2026 Israeli–United States strikes on Iran - Wikipedia

Jump to content From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Ongoing military operation This article documents a military conflict and may change rapidly. Please update outdated or incomplete information with citations to reliable sources. (February 2026) (Learn how and when to remove this message) A request that this article title be changed to 2026 Iran conflict2026 Iran conflict is under discussion. Please do not move this article until the discussion is closed. 2026 Israeli–United States strikes on IranPart of the Middle Eastern crisis (2023–present) and 2026 Iran–United States crisis2026 Israeli–United States strikes on Iran (Iran)Locations of Israeli-United States airstrikes on 28 February[9]Date28 February 2026 (0 days)LocationMiddle East (primarily the Persian Gulf)Status OngoingBelligerents United States Israel Iran Axis of Resistance Popular Mobilization Forces Houthis Bahrain[1] Iraq[2] Jordan[3] Kuwait[4] Saudi Arabia[5] Syria[6] Qatar[7] UAE[8]Commanders and leaders Donald Trump Pete Hegseth Dan Caine Brad Cooper Benjamin Netanyahu Israel Katz Ali Khamenei (MIA) Masoud Pezeshkian (MIA) Ali Larijani Aziz Nasirzadeh † Mohammad Pakpour † VariousUnits involved United States Air Force United States Navy Fifth Fleet[10] Israeli Air Force Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Islamic Republic of Iran Army Popular Mobilization Forces Kata'ib Hezbollah[11] Bahrain Defence Force Iraq Armed Forces Jordan Armed Forces Kuwait Armed Forces Armed Forces of Saudi Arabia Syrian Armed Forces Qatar Armed Forces United Arab Emirates Armed ForcesCasualties and losses 1 Israeli civilian injured[12] 5 killed[13][11] 3 injured[13]2 students killed in strike in Tehran[14]50+ elementary school girls killed in Minab (according to state media)[15][16][17] 1 person in Abu Dhabi killed by falling debris[18]4 killed and several wounded in Suwayda[6] On 28 February 2026, Israel and the United States launched a joint attack on various targets in Iran. The operation, codenamed Roaring Lion (Hebrew: מִבְצַע שְׁאָגַת הָאֲרִי, romanized: mivtsá she'agát ha'arí) by Israel[19][20] and Operation Epic Fury by the United States Department of Defense,[21][22] began with a series of strikes against locations in Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. Explosions were observed as Israeli defense minister Israel Katz confirmed an attack by the Israel Defense Forces. U.S. president Donald Trump announced that the United States had launched strikes on Iran alongside Israel, declaring that the objective was to destroy Iran's missile and military capabilities, prevent it from obtaining nuclear weapons, and ultimately topple the regime. He called on members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to lay down their arms in exchange for immunity, warning that refusal would mean "certain death".[23] The initial attacks targeted key officials, military commanders, and facilities, including the compound of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, which satellite images show was heavily damaged or destroyed,[24] and Khamenei is reportedly cut off from contact.[25] It was also reported that Supreme National Security Council Secretary, Ali Shamkhani, was killed.[26] In retaliation, Iran launched dozens of ballistic missiles across the Middle East, targeting Israel and U.S. military bases in Jordan, Syria, Kuwait,[27] Bahrain,[27] Qatar,[27] Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Furthermore, the Houthis announced that they would resume attacks in the Red Sea.[28][29] Background Further information: 2026 Iran–United States crisis, 2026 United States military buildup in the Middle East, Twelve-Day War, Iran–Israel proxy conflict, and Middle Eastern crisis (2023–present) Carrier Strike Group 3 sails in formation in the Arabian Sea during the 2026 United States military buildup in the Middle East, 6 February 2026 Beginning in late December 2025, massive nationwide anti-government protests erupted in Iran, driven largely by economic crisis, the collapse of the rial, and rising prices. The protests, which included calls for regime change, became the largest in scale since the 1979 revolution,[30] spreading to over 100 cities across the country.[31] The Iranian government responded with violent repression, including massacres of protesters, with the deadliest incidents occurring on 8 and 10 January 2026;[32] US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency estimated the death toll at 7,000, the Iranian government said the death toll was 3,117, while Donald Trump and others said the death toll was 32,000 people.[33][34] AP News reported that the government's overwhelming use of violence had caused despair among the Iranian public and had given rise to hopes among some citizens for an American attack.[35] Several scholars have argued that the Iranian government now faces a fragile state that could lead to its demise.[36] On 13 January 2026, US president Donald Trump expressed support for Iranian anti-government protestors,[37] and later, on 23 January, Trump announced that a US "armada" was heading to the Middle East, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Gerald R. Ford, and several guided-missile destroyers.[38][39] US and European officials said Washington had presented Iran with three core demands: a permanent end to all uranium enrichment, strict limits on Iran's ballistic missile program, and a complete halt to support for regional proxy groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.[40] On 6 February 2026, Iran and the US held indirect nuclear negotiations in Oman's capital, Muscat. Iran emphasized that progress depends on consultations back in capitals.[41] A second round of nuclear talks is scheduled in Geneva.[41] During February 15 to 20, Iran increased its oil export to 3 times normal rate, and reduced oil storage.[42] Just before the strikes began, on 27 February 2026, Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi said a "breakthrough" had been reached and Iran had agreed both to never stockpile enriched uranium and to full verification by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA);[43] further Iran had agreed to irreversibly downgrade its current enriched uranium to "the lowest level possible". Al-Busaidi said peace was "within reach".[44][43] In early February 2026, the US also deployed a second aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, to the Middle East to increase pressure on Iran.[45] On 11 February 2026, the 47th anniversary of the 1979 revolution was marked by pro-government rallies and strong anti-American rhetoric.[46] On 13 February 2026, Trump stated that regime change in Iran would be "the best thing that could happen."[47] A day later, on 14 February, US officials told Reuters that the US military is preparing for weeks-long sustained operations against Iran, not just a limited strike; that indicates a broad campaign that could target Iranian state and security infrastructure, not only nuclear facilities.[48] On 24 February 2026, during a State of the Union speech, Trump accused Iran of reviving efforts to build nuclear weapons, condemning these alleged ambitions as "sinister" and claiming that Iran had also developed increasingly advanced missile capabilities that could threaten the US, Europe, and US bases overseas. He warned that the US was prepared to act if necessary.[49] Hostilities Initial Israeli and American strikes Explosions were reported after Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed an Israeli attack.[50][51][52] The Times of Israel reported that Katz had labeled the strikes a "preemptive attack" intended to "remove threats to the State of Israel".[53] Among the targets were a district in Tehran where Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei normally resides; they are also home to the presidential palace and National Security Council.[54] Seven missiles have been confirmed to strike this area.[55] Afterward, The New York Times reported that a "U.S. official said American military strikes on Iran are underway".[56] American officials also confirmed that the strikes were coordinated with the US.[57] Israel has followed up with declaring a state of emergency, citing expectation of Iranian attack.[53] News has reported of sirens blaring in Israel as Israel warns its citizens to remain safe in protected areas,[58] while US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has encouraged US citizens to take immediate action upon hearing the siren,[59] while US president Donald Trump warned that US lives may be lost.[60] The Israeli Ministry of Health has reacted by moving its hospitals underground.[61] According to Iran International, Israeli military Persian-language spokesman Lt. Col. Kamal Penhasi had issued an urgent warning to Iranian civilians residing near military industries and infrastructure to evacuate immediately, stating "Your presence in these areas puts your life at risk."[62] U.S. officials have confirmed that the United States is carrying out strikes on Iran, describing them as "not a small strike".[63] According to a U.S. official, dozens of U.S. strikes are being carried out by attack planes based at bases around the Middle East from one or more aircraft carriers.[64] Reuters reported that strikes will be carried out by air and sea.[65] Israeli military officials said months-long planning preceded their strikes, allowing them to pinpoint their targets, attain "tactical surprise", and gain US support.[66] The Fars News Agency and CNN reported more explosions across other cities in Iran, including Qom, Kermanshah, Isfahan, and Karaj.[67][68] In Tehran, missile strikes were reported to have occurred on University Street, in the Jomhouri area, and in the northern Seyed Khandan area.[69] Communication services across Tehran have been impaired following the attacks,[70] and a near total internet blackout has been reported by Netblocks.[71][72][73] According to the BBC, the office of the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and the presidential office of Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran were hit during the strikes.[74] Channel 12, citing unnamed Israeli sources, said Israel assesses that there are "growing indications" that Khamenei was likely killed in the Israeli strike, or that he was "hurt at the very least."[75] A spokesperson for the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces said that two of its fighters were killed while three more were injured during strikes in Jurf al-Sakhar, south of Baghdad.[76] According to Iran International, quoting the Iranian Students' News Agency, thousands of IRGC personnel, including several senior officials,[77] were killed or wounded as several military bases were attacked.[62] It also reported that the port city of Bushehr was also struck, however it was unclear whether the nuclear reactor sustained any damage.[62] CNN reports that the timing of the attacks is symbolically meaningful in Judaism as it is done ahead of the upcoming Jewish holiday of Purim on 2 March.[78] Leaders' statements on the purpose of the strikes US president Donald Trump said the goal was to topple the regime, urging the Iranian people: "When we are finished, take over your government." He called the IRGC to "lay down your weapons ... or face certain death," while promising immunity to those who surrender. Two hours after the attacks began, US president Donald Trump released a 8-minute statement, saying the aim of the US strikes in Iran was effectively regime change, urging the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to "lay down your weapons and have complete immunity, or in the alternative, face certain death." Addressing the public, he declared, "The hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered. Don't leave your home. It's very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere," and told them, "When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations." He added, "For many years, you have asked for America's help, but you never got it... So let's see how you respond. America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force," concluding, "Now is the time to seize control of your destiny... This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass."[23][79] Shortly after, Benjamin Netanyahu released a video statement saying Israel and the United States had launched strikes against Iran "to remove the existential threat" posed by what he called "the terror regime in Iran". Netanyahu accused Iran's leadership of decades of hostility, saying that "for 47 years, the Ayatollah regime has called out 'Death to Israel' and 'Death to America'", and described it as a "murderous terror regime" that "must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons". He said the joint US-Israeli action would "create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands," and called on the people of Iran to "cast off the yoke of tyranny".[80] Iranian response and missile attacks in the Persian Gulf theater Iran targeted multiple US military bases across the Persian Gulf region.[81] Bahrain activated air-raid sirens to warn of a Iranian attack on US military bases within the nation, with Arabic media saying explosions and smoke have been seen in the capital, Manama.[82][83] Bahrain later confirmed the strikes and said that the US 5th Fleet headquarters were targeted.[84] Explosions were also reported in Kuwait and Abu Dhabi in the UAE.[85] According to CNN, the IRGC claimed that Iran had targeted four US bases in the Middle East: Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, and the US Navy Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain, and a video was posted in which smoke could be seen rising from the direction of the base in Bahrain.[86] Reports say explosions were heard in the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh.[87] Saudi Arabia confirmed that there had been Iranian attacks on Riyadh and its Eastern Province.[88] Additional reports state that after successfully intercepting a number of Iranian missiles, the UAE stated that one civilian of Asian nationality was killed by interceptor debris which fell on a residential area.[74][89] A 9-story building was hit by missiles in northern Israel, injuring one person.[76] Reports claim missiles from Iran hit Jordanian territories and the capital Amman.[90][91] In Syria, an Iranian ballistic missile debris fell on a residential building in the city of Suwayda, killing at least four civilians.[92][93][94] Impact Following its strikes on Iran, Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency.[53] Israel Katz issued a statement saying "Under my authority pursuant to Section 9C(b)(1) of the Civil Defense Law, 5711-1951, and after being convinced that there is a high probability of an attack on the civilian population, I hereby declare a special state on the home front throughout the entire territory of the country."[95] The New York Times stated that Israeli schools and workspaces will also be closed and that public gatherings will be canceled.[96] Amid the renewed "near total" internet blackout in Iran, NetBlocks reported internet connectivity in Iran dropping to 4% of ordinary levels.[97][98][99] Airspace closures Iran's airspace was largely empty of civilian aircraft following the strikes as regional states closed airspace.[100][101] Baharain, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Syria and UAE closed their airspaces following the attacks, with multiple planes being redirected to other destinations.[102][103][104][105] Airlines such as Air India, IndiGo and Biman Bangladesh Airlines suspended further flights to the Middle East for indefinite times,[106][107] while Lufthansa, Wizz Air and Virgin Atlantic ceased services till March 7 in view of the conflict.[108] Casualties Reuters reported several commanders in the IRGC may have been killed, but could not confirm this report.[109] It later reported, citing Israeli military and regional sources, that defense minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and IRGC commander Mohammad Pakpour were likely killed by Israeli airstrikes.[110] Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged but downplayed the losses, deeming them "not such a big problem".[111] Iran International reported that Defence Council head Ali Shamkhani was killed.[112] At least 40 girls were killed in an air strike on a girls' elementary school in Minab, Iran, according to Mehr News Agency[113] and local Governor Mohammad Radmehr.[114] Fars News Agency reported 70 fatalities and 90 injuries from strikes in Minab and Jask.[9] In Iraq, two members of the Popular Mobilization Forces were killed and three injured in an Israeli attack.[115] A man in Israel was injured as a result of the Iranian retaliation.[12] One man in the UAE was killed in an Iranian retaliatory attack.[12] Four people were killed in Syria by an Iranian missile.[116] Reactions Iran Islamic Republic Iran's Foreign Ministry vowed a response as Iranian forces struck US bases across the Persian Gulf.[81][117] The Supreme National Security Council of Iran has said the country was targeted by a "brutal air operation" carried out by the US and Israel, saying "This occurred once again during negotiations, and the enemy imagines that the resilient Iranian nation will surrender to their petty demands through these cowardly actions".[118] Iranian opposition Many Iranians inside Iran celebrated and rejoiced in the joint American-Israeli strikes on Iran.[119][120] An initial video showed some Iranian citizens laughing and celebrating after witnessing an air strike in Iran on what they called the "leader's house".[121] Another video showed a woman in Iran celebrating the strikes on Iran while shouting "Death to Khamenei" in celebration.[122] Female students at a school in Iran also rejoiced after the joint Israeli-American attack.[123] Another group of female students at a school in Tehran chanted "Death to the Velayat".[124] An Iranian citizen in Tehran stated they will soon take down the flag of the Islamic Republic.[125] Among the Iranian diaspora reactions, Reza Pahlavi urged Iranians to prepare to resume protests as the Islamic Republic "collapses", called on the military and security forces to side with the public rather than the ruling establishment, and described U.S. action against Iran as a "humanitarian intervention" while urging Trump to avoid civilian harm.[126] Maryam Rajavi, the leader of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, announced the formation of a transitional government and rejected both the Islamic Republic and the Shah on X.[127] Members of the Iranian diaspora held celebratory solidarity rallies amid the American-Israeli strikes on Iran.[128] United States President Donald Trump confirmed that the U.S. military have begun "major combat operations" in Iran,[129] describing it as "a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America."[130] In a video posted to Truth Social, he reaffirmed that "Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people," adding that "For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted Death to America and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder, targeting the United States, our troops and the innocent people in many, many countries."[131] American lawmakers have had mixed reactions. Republication Senator Lindsey Graham supported the action, along with other members of his party, including Senator John Thune, as well as some democrats, including Senator John Fetterman. Democratic politicians tended to be more withdrawn. Representative Jim Himes stated, "Everything I have heard from the Administration before and after these strikes on Iran confirms this is a war of choice with no strategic endgame."[132] Senator Tim Kaine called for a check on Trump's power to engage in war without the support of Congress, supported by Republican Senator Rand Paul, Demacratic Senator Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries,[132] and Democratic Senator Andy Kim.[133] International State actors Albania: Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed Albania's support for "the United States in militarily supporting Israel today under the leadership of President Donald Trump". He added that "we stand firm with Israel and with the peace-seeking brotherly Arab countries", and called on European countries to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.[134] Australia: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed support for US action against Iran, citing security threats, warned of reprisals in the Middle East, and updated travel advice for Australians.[135] Bahrain: Bahrain's Interior Ministry issued orders to evacuate the Juffair area to local civilians.[136] Canada: Prime Minister Mark Carney accused Iran of being the "principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East", and expressed support for the operations, stressing that Iran cannot obtain nuclear weapons.[137] China: The Chinese foreign ministry expressed concerns about the American and Israeli strikes, called for an immediate end to hostilities against Iran, and to resume dialogue. It also stressed that Iranian sovereignty must be respected.[138] India: The Indian Ministry for External Affairs expressed its concerns and requested all three nations for a Ceasefire.[139] The Indian embassy warned Indian citizens against travel to Iran and most middle eastern nations and urged those within the nation to seek immediate shelter.[140] NORKA also set up helplines for stranded Indians in all affected nations.[141] The opposition Indian National Congress criticised the Indian government's tacit support of Israel prior and during the conflict.[142] Iraq: The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority halted all air traffic over Iraq.[143] Ireland: Irish Taoiseach said: "I am deeply concerned by developments in Iran and the real potential that exists for escalation and wider conflict in the region. I strongly urge all parties to exercise restraint and to work to avoid that outcome. Ireland has always believed that conflict should be resolved through diplomacy and negotiation, in line with the principles of the UN Charter and international law. That must apply in this situation as much as in any other. The protection of civilian life in Iran, in Israel and in all neighbouring countries must now be paramount."[144] Lebanon: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam urged restraint following the Israeli strikes on Iran, stressing that Lebanon must not be dragged into a wider regional war and should prioritize its own security and stability.[145][146] Oman: A spokeperson for the Foreign Minister condemned the strikes, calling them illegal aggression. Oman also called for a UN Security council meeting.[147][148] Pakistan - Foreign minister Ishaq Dar condemned the attack on Iran and urged immediate halt to escalation.[149] Philippines: President Bongbong Marcos directed the departments of foreign affairs and migrant workers to implement contingency measures and determine the whereabouts of Filipinos in Iran, Israel, and other parts of the Middle East. Foreign Affairs Secretary Tess Lazaro urged all parties to pursue dialogue, while Philippine embassies in Tehran and Tel Aviv were placed on full alert and advised nationals to remain indoors and follow safety advisories.[150][151] Russia: Foreign minister Sergey Lavrov condemned the attacks by the United States and Israel as a "reckless step" and a "deliberate, premediated, and unprovoked act of armed aggression,"[152] accusing them of pushing the region into a "humanitarian, economic, and potentially even radiological disaster."[153] Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry condemned what it called "blatant and cowardly Iranian attacks" on Riyadh and Eastern Province, highlighting that the attacks took place in spite of the explicit closure of its airspace.[88] In a statement released by the official press agency, Saudi Arabia condemned Iran's counterstrike against the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan.[154] Spain: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez rejected the military action used by the United States and Israel, stating that it causes a more hostile international order. He also rejected the actions of the Iranian government and the Revolutionary Guard and called for immediate de-escalation.[155] Ukraine: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy supported the Israeli–US strikes, stating that "it is important that the United States is acting decisively. Whenever there is American resolve, global criminals weaken. This understanding must also come to the Russians," adding that "in the end, the Middle East region will become safer and more stable."[152] United Kingdom: A statement was released by the British government stating that the UK does "not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict". The government also stated that it had bolstered "defensive capabilites" in the region and that consular support was being offered to British citizens in the region.[156] Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that British planes are "in the sky" for defensive purposes but "played no role" in the Israeli–US strikes, calling on Iran to refrain from further strikes across the Middle East and stop the "appalling violence and repression against the Iranian people."[157] He subsequently chaired an emergency COBRA meeting to discuss the UK's response.[158] Intergovernmental organizations United Nations: António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, condemned the attacks, stating that "the use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermine international peace and security."[159] European Union: EU President ⁠Ursula von der Leyen and European Council ⁠President Antonio Costa called the conflict “greatly concerning” and urged See also 2025–2026 Iran internal crisis Iran–Israel war United States strikes on Iranian nuclear sites References ^ "National Communication Centre: Multiple Missiles Detected and Successfully Intercepted in Bahraini Airspace". 28 February 2026. 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