In late February 2026, the United States and Israel launched a large military attack on Iran. They say the main reason is that Iran was becoming a serious security threat to both countries and to the wider Middle East. Washington and Tel Aviv pointed to Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, which they claim could lead to nuclear weapons. They also cited Iran’s support for armed groups like Hezbollah and other militias that have been hostile toward Israel for years. US and Israeli leaders argue these capabilities could be used against their forces or allies in the region, so they chose to strike first to weaken Iran’s military strength and reduce future danger.

The US described the attacks as preemptive, meaning a move to stop Iran from acting before it could attack first, though critics say there was no clear proof of an immediate Iranian attack plan. The strikes targeted Iranian missile sites, air defenses, military bases, and leadership compounds. In the opening bombardment, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed, a dramatic escalation that changed the nature of the conflict.

Immediate impact in the Middle East

The strikes didn’t end with Iran. Soon after, Iran fired missiles and drones back at Israel and US military bases in several Gulf countries. Countries including Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates saw Iranian attacks on or near their soil, raising fears that the conflict could spread wider.

The situation has also pulled other groups into the fight. Iran‑aligned militias such as Hezbollah in Lebanon fired rockets at Israel, and Israel responded with its own strikes. This has heightened tension across the region, with several countries on alert and civilian areas being hit in some cases.

Political and Economic consequences

The war has major political consequences too. Israel has declared a state of emergency, mobilizing reservists and restricting normal life because of the threat from Iranian retaliation.

Economically, the conflict threatens global oil supplies. The Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for world energy trade, has seen disruptions and warnings from Iran’s military. Because nearly 20% of the world’s oil passes through this route, energy prices could rise and cause global economic strain.