The United States and Israel have launched coordinated military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran, marking a significant escalation in tensions between Tehran and Western powers aimed at addressing perceived security threats, international news agencies report.

The operation began on Saturday February 28, 2026, when explosions were reported in cities including Tehran, Qom, Isfahan, Karaj and Kermanshah, according to local and international media. Iranian state outlets broadcast scenes of smoke rising across several regions as air and missile strikes hit identified targets.

Israeli authorities described the offensive as a pre-emptive strike intended to remove threats posed by Iran’s missile programmes and military infrastructure, asserting that the action was necessary to defend Israeli security interests. Israel’s Defence Minister stated that the operation had been planned in coordination with the United States and involved both air and sea-launched attacks on strategic sites.

Officials in Washington confirmed that American military assets are participating alongside Israeli forces in the strikes, which follow weeks of heightened military buildup in the region and stalled diplomatic negotiations aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions and ballistic missile development.

In response to the unfolding conflict, both Israel and Iran closed their airspace to civilian flights, and sirens sounded across Israeli cities as authorities warned of possible Iranian ballistic or drone counter-attacks. Neighbouring nations including Iraq also suspended their airspace operations as precautionary measures.

Iranian government officials have vowed a “crushing response” to the joint strikes, with Tehran preparing for retaliation that could include missile and drone operations against military targets. Regional security experts warn that escalation could draw in allied groups and complicate stability across the Middle East.

The United States and Israel say the offensive aims to degrade Iran’s offensive capabilities and protect regional and global security, but the situation remains highly fluid with diplomatic and humanitarian concerns growing as events continue to unfold.