US–Israel strikes on Iran spark major escalation as IRGC hits Gulf bases

The United States and Israel launched a large-scale joint military operation against the Islamic Republic of Iran on Saturday, 28 February 2026. The offensive targeted government ministries, military compounds, and nuclear facilities across several Iranian cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah.

A United States official confirmed that the strikes, which began in the early morning hours, are intended to dismantle the Iranian security apparatus and eliminate what Washington terms an "existential threat." The operation marks a significant escalation in regional hostilities.

In Tehran, explosions were reported near the presidential palace and the secure compound of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Fars said senior officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, remain in perfect health.

United States President Donald Trump confirmed the start of “major combat operations”. He said the objective is to eliminate imminent threats and ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon. He also vowed to destroy Iran’s missile industry and navy.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the joint action as removing an existential threat. He said the operation would create conditions for Iranians to “take their fate into their own hands” and remove the current government.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responded with attack drones and ballistic missiles. The IRGC said US and Israeli assets in the region are now legitimate targets, and promised to continue operations until the enemy is defeated.

Retaliatory strikes reportedly targeted Gulf nations hosting US forces. Fars said missiles were launched at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, and the US Navy 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.

The UAE Ministry of Defence said it intercepted several missiles, but reported one death caused by falling debris. Qatar’s Ministry of Defence said its Patriot systems thwarted attacks, though debris triggered explosions and panic on the outskirts of Doha.

International condemnation followed the escalation. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticised what he called an unprovoked armed attack in a call with Iranian officials. Rosatom urged that nuclear sites such as the Bushehr plant should not be targeted.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez rejected what he called unilateral military action, saying it contributes to a hostile international order. The United Nations rights chief, Volker Türk, deplored the strikes, warning civilians always pay the ultimate price in conflict.

Regional mediation efforts appeared to stall. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said he was dismayed that negotiations had been undermined. He urged the United States to avoid deeper involvement, saying this is not their war.

The conflict has also disrupted international travel. Dubai International Airport and Israeli airports suspended flight operations. British Airways and Lufthansa cancelled services to the region until further notice, citing widespread airspace closures.

The campaign began in the early hours of Saturday, with hundreds of targets reportedly hit across western Iran. The Israeli military said its air force is focusing on missile launchers and strategic assets.

In Tehran, the Ministry of Intelligence and the Ministry of Defence were among key targets. Witnesses reported thick black smoke rising from the Parchin military complex, a site long associated with Iran’s disputed nuclear programme.

President Trump, speaking from Washington, said Iran had been warned repeatedly. He claimed the US military would conduct a multi-day operation to fully degrade Iran’s offensive capabilities.

The humanitarian impact inside Iran has been described as severe. Mehr reported two students were killed in a strike on a school east of Tehran. Hospitals in the capital were placed on high alert.

Iran’s National Security Council advised Tehran residents to evacuate if possible. NetBlocks reported a near-total internet blackout, saying national connectivity fell to about 4 per cent as the conflict intensified.

The escalation drew sharp criticism from Russia. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, accused the United States of using recent nuclear negotiations in Geneva as cover for military action.

Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry condemned what it called violations of its airspace by Iranian missiles, saying Kuwait reserves the right to respond proportionately. Saudi Arabia also condemned the targeting of Qatari territory during a call between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatar’s Emir.

The United Kingdom reiterated its position that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons. The Foreign Office advised British nationals in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE to seek immediate shelter.

European Union officials expressed deep concern. Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign policy chief, described the situation as perilous and said the EU is coordinating the withdrawal of non-essential personnel from diplomatic missions in the region.

In Israel, the military banned public gatherings and moved some hospital patients to underground facilities. Defence Minister Israel Katz declared a national state of emergency as sirens continued to sound in Tel Aviv and northern Israel.

Some security analysts cautioned that regime change is unlikely without ground forces. Andreas Krieg of King’s College London said remote standoff air campaigns typically degrade capabilities rather than cause collapse.

The International Committee of the Red Cross warned of a dangerous chain reaction. ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric urged all sides to spare civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, under international humanitarian law.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the offensive an “illegal and illegitimate” war in a social media post, blaming Netanyahu and Trump. He warned Iran’s armed forces are prepared to retaliate.

Airspace closures, including reported restrictions affecting Syria, and widespread flight cancellations have further isolated regional hubs. Airlines including Air India, Virgin Atlantic and Japan Airlines suspended operations in affected corridors.

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto offered to mediate between Washington and Tehran. Indonesia’s foreign ministry said he is willing to travel to Tehran to facilitate dialogue if both sides agree to de-escalate.

The situation remains fluid, with the United States and Israel signalling the operation is far from over. Iranian officials have vowed a “crushing” response to any further violations of national sovereignty.