sounded in several cities. Iranian officials declared that U.S. and Israeli military assets in the region would be considered legitimate targets following the initial strikes.

Regional and Global Impact

The escalation has disrupted civil aviation across the region. Several countries temporarily closed or restricted their airspace, leading to widespread flight cancellations and rerouting of international travel.Global leaders have urged restraint, warning that continued retaliation could spark a broader regional conflict. Diplomatic efforts are reportedly underway to prevent further escalation, though the situation remains volatile.

Why It Matters

This confrontation marks one of the most serious direct escalations between Iran, the United States, and Israel in recent years. With military assets targeted across multiple countries and rising international concern, the risk of wider instability remains significant.Observers note that the coming days will be critical in determining whether diplomatic channels can contain the crisis or whether further military actions will intensify the conflict.