What we know about the joint US-Israel attack on Iran

February 28, 2026

The United States and Israel have jointly launched major military strikes against Iran, targeting multiple cities including Tehran, with the stated objective of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. President Trump described the operations as "massive and ongoing" and called on Iranian forces to surrender while encouraging Iranian citizens to overthrow their government. Iran retaliated by launching missiles toward Israel and US military facilities in Bahrain and Qatar, prompting regional airspace closures and flight suspensions.

Who is affected

Iranian civilians across Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah
Israeli citizens warned to shelter and avoid gatherings
Iranian government forces and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
US military personnel at the 5th Fleet service center in Bahrain
US military personnel at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar
UAE residents (one person killed by falling debris)
Airline passengers and travelers across the Middle East region
UK nationals in the region
Residents of Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Syria, Yemen, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia

What action is being taken

The US and Israel are conducting major military combat operations in Iran
Iran's airspace is closed
Israel's airspace is closed to civilian flights
Iran is launching missiles toward Israel and US military facilities
Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, and UAE are closing or restricting their airspace
Multiple airlines (Lufthansa, Wizz Air, Virgin Atlantic) are suspending flights to the region
Israeli authorities are restricting gatherings, schools, and non-essential work
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is chairing emergency Cobra committee meetings
Germany, Italy, and other governments are consulting with security officials and allies

Why it matters

This represents a major military escalation in the Middle East that threatens to expand into a broader regional conflict involving multiple nations. The strikes target Iran's nuclear program capabilities, which has been a long-standing international security concern, but the military action risks significant civilian casualties and destabilizes an already volatile region. The involvement of major powers (US, Israel, Russia) and the potential for Iranian retaliation creates dangerous unpredictability that could draw in additional countries, disrupt global aviation and commerce, and lead to a wider war with international implications.

What's next

Israeli guidance restrictions on gatherings, schools, and work remain in effect until Monday 20:00
Lufthansa and Wizz Air flight suspensions continue until 7 March
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to hold a series of calls with allies throughout the day
The UK government will continue consulting with allies
Italy will be consulting allies and regional leaders to support de-escalation efforts
Trump has indicated operations are "ongoing" with no specified end date

Read full article from source: BBC