Israel attacks Iran, supported by US, as tensions spike in the Middle East

Read also: Zelenskyy makes bold statement on Iran

Key takeaways:

• Explosions in Iran: A series of blasts was recorded in Tehran, Isfahan, Karaj, and Kermanshah following Israel’s "preemptive strike" aimed at neutralizing threats.
• State of emergency in Israel: Work and schools are suspended, sirens are sounding nationwide, and the civilian airspace is closed.
• US involvement: The morning operation was coordinated with the United States. Trump confirmed US strikes on Iran.
• Reasons for escalation: The latest round of nuclear negotiations collapsed on February 26. Iran refused to make concrete concessions regarding uranium enrichment.
• Objective of the operation: It remains unclear whether the goal is full destruction of Iranian infrastructure or a show of force to pressure Tehran into resuming the agreement.

UAE reaction

The United Arab Emirates reported that it successfully intercepted Iranian missiles aimed at the country. Debris fell in a residential area in Abu Dhabi, resulting in one fatality.

The UAE Ministry of Defense called the attack a blatant violation of sovereignty and stated that the country reserves the full right to respond to escalation and take all necessary measures to protect its territory.

Middle East situation as of 12:00

• According to media reports, the US Fifth Fleet service center was hit by missiles. The Fifth Fleet oversees operations in the Middle East and is headquartered in Bahrain.
• Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE have closed their airspace. Explosions have been reported in Abu Dhabi (UAE), Manama (Bahrain), Kuwait, and Qatar.
• Israel has called up approximately 20,000 reservists in addition to about 50,000 troops already on duty.
• Airlines are canceling flights to the Middle East. Turkish Airlines has suspended flights to Bahrain, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Syria, Qatar, and the UAE until March 2. Wizz Air has suspended all flights to Israel, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi until March 7.

Statement from the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry

Amid the operation against Iran, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the current events are the result of violence and lawlessness by the Iranian regime, which has intensified in recent months. The ministry also referenced Iran’s military support for Russia in its war against Ukraine.

"We remember and will never forget the strikes by thousands of Shahed drones on our peaceful cities and citizens," the ministry emphasized.

The ministry added that Ukraine maintains a consistent position: it supports the safety, prosperity, and freedom of the Iranian people, as well as stability and prosperity in the Middle East.

US operation against Iran

According to NBC News, the United States is conducting a military operation in Iran from air and sea. Three US officials told the outlet that the US is firing Tomahawk missiles from naval ships.

The US has named the operation EPIC FURY. The US Department of Defense posted an announcement on X (formerly Twitter).

Additionally, the US Embassy in Jerusalem issued a warning to its citizens. The embassy instructed all US government personnel and their families to shelter in place until further notice.

Israel has closed its airspace to all civilian flights. All commercial departures from Ben-Gurion Airport have been canceled.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also confirmed that the operation against Iran is being conducted jointly with the US. He stated that the US-Israel operation aims to eliminate the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran.

Iran launches missiles at Israel

The Israeli Defense Forces reported on social media that rockets were launched from Iran toward Israel. Defense systems are active to intercept the threat.

Sirens are sounding in northern Israel amid the Iranian attacks.

Trump confirms US strikes on Iran

On Truth Social, President Donald Trump confirmed that the United States has begun "major military operations" against Iran. He also stated that Tehran poses a direct threat to the US.

According to Trump, Iran had been attempting to restart its nuclear program and develop long-range missiles. The US intends to destroy their missiles and naval assets.

Trump addressed the Iranian people, warning that "the hour of your freedom is near, and bombs will fall everywhere."

"When we are finished, take over your government," he said.

Operation not limited to one day

Israeli media report that the joint US-Israel operation was planned over several months. The "initial phase" of the coordinated strikes is expected to last four days.

According to a report on Channel 12, the timing of the first strikes in the morning was chosen to catch Iranians by surprise, as they would not expect an attack during daylight hours.

Israel has named its operation against Iran "Lion's Roar."

Current situation in Iran

Explosions have been reported in Tehran, Isfahan, Karaj, and Kermanshah.

An Israeli official stated that the joint strikes with the US this morning targeted Iranian regime and military facilities.

Attacks were carried out on approximately 30 targets across different regions of Iran pic.twitter.com/xvZs7gG1sE

— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) February 28, 2026

Situation in Israel

Following reports of a preemptive strike on Iran, Israel has imposed a ban on schools and work.

Local media report that sirens are sounding across the country, and citizens have been urged to stay near bomb shelters. At present, there is no immediate need to enter shelters.

Israel has also closed its airspace to civilian flights.

According to media reports, Israel is preparing for a multi-day conflict with Iran.

Israel strikes Iran

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced a "preemptive strike on Iran" to eliminate threats to the country.

A state of emergency has also been declared nationwide.

Media reports indicate that the United States participated in the morning strikes on Iran alongside Israel. Reuters specifically reported that today’s morning operation was coordinated with the US.

Reasons for the escalation

The strikes on Tehran came amid a virtual stalemate in negotiations between the US and Iran over the nuclear program. Meetings between US and Iranian officials have taken place regularly over the past several months but have produced no concrete results.

The United States demanded that Iran provide guarantees to halt uranium enrichment, which could be used for nuclear weapons. While Tehran verbally expressed willingness, it refused to make concrete concessions in the negotiations.

Additionally, according to Western media, Iran rejected other US demands, including limits on ballistic missile production and ending support for regional groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iran-aligned militias in Iraq.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the last round of negotiations on February 26 ended in failure. Former President Donald Trump publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the process and suggested the possible use of force against Iran.

The United States has been concentrating its forces in the region for weeks, including naval and air assets, though no direct combat has occurred. In January, amid mass protests in Iran, Trump promised protesters US "support," which was never delivered.

Israel is a key US ally in the region and has a direct interest in disarming Iran. The possibility of Israel launching the "first wave" of strikes, rather than the US, has been widely discussed in Western media recently.

The scale of the operation remains unclear: whether it aims for large-scale destruction of Iranian infrastructure or to use force as leverage in negotiations to pressure Iran into an agreement.

Read also:

• "End of negotiations? Trump presented military options against Iran," Axios

• "'For life': US demands indefinite nuclear deal with Iran"