What is happening today in Iran? What we know about US-Israel attack and Tehran response

The situation in Iran is highly volatile following a major joint military operation launched by the United States and Israel on February 28, 2026. This appears to mark a significant escalation in long-standing tensions over Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and regional activities.

What Happened: US-Israel Strikes on Iran

• Early on February 28 (around 09:30 Tehran time / 06:00 GMT), explosions were reported across Iran, including in Tehran (with smoke over areas like Jomhouri Square, Hassan Abad Square, near the Supreme Leader’s office/Leadership House, and the presidential office), as well as other cities such as Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah.
• The strikes targeted military sites, ballistic missile facilities, nuclear-related infrastructure, and reportedly leadership figures (e.g., claims of targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the president, defense minister, and Revolutionary Guards commanders—though Iranian officials have denied some high-level deaths and stated key figures like the Supreme Leader are safe or alive as far as known).
• US President Donald Trump confirmed US involvement via a video on Truth Social, describing “major combat operations” (dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” by some reports) as massive and ongoing. Objectives include eliminating threats from the Iranian regime, preventing nuclear weapon acquisition, destroying missile programs, and devastating Iran’s navy/military capabilities.
• Trump urged Iranian citizens to shelter, called on government forces to lay down arms, and encouraged the people to “take over your government” once operations conclude, framing it as a chance for freedom and regime change after generations.
• Israel described its actions as a “pre-emptive attack,” with its defense minister declaring a special state of emergency. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Trump, reiterated no nuclear-armed Iran, and called on Iranians to overthrow “tyranny.”
• Casualties: Iranian state media reported at least 53 killed in an Israeli strike on a girls’ primary school in southern Minab county (unverified by independent sources like BBC). Extent of overall casualties remains unclear amid ongoing operations.

Iran’s airspace is closed, and videos show panic, smoke plumes, and damage in residential/commercial areas.

Iran’s Response and Retaliation

• Iran condemned the strikes as “unprovoked, illegal, and illegitimate,” vowing to use all defensive/military capabilities in self-defense.
• Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes targeting Israel (with explosions/interceptions reported in places like Haifa) and multiple US military sites across the Middle East.
• Targets included:
  • US Navy’s 5th Fleet base in Bahrain.
  • Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
  • Ali Al-Salem airbase in Kuwait.
  • Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE (with one reported death from debris; multiple interceptions).
  • Other sites in Jordan (two missiles intercepted) and potentially elsewhere.
• Iranian officials warned regional countries against allowing their territories/facilities to be used by US/Israel.
• Operations appear ongoing, with Iran promising a “crushing” or harsh response.

Regional and Global Impacts

• Airspaces closed or partially closed in several countries (e.g., Israel, Iraq, Jordan, UAE partial; Iran fully).
• Major airlines (e.g., Wizz Air, British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa) canceled/diverted flights to/from affected areas, with suspensions extending days.
• Travel advisories: Many governments (including UK) urge vigilance, sheltering if advised, and avoiding non-essential travel in the region.

International Reactions

• Calls for de-escalation and restraint from UN (Human Rights Chief Volker Türk deplored strikes and urged return to negotiations), EU (top diplomat called developments “perilous”), and others.
• UK, France, Germany (joint statement) condemned Iranian retaliatory attacks, urged negotiated solutions on nuclear issues, and clarified non-participation in strikes.
• Russia condemned US-Israel actions as “reckless” and “unprovoked aggression.”
• Saudi Arabia condemned Iranian attacks on Gulf states and offered support.
• Oman (recent mediator in US-Iran talks) expressed dismay at undermined negotiations.
• A UN Security Council emergency meeting was scheduled.
• Some allies (e.g., Australia) supported US efforts to prevent Iranian nuclear weapons.

This is a rapidly evolving crisis stemming from failed/recent US-Iran nuclear negotiations, prior tensions (including a 2025 air war), and broader regional proxy conflicts. Reports indicate operations could continue for days, with risks of wider war, civilian harm, and disruptions (e.g., energy prices). Information is based on live updates from major outlets like BBC, Reuters, AP, CNN, NBC, and others, but details like exact casualties and leadership fates remain unverified or contested. Follow reliable sources for real-time developments.