US & Israel Attack Iran: Flight Disruptions & Live Updates

A major joint military operation launched by the United States and Israel against targets within Iran unfolded on Saturday, February 28, 2026, escalating already heightened tensions in the region. The strikes, which targeted sites across the Islamic Republic, prompted a swift response from U.S. President Donald Trump, who called on the Iranian public to “seize control of your destiny” and overthrow the current leadership. Canada has publicly voiced its support for the U.S. Action, signaling a coordinated stance among key Western allies.

Immediate Disruptions: Airspace Closures and Flight Cancellations

The immediate fallout from the strikes has been widespread disruption to air travel. Multiple airlines have suspended flights over the Middle East, and airspace across several countries has been closed as a precautionary measure. The Globe and Mail reports that these measures are in response to the volatile security situation and the potential for further escalation. USA Today and the BBC have also confirmed widespread flight cancellations and travel warnings issued to citizens in the region.

Targets and Alleged Casualties

According to reports from The Times of Israel, the strikes specifically targeted Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian. Other high-ranking regime and military commanders were also reportedly targeted. An Iranian source, speaking to Reuters, indicated that several senior Revolutionary Guards commanders and political officials were killed, including Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and Iranian defense minister Amir Nasirzadeh. These reports remain unconfirmed by official Iranian sources as of this writing. The strikes began shortly after 8 a.m. Israel time and continued throughout the day, hitting military sites, symbols of government, and intelligence targets.

Historical Context: A Decades-Long Shadow

The current escalation represents a significant turning point in the complex relationship between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. Tensions have been simmering for decades, rooted in Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution and its subsequent policies. The revolution ousted the U.S.-backed Shah, establishing a theocratic regime that vehemently opposed Western influence. This led to a period of hostility, including the hostage crisis at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, which severely damaged U.S.-Iran relations.

More recently, the dispute over Iran’s nuclear program has been a central point of contention. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, offered a temporary framework for limiting Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Though, the U.S. Unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 under the Trump administration, reimposing sanctions and escalating tensions. Israel has consistently argued that the JCPOA was insufficient to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and has repeatedly threatened military action to prevent this outcome. The current strikes appear to be a culmination of these long-standing concerns and escalating threats.

The U.S. And Israeli Rationale

President Trump has framed the military operation as a necessary step to prevent Iran from posing a threat to U.S. National security interests and regional stability. His call for the Iranian people to “seize control of your destiny” suggests a broader objective of regime change. Israel, for its part, views Iran as an existential threat, citing its support for militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, as well as its ballistic missile program. Israeli officials have repeatedly stated that they will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, even if it means taking military action. The stated goal, according to sources cited by The Times of Israel, is to topple the current Iranian regime.

Canada’s Position and International Reactions

Canada’s support for the U.S. Action, while not explicitly detailed in the initial reports, aligns with a broader Western strategy of containing Iran’s regional influence. The Canadian government has consistently expressed concerns about Iran’s nuclear program and its support for terrorism. The extent of Canada’s direct involvement in the military operation remains unclear.

International reactions have been largely divided. European powers, while expressing concern about the escalation, have largely refrained from outright condemnation of the U.S. And Israeli strikes. Russia and China, both of which have close ties to Iran, have condemned the attacks and called for restraint. The United Nations Security Council is expected to convene an emergency session to discuss the situation, but any meaningful action is likely to be hampered by divisions among its members.

What Remains Unclear and Confirmed Reports

Several key details remain unclear at this time. The full extent of the damage inflicted by the strikes is still being assessed. The Iranian government has yet to issue a comprehensive statement on the attacks, and the veracity of reports regarding the deaths of senior officials remains unconfirmed. It is also unclear what Iran’s response will be. While initial reports suggest a measured response, the possibility of retaliatory strikes cannot be ruled out. Confirmed reports indicate widespread disruption to air travel, with numerous airlines suspending flights and airspace closures across the Middle East. The U.S. And Israel have confirmed launching a joint military operation targeting sites within Iran, and President Trump has publicly called for regime change.

Looking Ahead: Potential Scenarios and Next Steps

The situation remains highly fluid and unpredictable. Several potential scenarios could unfold in the coming days and weeks. Iran could launch retaliatory strikes against U.S. Or Israeli targets, potentially escalating the conflict further. Alternatively, Iran could choose to respond through proxy forces, such as Hezbollah or Hamas, avoiding a direct confrontation with the U.S. And Israel.

Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation are likely to intensify. The United Nations, along with key regional and international actors, will likely attempt to mediate a ceasefire and facilitate negotiations. However, the deep-seated mistrust and animosity between the parties involved will make any diplomatic solution extremely challenging. The immediate next steps will likely involve a period of heightened military alert and increased security measures in the region. The international community will be closely monitoring the situation, bracing for further escalation and preparing for the potential humanitarian consequences of a wider conflict.