US, Israel attack Iran live: Trump announces ‘major combat operations’

TEHRAN / WASHINGTON / TEL AVIV — A dramatic and potentially historical escalation in Middle Eastern tensions erupted on 28 February 2026, as the United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes against Iran, marking one of the most significant confrontations in recent decades.
The offensive — dubbed Operation Lion’s Roar by Israel — saw air and missile strikes on key Iranian military installations, missile production facilities, and strategic sites near Tehran and other major cities. Iranian officials reported multiple explosions in the capital and other regions, while both Iran and Israel have closed their airspace as the conflict intensifies.

The Business Standard +1
🇺🇸 US and Israel: A United Front
According to U.S. statements, the operation was a pre-emptive strike designed to dismantle Iranian missile and nuclear capabilities, prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, and neutralize what Washington and Jerusalem describe as “imminent threats” to their national security. American and Israeli officials said the assault was coordinated and deliberate, stemming from months of rising fears and stalled negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s stance that Iran’s leadership must be stopped from obtaining nuclear arms, framing the offensive as essential for the Jewish state’s survival. Washington echoed that sentiment, stressing that Iran’s pattern of regional destabilisation and proxy support for armed groups posed grave risks to peace and security.

The Times of India
🇮🇷 Iran’s Response: “Crushing Retaliation”
Iran’s leadership has reacted with fierce rhetoric. Tehran’s government has vowed a “crushing response”, promising retaliation against those involved in striking its homeland. State media broadcast scenes of smoke rising over Tehran and other cities as the country girds for potential escalation. Iranian officials have also warned of possible missile and drone counterattacks, including threats against U.S. bases and allies in the region.

The situation has sent shockwaves across neighbouring states and global capitals, with concerns that the conflict could quickly spread beyond current hotspots, affecting regional stability, international trade, and global oil markets.
✈️ Civilian Impact and Regional Disruption
Both Iran and Israel have closed their airspace, grounding civilian flights and fuelling fears of a prolonged conflict.

Sirens blared across Israeli cities, prompting emergency procedures, the closure of schools, and public alerts to take shelter. In Iran, mobile communications were intermittently disrupted as authorities assessed the unfolding situation.
Daily Pakistan English News
Countries in the region are already expressing concern that any further escalation could disrupt critical shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant proportion of the world’s oil supply transits — a disruption that could have serious global economic repercussions.

Punch Newspapers
🕊️ Diplomacy in Tatters
The strikes come despite recent diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran, where negotiators had tentatively sought to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions in exchange for easing sanctions. Those talks ultimately faltered over disagreements on missile restrictions and enforcement mechanisms. Israel had argued that any deal without significant limitations on Iranian missiles and proxies was insufficient.

The Daily Star
The collapse of diplomacy — and the choice of military action — marks a crucial turning point, drawing the Middle East closer to a broader confrontation than witnessed in decades.
📌 What Comes Next (and Why It Matters)
Iran has promised retaliation, and analysts believe the response could extend beyond Iranian borders, targeting U.S. assets and allied territories.
Regional tensions are nearing flashpoint levels, with neighbours fearing that the conflict could engulf the broader Middle East

Global markets may respond sharply, especially energy prices, should disruptions reach key maritime routes.
This evolving crisis is not just a regional clash — it has global strategic implications, affecting alliances, international law, and the geopolitical balance of power.