US & Israel Attack Iran: Explosions Reported in Tehran – Live Updates

Explosions rocked Tehran and other Iranian cities early Saturday, February 28, 2026, as the United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes against the Islamic Republic. The attacks, confirmed by both governments, mark a significant escalation in regional tensions and follow months of heightened rhetoric and proxy conflicts. In an eight-minute video address released shortly after the first reports of explosions, former President Donald Trump stated the U.S. Had begun a “large assault” on Iran, calling for a change in government. The strikes represent a dramatic shift in policy, moving beyond the targeted assassinations and cyberattacks that have characterized the recent shadow war between Iran and its adversaries.

The Immediate Trigger and Confirmed Actions

While the precise catalyst for the strikes remains a subject of debate, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz characterized the operation as a “pre-emptive” attack, citing Iran’s continued development of its nuclear program and support for regional militant groups. The BBC reports that “major combat operations” are underway. Initial reports indicate that targets included Iranian military facilities, nuclear sites, and infrastructure linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Explosions were also reported in Manama, Bahrain, with emergency sirens sounding and residents urged to seek shelter, according to AFP news agency correspondents. The extent of the damage and any casualties are currently unconfirmed. The U.S. Has not yet provided a detailed list of targets, but officials have indicated a focus on degrading Iran’s ability to develop and deploy advanced weaponry.

Actors and Stakes: A Complex Web of Interests

The primary actors involved are, of course, the United States, Israel, and Iran. For Israel, a nuclear-armed Iran represents an existential threat, and Prime Minister Netanyahu has long advocated for a more assertive policy to prevent Tehran from acquiring such capabilities. The U.S., under Trump, has consistently maintained that Iran’s nuclear program violates the spirit of previous agreements and poses a danger to regional stability. Trump’s call for a change in government suggests a broader objective beyond simply halting the nuclear program – a regime change in Tehran. Iran, for its part, views its nuclear program as a sovereign right and a deterrent against foreign aggression. It also seeks to maintain its influence in the region, supporting proxy groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, long-time rivals of Iran, are likely to view the strikes with cautious approval, though they will also be concerned about the potential for escalation. Russia and China, both key allies of Iran, have condemned the attacks and called for restraint. Their involvement is likely to be primarily diplomatic, seeking to de-escalate the situation and protect their strategic interests in the region.

Historical Context: Decades of Tension

The current crisis is rooted in decades of mistrust and conflict between Iran and the West. The 1979 Iranian Revolution, which overthrew the U.S.-backed Shah, marked a turning point in relations. The subsequent hostage crisis and Iran’s support for anti-American groups fueled animosity. The Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) further destabilized the region. In recent years, tensions have been exacerbated by Iran’s nuclear program, its involvement in regional conflicts, and its ballistic missile development. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, offered a brief period of détente, but the agreement was abandoned by the Trump administration in 2018, leading to a resurgence of tensions. Reuters notes that hopes for a diplomatic solution to Tehran’s nuclear dispute have now faded. The assassination of Qassem Soleimani, a top Iranian general, in 2020 further inflamed tensions, leading to retaliatory strikes by Iran.

The IAEA and Verification Challenges

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) plays a crucial role in monitoring Iran’s nuclear program and verifying its compliance with international obligations. Though, the IAEA’s access to Iranian facilities has been limited in recent years, raising concerns about the transparency of the program. Iran has also been accused of obstructing IAEA investigations into past nuclear activities. The IAEA’s ability to effectively verify Iran’s compliance is essential for preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons, but the current political climate makes it increasingly tricky for the agency to fulfill its mandate. The agency’s director general, Rafael Grossi, has repeatedly called for Iran to cooperate fully with IAEA investigations and to allow for greater access to its facilities. The current strikes will undoubtedly complicate the IAEA’s efforts to monitor the situation and assess the extent of any damage to Iranian nuclear sites.

Regional and Global Implications: Beyond the Middle East

The attacks on Iran have far-reaching implications beyond the Middle East. A wider conflict could disrupt global oil supplies, sending prices soaring and triggering an economic crisis. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for oil tankers, could be closed, further exacerbating the situation. The conflict could also lead to a surge in refugees fleeing the region, creating a humanitarian crisis. The involvement of Russia and China could escalate the conflict into a proxy war between major powers. The attacks also raise concerns about the potential for terrorist attacks by Iranian-backed groups in other parts of the world. The stability of neighboring countries, such as Iraq and Syria, is also at risk. The conflict could also embolden extremist groups and undermine efforts to counter terrorism. The potential for miscalculation and unintended consequences is high, making it imperative that all parties exercise restraint and prioritize diplomacy.

Confirmed vs. Unclear: Separating Fact from Speculation

Confirmed: The U.S. And Israel have launched military strikes against Iran. Explosions have been reported in Tehran and other Iranian cities. Donald Trump has confirmed the attacks and called for a change in government in Iran. Israel has characterized the operation as a “pre-emptive” strike. Bahrain has activated emergency sirens.

Unclear: The extent of the damage to Iranian facilities. The number of casualties. Iran’s immediate response. The long-term objectives of the U.S. And Israel. The involvement of other countries. The potential for escalation. The impact on global oil supplies. The future of the JCPOA.

Next Steps: A Procedural Outlook

The immediate next steps will likely involve Iran assessing the damage and formulating a response. This response could range from limited retaliatory strikes to a more comprehensive escalation of the conflict. The United Nations Security Council is likely to convene an emergency meeting to discuss the situation. Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis will intensify, with the involvement of Russia, China, and other key players. The IAEA will attempt to assess the damage to Iranian nuclear facilities and verify the status of the nuclear program. The U.S. And Israel will closely monitor Iran’s response and prepare for potential further escalation. The coming days and weeks will be critical in determining whether the conflict can be contained or whether it will spiral into a wider regional war. The focus will be on establishing clear communication channels and preventing miscalculation, a task made more difficult by the deep-seated mistrust and animosity between the parties involved.