Why Are the US and Israel Attacking Iran? Full 2026 War Analysis & Latest Updates

Why are the US and Israel attacking Iran? Full breakdown of the 2026 strikes, Iran’s response, nuclear tensions, and what could happen next.

Why Are the US and Israel Attacking Iran? Full Analysis of the 2026 Escalation

The United States and Israel have launched coordinated military strikes across Iran in what President Donald Trump described as “major combat operations.” The attacks, which began on 28 February 2026, targeted multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran, and mark one of the most serious escalations in Middle Eastern tensions in decades.

Iran has responded with missile strikes toward Israel and US military bases across the Gulf region, raising fears of a wider regional war.

This article breaks down what happened, why it happened, what each side says, and what could happen next.

Latest Update:

1. What Happened on 28 February 2026?

Early in the morning on 28 February, explosions were reported in several Iranian cities. Witnesses described plumes of smoke rising over parts of Tehran. Local media reported strikes near strategic and military-linked locations.

Shortly after, Israel confirmed it had launched missile strikes inside Iran. US officials later acknowledged that the attacks were part of a joint military operation.

The Pentagon named the US mission “Operation Epic Fury.”
Israel referred to its campaign as “Lion’s Roar.”

According to US statements, the operation was “massive and ongoing,” suggesting it could continue for days.

2. Which Locations Were Targeted?

Reports indicate that strikes occurred in:

Tehran (including areas near military and government facilities)
Isfahan
Tabriz
Qom
Kermanshah
Ilam
Karaj
Parts of Lorestan province

Some strikes reportedly targeted areas near the headquarters of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Analysts say the targets appear to include:

Missile production facilities
Ballistic missile storage sites
Radar installations
Naval assets
Elements of Iran’s military command structure
Nuclear-linked infrastructure

If confirmed, this would indicate a broad attempt to degrade Iran’s military capabilities rather than a symbolic strike.

3. Why Are the US and Israel Attacking Iran?

The official justification centers on security threats.

According to President Trump, the goals are:

Destroy Iran’s missile capabilities
Prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons
Eliminate “imminent threats”
Disrupt Iran-backed armed groups
Target naval assets

Washington and Tel Aviv argue that Iran’s advancing missile technology and uranium enrichment activities pose a direct risk.

Iran, however, denies that it is pursuing a nuclear weapon and insists its nuclear program is for civilian purposes.

4. The Nuclear Issue: What Is the Real Dispute?

The conflict is deeply connected to Iran’s nuclear program.

After the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA), tensions steadily increased. Iran expanded uranium enrichment, while the US imposed sanctions.

Although negotiations had reportedly been progressing recently, mistrust remained high.

Experts say this latest strike could mean:

Negotiations have collapsed
Washington doubts diplomacy will work
Military pressure is being used to reshape negotiations

However, critics argue that bombing during talks sets a dangerous precedent and may reduce trust in future negotiations.

5. Is This About Regime Change?

This question is central.

President Trump’s statement encouraging Iranians to “take over” their government has sparked debate.

Some analysts believe:

The strikes aim to weaken Iran’s leadership structure
Military and political pressure is designed to destabilize the regime
Washington may be attempting to reshape the regional order

However, experts caution:

“You don’t do regime change from the air.”
Military force does not automatically create democracy
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard controls significant economic and military assets

Iran is not Iraq in 2003. It has stronger institutions and a deeply embedded political system.

Regime collapse, if it happened, could lead to instability rather than stability.

6. How Did Iran Respond?

Iran retaliated within hours.

Missiles were reportedly launched toward:

Northern Israel
US air bases in Qatar (Al Udeid)
Kuwait (Al-Salem Airbase)
UAE (Al-Dhafra)
Bahrain (US Fifth Fleet HQ)

Air defense systems were activated across Israel and parts of the Gulf.

Iranian officials warned that the response would be “crushing.”

This suggests Tehran is unwilling to absorb strikes quietly.

7. Could Iran’s Proxies Join the Conflict?

Iran has regional allies and proxy networks, including:

Hezbollah in Lebanon
Houthis in Yemen
Armed groups in Iraq and Syria

If these groups escalate:

Shipping lanes like the Bab al-Mandab could be threatened
Missile attacks on Israel could increase
US bases in the region could face more strikes

However, some analysts believe proxy involvement will depend on whether those groups are directly targeted.

8. What Does This Mean for the Iranian People?

Experts warn that ordinary Iranians may bear the highest cost.

Possible consequences include:

Economic disruption
Infrastructure damage
Civilian casualties
Increased political repression

Even if regime pressure increases, political transformation during war is historically unstable.

9. Legal and International Law Questions

Some legal experts argue:

There was no clear imminent attack
Negotiations were ongoing
Self-defense justification may be contested

Others argue that:

Missile development poses long-term threat
Preventive action is justified

The absence of a UN mandate raises further legal debates.

10. How Has the World Reacted?

Global reaction has been mixed:

Oman urged de-escalation
European leaders warned of grave consequences
Gulf states expressed concern
Russia criticized US actions
UK and Canada reaffirmed opposition to nuclear weapons

There are strong fears of regional spillover.

11. Impact on Global Markets

Markets reacted quickly.

Oil prices showed volatility
Energy supply concerns resurfaced
Shipping routes became risk factors

Any prolonged conflict could disrupt global energy flows.

12. What Are the Possible Scenarios Next?

Scenario 1: Limited Escalation

Short-term strikes followed by renewed negotiations.

Scenario 2: Multi-Day Air Campaign

Sustained bombing without ground invasion.

Scenario 3: Regional War

Proxy involvement expands the conflict.

Scenario 4: Internal Instability in Iran

Domestic unrest grows amid military pressure.

Scenario 5: Diplomatic Reset

Backchannel negotiations resume after pressure.

13. Why This Moment Is Historically Significant

This is not just another exchange of strikes.

It represents:

A potential turning point in US–Iran relations
The most serious confrontation in years
A test of regional alliances
A challenge to diplomatic norms

Some analysts compare it to 2003 Iraq in terms of risk — though the situations differ significantly.

Conclusion

The US–Israel attack on Iran marks a major escalation in an already volatile region.

Washington says it is defending against nuclear and missile threats. Tehran says it is under unjustified attack and has vowed retaliation.

Whether this becomes a short confrontation or a prolonged regional conflict depends on decisions made in the coming days.

What is clear is that this moment could reshape the Middle East for years to come.

FAQs

1. Why did the US and Israel attack Iran in 2026?

The strikes were aimed at missile facilities and nuclear-linked infrastructure, which Washington described as security threats.

2. What is Operation Epic Fury?

Operation Epic Fury is the name given by the US Department of Defense to the 2026 military campaign targeting Iranian sites.

3. What is Israel’s Operation Lion’s Roar?

Lion’s Roar is the codename Israel used for its military strikes inside Iran.

4. Has Iran responded to the attacks?

Yes, Iran launched missile strikes toward Israel and US bases across the Gulf region.

5. Is this about Iran’s nuclear program?

Yes, nuclear development and ballistic missile capabilities are central reasons cited by the US and Israel.

6. Could this lead to a regional war?

There are concerns that proxy groups and Gulf states could become involved, increasing escalation risks.

7. Are negotiations between the US and Iran still ongoing?

Negotiations were reportedly progressing before the strikes, but their future is now uncertain.

8. Is the US seeking regime change in Iran?

Some analysts believe the rhetoric suggests regime pressure, though official statements focus on security objectives.

9. How are global markets reacting?

Oil prices and energy markets have shown volatility due to fears of supply disruption.

10. What happens next in the conflict?

Possible scenarios include limited escalation, prolonged strikes, regional expansion, or renewed diplomacy.