Israel Launches Major Strike on Iran as Conflict

Published on 02/28/26 3:08 AM ET

Israel launched a major military strike on Iran’s capital, Tehran, on February 28, 2026, with explosions reported near key government locations, including areas close to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s offices. U.S. officials confirmed American involvement, though the full extent remains unclear.

The attack follows rising tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and comes after increased U.S. military buildup in the region. Israel declared a state of emergency and closed its airspace amid expectations of retaliation from Iran.

The strikes mark a sharp escalation in Middle East tensions, raising fears of a wider regional conflict as diplomatic efforts between Iran and Western nations collapse

What a U.S.–Iran War Could Look Like

Associated Press
02/28/26 3:51 AM

Rising tensions between the United States and Iran have increased global concerns about a potential military conflict tied to Tehran’s nuclear program. According to The Associated Press, Iran would likely be militarily outmatched in a direct war with the U.S., but it still has powerful options that could trigger widespread regional instability.

Iran could retaliate through missile strikes, attacks on U.S. bases in the Middle East, or by targeting global oil shipping routes, actions that could disrupt energy markets and draw neighboring countries into conflict. Experts warn that even without nuclear weapons, escalation between the two nations could quickly expand into a broader war involving Israel and regional allies.

The Associated Press reports that diplomacy remains the preferred path, but ongoing disagreements over uranium enrichment and sanctions continue to keep military confrontation on the table as tensions rise.