In a sharp escalation of regional tensions, Iran launched missile and drone attacks across parts of the Middle East following coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel on targets inside Iranian territory. The confrontation marks one of the most serious flare-ups in recent years.

In the early hours of February 28, 2026, U.S. and Israeli forces reportedly carried out joint strikes on strategic military and leadership-linked sites in Tehran, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Qom. Explosions were reported in multiple cities, and satellite images suggested structural damage in parts of the capital.

Iranian authorities said civilian casualties occurred, including in Minab, where a strike reportedly hit a girls’ school. Independent verification of casualty figures remains ongoing as emergency crews responded across affected areas.

Within hours, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced retaliatory action, launching missiles and drones toward U.S. bases, Israeli positions, and sites in several Gulf states. Air defense systems were activated across the region to intercept incoming projectiles.

Regional governments reported that many missiles were intercepted, though falling debris in the United Arab Emirates was linked to at least one fatality. Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait acknowledged that their territories were targeted or affected during the exchange.

International reaction was swift. Russia condemned the joint strikes and called for urgent United Nations Security Council talks, while European governments urged restraint and emphasized civilian protection. Diplomatic contacts intensified as airspace closures disrupted regional travel.

Iranian officials described the U.S.-Israeli operation as unlawful and framed their retaliation as defensive, warning that further attacks could prompt additional responses. Reports from Tehran indicated public anxiety, with some residents taking precautionary measures.

Analysts warn that the widening geographic scope of strikes increases the risk of miscalculation. While past crises have been contained, this cycle of action and retaliation underscores the fragile security environment and the urgent need for de-escalation and sustained diplomatic engagement.