Stunning and rapid developments are unfolding in the Middle East, following the combined attack by the United States and Israel against Iran today, Saturday, 28 February 2026.
Israel put into effect the fierce “preemptive” operation “Roar of the Lion”, triggering tremendous retaliation from Iran, which launched a coordinated attack against Israel and all the Gulf countries hosting American bases!
However, despite the storm of Iranian reprisals, military analysts point out that the main phase of the American operation has not yet fully unfolded.
So far, Israel maintains the leading role in the air strikes, while the United States has been limited to the use of Tomahawk cruise missiles from ships and submarines.
Although the massive involvement of American F-35 and F-22 fighter jets stationed in the region is expected, the full air presence of the United States near Iranian airspace has not yet been recorded, indicating that Washington may be preparing an even larger wave of attacks in the coming hours.
Operation “Roar of the Lion”: Four day total war, 30 targets struck across Iran
Initially, at least three powerful explosions shook the center of Iran’s capital, Tehran, spreading panic among residents.
Israeli missiles struck Daneshgah Avenue and the Jomhouri neighborhood, while thick smoke rose over the Pastour area.
Iranian state media confirmed deafening explosions shaking Tehran, Qom, Isfahan, Kermanshah and Karaj.
The situation escalated dramatically during the second wave of attacks, when Israeli missiles struck approximately 30 targets across Iran, and according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, which cites Al Jazeera, the Israeli attack hit a girls’ elementary school in the city of Minab, in Khormoshgan province in southern Iran, resulting in the death of 5 children.
Among the targets that were struck were the residence of the President of the Islamic Republic, Masoud Pezeshkian, as well as the intelligence headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the airport in Tehran.
Masoud Pezeshkian is reportedly said to have left the city, while the country’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was also transferred to a secure location outside the capital, according to confirmation by an Iranian official.
Reports from foreign news agencies state that his house was leveled by a strike, and a satellite image after the strike was also released.
School struck in Iran, more than 50 schoolgirls dead
According to the Iranian news agencies Mehr and IRNA and state television, the Israeli attack hit a girls’ elementary school in the city of Minab, in Hormosgan province in southern Iran, resulting in 51 schoolgirls being killed, while at least 40 more are hospitalized with serious injuries, as announced by the provincial governor Ahmad Nafisi.
The images broadcast by local media from the scene of the destruction are shocking, with rescue crews pulling young girls from beneath the rubble.
Iran and Israel closed their airspace, with the Israeli side declaring a state of emergency while awaiting retaliation.
Israel claims through official announcements that all objective goals of the operation against Iran have been achieved, leaving behind debris and an extremely volatile atmosphere.
The school in Hormozgan province, southern Iran, which was damaged in an Israeli attack. ??????
— AlphaFrontNews (@AlphaFrontNews) February 28, 2026
You can hear mothers crying pic.twitter.com/DVItMUwK8p
“Tehran will not look like what it was before”
The objective of the air strikes is the dismantling of Iran’s security system, in an operation expected to be far more massive than that of June 2025.
The Minister of Defense of Israel, Katz, rushed to justify these military actions, provocatively stating that they are aimed at eliminating threats against the Jewish state.
“Tehran will not look like what it was before,” an anonymous Israeli official stated, adding that Donald Trump decided on the attack after his disappointment with the negotiations over the nuclear program.
A security source confirmed to Walla the involvement of American forces, while an official of the United States told Reuters that the operations are in full progress, with strikes being carried out both from the air and from the sea, plunging the region into chaos.
The operation, which was initially named “Shield of Judah” (Magen Yehuda), was ultimately renamed by the Israeli authorities to “Roar of the Lion.”
Iran launches generalized counteroffensive, targets US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, explosions rock Abu Dhabi and Gulf capitals
All indications show that the war is expanding following the harsh announcement by the leadership of Tehran of severe retaliation against the United States and Israel.
There are even reports of explosions that occurred in Bahrain.
According to initial information, the headquarters of the 5th Fleet of the US Navy were struck.
Earlier, the Ministry of Interior of Bahrain issued an emergency alert, calling on citizens to immediately move to the nearest safe location.
A strong explosion has been reported in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, according to what is being reported by the international news agency Aljazeera.
Initial information speaks of a loud explosion heard in the city, however so far there are no official reports of possible damage or casualties, as the situation remains under investigation.
Meanwhile, reports from media outlets state that explosions were also heard in Kuwait, with authorities activating sirens and calling on the population to remain vigilant.
At the same time, the authorities of Qatar announced that an Iranian missile had been intercepted by the Patriot system over the country’s airspace, according to reports.
Tension in the region has increased dramatically, as the ongoing military crisis in the Gulf raises concerns about broader escalation and new aggressive actions.
Donald Trump declares war on Iran - “Terrorists will never obtain nuclear weapons”
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, confirmed through an official video posted on his page on Truth Social that the United States has launched a military operation in Iran.
In his eight minute message, the American leader made it clear that the operation has already begun, emphasizing his administration’s determination to strike the regime of Tehran at its core.
“Our goal is to defend the American people by eliminating the imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very tough, terrible people,” the President of the United States stated characteristically.
Donald Trump explained that Iran’s threatening activities directly endanger the United States, American troops, overseas bases and allies around the world, making military intervention inevitable.
Noting the regime’s historic hostility, Donald Trump said: “For 47 years, the Iranian regime has been shouting ‘Death to America’ and waging an endless campaign of bloodshed and mass murder, targeting the United States, our troops and innocent people in many, many countries.” With these words, he justified the massive and ongoing operation of the American military as a means of deterring a vicious and radical dictatorship.
Flattening the missile industry and the nuclear program
“We will destroy their missiles and flatten their missile industry,” the American President stressed, accusing Tehran of working to rebuild its nuclear program, despite American bombings of nuclear facilities last June.
He added pointedly that the Iranians rejected every opportunity to abandon their nuclear ambitions, declaring emphatically: “we cannot take it any longer.”
Concluding the statement, Donald Trump said that measures have been taken to avoid casualties, however he sent a harsh message to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
He called on them to immediately lay down their arms, warning them unequivocally that otherwise they will face certain death.
Trump on Iran:
— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 28, 2026
This terrorist regime can never have a nuclear weapon.
I will say it again: they can never have a nuclear weapon. pic.twitter.com/8z70axNFXM
“Surrender your weapons or die!” - Harsh ultimatum by Donald Trump to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
“Surrender your weapons or die...”
A harsh ultimatum to the Iranian security forces was issued by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, in an address posted on Truth Social, while the fierce preemptive attack against Iran is in full progress.
Addressing directly the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the army and the police, Trump declared categorically: “Lay down your weapons and receive full amnesty, otherwise you will face inevitable death.”
The American leader stressed that “no one can challenge the power of the United States,” foreshadowing the complete destruction of Iran’s missile industry and navy.
Beyond the message to the regime, Donald Trump also addressed the civilian population of Iran, warning of the extreme danger of the situation.
“Stay hidden.
Do not leave your homes.
It is very dangerous outside.
Bombs will be falling everywhere,” he stated characteristically, while at the same time calling on citizens to take the government into their own hands once American operations are completed.
Washington now appears to be openly seeking regime change, with Trump declaring that “the hour of your freedom has arrived.”
Iran: We will crush you! US bases and Israel in the crosshairs
Tehran, in response, spoke of revenge that will cause “crushing” results.
The Reuters agency reported that Iran is already in a state of full war readiness, with Ebrahim Azizi, head of the security committee, sending a stern message: “We had warned you.
Now you have embarked on a path whose end is no longer in your hands.”
The Iranian forces have made it clear that any American military installation or personnel in the wider Middle East region now constitutes a legitimate target of retaliation and they have acted accordingly.
Iran strikes all Gulf countries hosting US bases, blows to strategic bases and air defenses on “red alert”
Iran launched a sweeping counterattack against almost all countries in the Middle East hosting American forces, in response to the joint operation of the United States and Israel. According to reports by the Reuters agency and Al Jazeera, explosions shook Qatar, Jordan and several Gulf states on Saturday, 28 February 2026.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed that its missiles and drones directly targeted the infrastructure supporting the US military presence in the region, stating that “there are no longer any red lines.”
The Iranian attacks focused on Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain.
The main targets were the US bases Al-Udeid (Qatar), Al-Ali Al Salem (Kuwait) and Al-Dhafra (UAE).
In the region’s major cities, such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Riyadh, the Patriot air defense systems were immediately activated. In Abu Dhabi, the Ministry of Defense of the United Arab Emirates confirmed the interception of several missiles, although one foreign national was reported killed by falling debris in a residential area.
Iran’s allies stand by its side
Alongside the preparations of the regular army, pro-Iranian organizations in the region, such as Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq, have been ordered to prepare for a “prolonged war of attrition.”
Iran’s allies threaten to open multiple fronts against the United States and Israel, militarily supporting Tehran in an effort to split the defensive forces of the attackers.
The international community is watching with bated breath, as the Iranian side insists that its own response will be “decisive” and will cause deep remorse among its enemies.
Red Sea turns into “death zone” as Houthi reenter war for Iran, global shipping on edge
The Houthi rebels of Yemen are emerging once again from the shadows, announcing the full resumption of missile and drone attacks against American and Israeli ships in the Red Sea.
The organization Ansar Allah officially declared its participation in the war on the side of Iran, with sources reporting that the first wave of attacks is expected to unfold even within tonight 28 February 2026, turning one of the planet’s most critical maritime routes into a battlefield.
Until today, a fragile calm had prevailed in the region.
The Houthi had suspended their attacks on commercial vessels under an informal agreement with the Trump administration, which had entered into force in May 2025.
In exchange, Washington had frozen bombings against rebel positions in Yemen.
However, the morning “preemptive” attack by Israel and the United States on Tehran, Isfahan and other Iranian cities on 28 February shattered every diplomatic bridge, leading the Houthi to immediately cancel the truce.
In their official statement, the Houthi condemn American Israeli aggression, stressing that the aim of the West is the destruction of Iran’s deterrent power. “We express our full and unwavering solidarity with the Islamic Republic, its leadership and its people,” the organization’s text states.
The resumption of hostilities means that the Bab al Mandeb strait is once again becoming a “death zone,” with freight and oil prices expected to soar in the coming hours.
Alarm in international shipping
The situation is extremely critical, as the Houthi now possess an enhanced arsenal of kamikaze drones and anti ship cruise missiles.
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs of Greece, as well as other international authorities, have already issued instructions to commercial vessels to exercise the maximum possible vigilance.
With American aircraft carriers engaged on the Iran front, the protection of commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea is now becoming extremely difficult, leaving the global supply chain exposed to the “Roar” of Yemen.
Revelation of the gigantic American Israeli strike force against Iran
The new war of the West against Iran is now a fact, with the details of the composition of the joint forces of the United States and Israel causing shock.
Donald Trump, despite the persona of a “peacemaker,” had long been preparing this attack, using the negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program as a smokescreen.
At his side, Benjamin Netanyahu steadily pressured Washington to accelerate preparations, while the participation of Britain in this blatant violation of international law remains for now under question.
An aerial fleet of 600 aircraft pounds Tehran
Through analysis of military intelligence and Osinter data, the scale of the mobilization that began on the morning of 28 February was revealed.
In total, more than 500 strike aircraft, of which 100 are fifth generation, and approximately 200 support aircraft have been assembled in the Middle East and Europe.
The American air force carried out more than 270 flights of C-17A Globemaster III and C-5M Galaxy transport aircraft, while it deployed 86 KC-135 and KC-46 refueling aircraft.
The American force also includes:
Reconnaissance and communications: RC-135W Rivet Joint, E-11A BACN, E-3 Sentry AWACS and the strategic reconnaissance U-2 Dragon Lady.
Electronic warfare and UAV: EA-18G Growler and RQ-4B Global Hawk.
Strike fighters: 12 A-10C Thunderbolt II, 36 F-15E Strike Eagle, 30 F-35A Lightning II, 12 F-22A Raptor and 54 F-16.
Additional F-15E and F-35A are arriving in the coming hours from the Lakenheath base in Britain.
US naval dominance and arsenal on full display as massive fleet encircles Iran
The United States Navy has deployed a formidable firepower force:
Destroyers: Three Arleigh Burke class vessels from the carrier group of USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea, three from the group of USS Gerald R. Ford in the Mediterranean, and additional ships in the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Aqaba to cover American bases and Israel.
Submarines: The nuclear powered submarine USS Georgia of the Ohio class is in the Mediterranean
Airborne assets: 10 E-2D Hawkeye, 12 F-35C and 84 F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, together with unmanned MQ-4C Triton.
Israeli participation and the threat to Iran’s future
The Israeli Air Force is contributing to operation “Lion’s Roar” with an impressive fleet:
Refueling and early warning: 14 KC-707 and KC-130 aircraft, as well as an AWACS fleet of the Eitam, Shavit and Oron types.
Fighters: 48 F-35I Adir, 25 F-15I Ra'am, 48 F-15 Baz and approximately 170 F-16 fighter jets of various types.
In total, the joint force possesses 600 strike and refueling units, supported by dozens of electronic warfare, reconnaissance and special mission aircraft. This combined power is capable of delivering decisive blows to Iran’s military, scientific and economic potential, while it remains unclear in what way Tehran will manage to confront such a technological and numerical volume of fire.
Provocative Netanyahu - Gave the signal for the overthrow of Khamenei for a “free Iran”
The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, issued a call for regime change in Iran in a video message that constitutes his first public statement regarding the American Israeli strikes against Iran.
Netanyahu called on “all segments of the Iranian people” to “rid themselves of the yoke of tyranny and bring about a free and peaceful Iran.”
Specifically he stressed: “Our joint action will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands.”
At the beginning of the video, he thanked the President of the United States, Donald Trump, “for his historic leadership.”
“This murderous terrorist regime must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity,” Netanyahu stated.
“My brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel, a short while ago, Israel and the United States launched an operation to eliminate the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran.
“I thank our great friend, President Trump, for his historic leadership.
“For 47 years, the regime of the Ayatollah has shouted ‘Death to Israel,’ ‘Death to America.’
“It has shed our blood, it has murdered many Americans and it has slaughtered its own people.
“This murderous terrorist regime must not be armed with nuclear weapons that would allow it to threaten all of humanity.
“Our joint action will create the conditions for the courageous Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands.
“The time has come for all segments of the Iranian people - the Persians, the Kurds, the Azeris, the Baloch and the Ahvazis - to shake off the yoke of tyranny and bring about a free and peaceful Iran.
“I call upon you, the citizens of Israel, to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command.
“In the coming days, in Operation ‘Lion’s Roar,’ it will be required of all of us to show endurance and fortitude.
“Together we will stand, together we will fight and together we will secure the eternity of Israel.”
During the 12 day war with Iran in June, Netanyahu had also called on the Iranian people to rise up against the regime.
Medvedev (Russian Security Council): Cover operation
The Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, Medvedev, described the United States–Iran negotiations as a cover operation, as no one truly wanted to agree on anything.
Russia launches fierce attack on US and Israel over “reckless and irresponsible aggression”
Russia intervened with exceptional severity today, 28 February 2026, demanding the immediate cessation of American and Israeli military operations against Tehran.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement reflecting the explosive climate, described the bombardment of Iran as an “unprovoked armed aggression,” stressing that the actions of Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu are leading with mathematical certainty to an uncontrollable regional conflagration.
Moscow did not mince its words, condemning the “reckless” stance of Washington and Jerusalem.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the attack on the theocratic regime lacks any legal basis, constituting a direct violation of international sovereignty.
The Russian side called on the international community to abandon its passive stance and proceed immediately to an objective assessment of these “irresponsible actions,” which, as it notes, threaten to turn the entire Middle East into a vast battlefield.
Despite the warlike rhetoric, Moscow was quick to declare that it remains ready to play a mediating role in the search for peaceful solutions.
The Kremlin insists that any settlement must be based on international law, mutual respect and a balance of interests, signaling to Tehran further strategic convergence.
However, the warning is clear: if the “armed aggression” does not stop immediately, Moscow may reconsider its position, strengthening its support for its allies in the region.
EU withdraws staff from the Middle East
The European Union, in a move that underscores the gravity of the military clashes, announced on Saturday 28 February 2026 the urgent withdrawal of its non essential personnel from the Middle East.
Brussels describes the developments in the region as “extremely dangerous”, as the joint attack by the United States and Israel against Iran has triggered an uncontrolled chain of reprisals that threatens the security of EU diplomatic missions and its citizens.
Kallas endorses the attack against Iran, Iran constitutes a serious threat to global security
The High Representative of the EU for foreign policy, Kaja Kallas, in an intervention on social media, launched a fierce attack against the Iranian regime, accusing it of the killing of thousands of people.
Kaja Kallas stressed that Tehran’s ballistic missile programs and nuclear plans, combined with its support for terrorist organizations, now constitute a direct and serious threat to global peace.
At the same time, she announced the full mobilization of the EU’s consular network to facilitate the evacuation of European citizens from the war zones.
Ursula von der Leyen calls for restraint amid generalized conflict
For her part, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, expressed her deep concern over the escalation of hostilities in Iran.
Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU remains in constant contact with its regional partners, while at the same time calling on all parties involved, including the forces of Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, to exercise the maximum possible restraint.
The protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law are set as absolute priorities for Brussels, as the bombardments continue with unabated intensity.
Months long plan behind the operation to eliminate Iranian bases
An Israeli security official revealed that this specific operation had been planned for months and its timing had been set weeks ago.
According to sources from the defense establishment, one of the main objectives of the strikes is the elimination of threats to Israel’s home front, with particular emphasis on the destruction of missile launchers and unmanned aircraft bases.
Although so far no missiles have been launched toward Israel, authorities estimate that an Iranian response could manifest within the next hours.
At the same time, the embassy of the United States in Qatar ordered all personnel and its citizens to seek shelter until further notice.
The generals’ warnings about inevitable losses
According to leaks to Axios, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Dan Kaine, presented a completely different picture to Donald Trump in closed meetings.
Dan Kaine pointed out that Iran is not Venezuela —an operation which he himself had supported— as here the stakes are much higher, the risks greater and American losses are considered certain.
The main argument of the military was that the conflict threatens to last for years, once again turning the Middle East into a front from which the United States will be forced to withdraw in shame, as happened in Afghanistan.
Israel under siege amid fear of retaliation
Preparing for what is essentially an inevitable retaliatory strike, Israel hermetically closed its airspace, plunging the country into isolation.
Civil aircraft heading toward Israel were forced to turn back and divert to alternative routes, while strict restrictions were imposed across the entire territory.
Gatherings were strictly banned and the operation of most businesses was suspended, as the country fortifies itself awaiting the response from Tehran that could blow everything apart.
Sirens sounded across Israel at approximately 08:15 local time, warning people of the threat of a possible missile attack.
It is recalled that the Israeli strikes are taking place amid diplomatic efforts between American and Iranian officials for an agreement to limit Iran’s nuclear program and prevent a war, and the negotiations were expected to continue next week.
Iran had made concessions in the talks, although the President of the United States, Trump, who had previously threatened to attack Iran in order to pressure its leaders to accept an agreement, stated yesterday that he was not “enthusiastic” about the way the discussions were progressing, with the result that President Trump ordered the largest military reinforcement of the United States in the Middle East since the United States invasion of Iraq in 2003, but he has not done much to explain why there could be a need for military action now.
Macron’s ambiguous response - Escalation dangerous for all, Paris will not remain passive
The current escalation in the Middle East was described as “dangerous for international peace” by French President Emmanuel Macron, in an intervention on X, a move that underscores the global anxiety over the course of events.
The French leader, although maintaining a balanced stance, stressed that “the escalation must stop,” warning that the consequences will be extremely severe for all if the conflict spirals out of control. At the same time, Paris requested the urgent convening of the United Nations Security Council for 28 February 2026, in order to prevent a full scale regional conflagration.
Despite the call for restraint, Emmanuel Macron adopted strong language toward the Iranian leadership.
According to diplomatic sources, the French President believes that the regime in Tehran has been “delegitimized” due to violent crackdowns internally, calling for the voice to be returned to the Iranian people “as soon as possible.”
At the same time, he stated that France is ready to deploy military resources to protect its “closest partners” in the region, if a relevant request is made, making it clear that Paris will not remain passive if its allies are threatened.
Jordan shot down two ballistic missiles
The armed forces of Jordan on Saturday shot down two ballistic missiles that were targeting the kingdom’s territory, a military official said.
“They were successfully intercepted by Jordan’s air defense systems,” the official added.
Oman launches fierce attack on US and Israel, “They never wanted peace”
The Foreign Minister of Oman, Badr Albusaidi, who led the critical indirect talks between Washington and Tehran, expressed his anger and disappointment over the launch of operation “Epic Fury,” stating categorically that the United States “never wanted peace.”
In a series of posts on social media, Badr Albusaidi described the decision to escalate as an act that blows up months of painstaking diplomatic work. “Active and serious negotiations have been undermined once again,” he stressed, clearly referring also to the previous strike of June 2025.
The top diplomat of Oman called on the United States not to become further involved in the conflict, sending a clear message: “This is not your war.”
Just on Friday, 27 February 2026, Mr Albusaidi had appeared highly optimistic on the program “Face the Nation” of CBS, stating that a “historic peace agreement was now achievable.”
According to him, Iran had accepted unprecedented terms, such as zero uranium enrichment and full verification by the IAEA, terms that went far beyond the 2015 agreement.
The revelation that Washington chose military action despite Tehran’s “substantial concessions” creates a deep rift of trust between the United States and the Arab states of the Gulf.
Badr Albusaidi also referred to the humanitarian cost of the conflict, stating that he prays for the innocent who will suffer from the bombardments.
Oman’s stance reflects the fear throughout the region that Donald Trump’s insistence on “regime change” in Tehran will drag the Middle East into chaos without return.
With negotiations now considered dead, Oman warns that violence will not solve the problem, but will dangerously complicate it for the coming generations.
Australia endorses the Israel - US attack
Australia supports the action undertaken by the United States aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said today 28/02 in the aftermath of the Israeli and American strikes against the Islamic Republic.
Albanese wrote in a post on X that “the Iranian nuclear program constitutes a threat to global peace and security”.
“We support the actions of the United States aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and stopping it from continuing to threaten international peace and security,” he added.
The Australian Prime Minister noted that the country’s officials are closely monitoring the ongoing situation.
BREAKING:
— Globe Eye News (@GlobeEyeNews) February 28, 2026
Israel is currently striking Iran’s capital, Tehran. pic.twitter.com/xQ3lZSQm5h
????? More explosions reported in Tehran as Israel launches second wave of strikes on Iranpic.twitter.com/2WgLUxP95c https://t.co/DFjhC84cac
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 28, 2026
‼️‼️?????? Report in Iran about another wave of attacks now in Tehran pic.twitter.com/JKn4WKiC1b
— Visioner (@visionergeo) February 28, 2026
WATCH: Cruise missiles launched by Israel-US heading toward Iran observed in the skies over Iraq. pic.twitter.com/dQII4Hnens
— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 28, 2026
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