The US-Iran War, which erupted on February 28, 2026, marks a dramatic and dangerous escalation in decades of hostility between Washington and Tehran. What began as a long-simmering confrontation over Iran’s nuclear program, regional influence, and proxy activities has now become open military conflict involving direct US and Israeli strikes on Iranian soil, followed by Iranian counterattacks across the Middle East.
Background: From Shadow War to Direct Confrontation
Tensions between the United States and Iran have deep roots, stretching back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the subsequent hostage crisis. The relationship deteriorated further with Iran’s nuclear program, support for groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and various militias in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon, and repeated US sanctions and military pressure.
A major flashpoint occurred in June 2025, when Israel—backed implicitly by the US—launched unilateral strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, missile production sites, and senior military figures after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) declared Iran in violation of non-proliferation obligations. Iran retaliated with missile and drone barrages, leading to a brief but intense exchange often referred to as the June 2025 Israel-Iran war. That conflict significantly damaged Iran’s nuclear infrastructure but did not eliminate its program entirely.
After the 2025 clashes, the US under President Donald Trump (in his second term) resumed indirect nuclear negotiations mediated by Oman, while simultaneously warning Tehran against rebuilding its capabilities. Reports from late February 2026 indicated Iran was attempting to reconstitute elements of its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, prompting urgent US demands: dismantle key facilities (Fordow, Natanz, Esfahan), ship out highly enriched uranium, and accept a permanent deal with no sunset clauses. Iran countered with more limited offers, such as temporary pauses and dilution of stockpiles under its control—proposals the US deemed insufficient.
Parallel to diplomacy, massive US military buildups occurred in the region, including multiple carrier strike groups (e.g., USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Ford), long-range bombers, and air defense systems—the largest since the 2003 Iraq invasion. Trump repeatedly signaled that failure to reach a deal would bring “bad things.”
The Outbreak: Operation Epic Fury (February 28, 2026)
On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched coordinated large-scale airstrikes across Iran, codenamed Operation Epic Fury by the US and “Roaring Lion” by Israel. President Trump announced the operation in a video statement, describing it as “major combat operations” to eliminate threats from Iran’s regime, destroy its missile and military capabilities, and prevent nuclear weapon acquisition.
Targets reportedly included:
- Military and nuclear-related sites in Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Kermanshah, Karaj, and elsewhere.
- Leadership compounds, including areas linked to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
- Revolutionary Guards headquarters and senior officials (reports claim the defense minister and IRGC commanders were killed).
- Missile production and storage facilities.
Trump explicitly called on the Iranian people and military to overthrow their government, stating the “hour of your freedom is at hand” and describing the strikes as giving Iranians their “only chance for generations” to seize control.
Israel framed its participation as pre-emptive, with officials claiming strikes targeted the supreme leader and other top figures.
Iran’s Response and Regional Escalation
Iran retaliated swiftly, launching waves of ballistic missiles and drones at:
- Israel.
- US military bases in the Gulf region, including Al Udeid (Qatar), Al Dhafra (UAE), Al Salem (Kuwait), Bahrain’s Fifth Fleet headquarters, and sites in Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
Explosions and intercepts were reported across Gulf capitals, marking the first simultaneous Iranian missile strikes on multiple Gulf Arab states. Casualties included at least one reported death from debris in the UAE. Iran described its actions as defensive and vowed a “crushing” response, while calling for UN Security Council intervention.
The conflict has disrupted regional airspace, with several countries closing routes, and raised immediate fears of broader escalation involving Iran’s proxies (though their role has so far been limited compared to direct state actions).
Current Status and Implications
As of February 28, 2026 (late afternoon GMT), the operation remains ongoing. US officials indicate planning for “several days” of strikes, with significant degradation already inflicted on Iranian military and leadership structures. Iran has hit back hard but faces asymmetric disadvantages against combined US-Israeli air and naval power.
Key uncertainties include:
- Whether the regime survives internal pressure (protests have flared periodically, including in early 2026).
- Potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which could spike global oil prices dramatically.
- Risk of wider war drawing in Gulf states, Hezbollah, or other actors.
- Diplomatic fallout, with some US lawmakers calling it a “war of choice” lacking clear endgame, while others support the action.
The conflict represents the most direct US-Iran military confrontation in history—far beyond previous proxy or limited exchanges. It risks reshaping the Middle East, global energy markets, and nuclear proliferation dynamics for years to come.
The situation remains highly fluid, with explosions, intercepts, and official statements continuing in real time.