Global Alert: Israel and United States Launch Major Joint Military Strike on Iran

 

The world woke up to a seismic shift in global geopolitics on Saturday, February 28, 2026, as reports confirmed that Israel and the United States have officially launched a coordinated military attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran. This unprecedented escalation, which follows months of heightened rhetoric and regional skirmishes, marks a direct confrontation involving world superpowers and a pivotal Middle Eastern power.

​The operation, which began in the early hours of the morning, has targeted several strategic locations across Iran, including nuclear facilities, military command centers, and drone manufacturing hubs. As sirens wail in Tehran and global oil prices experience an immediate surge, the international community is bracing for the potential of a full-scale regional war.

​The Offensive: Operation Epic Fury

​According to official statements from the Pentagon and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the joint operation—codenamed "Operation Epic Fury" by the U.S. and "Iron Justice" by Israel—involved a massive wave of airstrikes, long-range missiles, and cyber-attacks.

​The primary objectives of the strike were reportedly aimed at degrading Iran’s capability to launch long-range ballistic missiles and neutralizing its nuclear enrichment capabilities. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Israeli public shortly after the strikes began, stating that the action was "necessary to ensure the survival of the Jewish state and to prevent the radical regime in Tehran from acquiring the world's most dangerous weapons."

​Strategic Targets Identified

​Initial intelligence reports and local witnesses in Iran have identified several key areas hit during the first wave of attacks:

• ​Tehran: Explosions were heard near the capital, with reports suggesting command-and-control centers were targeted.
• ​Isfahan: Home to significant nuclear research facilities, this region saw heavy aerial activity and multiple detonations.
• ​Bushehr: Strategic coastal installations and naval assets were reportedly hit to neutralize Iran's maritime retaliation capabilities.
• ​Kermanshah: Known for its missile silos, this area was a primary focus of the initial long-range missile barrages.

​The U.S. Involvement: President Trump Confirms "Major Combat"

​In a televised address from the Oval Office, President Donald Trump confirmed the United States' direct participation in the offensive. Characterizing the move as a "preemptive strike to protect American interests and allies," Trump emphasized that the U.S. would not stand by as Iran continued its "destabilizing activities" in the Middle East.

​"We are working hand-in-hand with our greatest ally, Israel, to end the threat posed by the Iranian regime once and for all," Trump declared. The President also warned other regional actors against intervening, stating that the U.S. military is fully mobilized to respond to any retaliatory measures.

​Global Reactions and Economic Shockwaves

​The immediate aftermath of the strike has sent the global economy into a tailspin. Within hours of the news breaking, Brent Crude oil prices jumped by over 10%, with analysts predicting further increases if the Strait of Hormuz is closed by Iranian forces.

​International reactions have been swift and divided:

1. ​The United Kingdom & EU: While expressing support for Israel’s right to self-defense, many European leaders have called for immediate de-escalation to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.
2. ​Russia & China: Both nations have condemned the attack, labeling it a "blatant violation of international law" and a "dangerous provocation" that threatens global security.
3. ​The United Nations: Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an emergency session of the UN Security Council, urging all parties to "exercise maximum restraint."

​The Risk of Retaliation

​Security experts warn that Iran’s response could take many forms, including asymmetrical warfare through its regional proxies—Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and various militias in Iraq. There are also deep concerns regarding the safety of U.S. bases in the Middle East and the potential for a cyber-warfare offensive against Western infrastructure.

​Iran’s Supreme Leader has already vowed a "crushing response," stating that the "aggressors will regret their actions." As the first day of this conflict unfolds, the primary question remains: is this a limited surgical strike, or the beginning of a prolonged war?

​Conclusion: A Turning Point in History

​The joint U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran represents a definitive turning point in 21st-century history. The long-standing "shadow war" between these nations has finally moved into the open. As military operations continue, the focus shifts to the diplomatic front and the resilience of global markets. For now, the world remains on edge, watching the horizon for the next move in a conflict that could reshape the Middle East for generations to come.