The United States and Israel launched a joint military operation against Iran on February 28, 2026, citing a combination of nuclear security concerns, proxy threats, and a goal of leadership change.
Stated Reasons for the Attack
U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu identified several key objectives for the offensive, codenamed Operation Epic Fury (U.S.) and Operation Roaring Lion (Israel):
- Nuclear Non-Proliferation: The U.S. and Israel claimed Iran had restarted its nuclear weapons programme, with the IAEA flagging uranium enrichment as a matter of "serious concern".
- Neutralizing Missile Threats: The allies aimed to destroy Iran's long-range ballistic missile capabilities, which they alleged could eventually reach the U.S. mainland.
- Eliminating Proxy Groups: The operation targeted Iran's support for regional militant groups, specifically citing the role of Hamas in the October 7, 2023, attacks.
- Regime Change: Both leaders explicitly called for the Iranian people to "take over" their government, framing the strikes as an opportunity to topple the existing leadership.
Factors Sparking the Escalation
Several immediate events in early 2026 served as the catalyst for the conflict: [6]
- Collapse of Nuclear Talks: Indirect negotiations mediated by Oman in early February 2026 failed to reach an agreement. While Oman reported a "breakthrough" on February 27, U.S. envoys claimed Iran was still insisting on its right to enrich uranium, leading the U.S. to conclude that diplomacy had been exhausted.
- Imminent Threat Claims: The Trump administration stated the strikes were "pre-emptive," based on intelligence suggesting Iran was planning an imminent attack on U.S. assets or Israel.
- Domestic Unrest in Iran: A deadly crackdown by Iranian security forces on anti-government protesters in January 2026, which reportedly killed thousands, led to increased U.S. threats of military intervention.
- Regional Pressure: Reports indicate that the Israeli government and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman repeatedly lobbied the Trump administration to take immediate military action to prevent Iran from growing stronger.
Immediate Consequences
- Leadership Casualties: Initial strikes on Tehran killed Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and several other senior military and government officials.
- Regional Retaliation: Iran responded by launching over 170 ballistic missiles at Israel and U.S. military bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, and the UAE.
- Economic Impact: Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for 20% of global oil and gas, causing immediate spikes in global energy prices.
