Tensions between Iran and the United States intensified in early 2026 amid Iran's ongoing massacres of Iranian civilians following the 2025–2026 Iranian protests. On 13 January, Iranian officials warned they were "ready for war"; the United States began amassing air and naval assets in the region at a level not seen since the outset of the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The U.S. government signaled that airstrikes remained an option, emphasizing that all responses were under consideration while maintaining that diplomacy was still preferred. Regional actors, including Qatar, cautioned that any escalation could have severe consequences for the Middle East. On 28 February 2026, the United States and Israel conducted military strikes in Iran. Several Iranian leaders were killed in the strikes; early on 1 March, Iranian state media confirmed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had been killed, and declared 40 days of mourning and a 7-day national holiday. On the morning of 1 March, Iran retaliated by launching missiles and drones on Israel, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. == Background == === Anti-regime protests in Iran === Beginning in late December 2025, massive nationwide anti-regime protests erupted in Iran, driven largely by economic crisis, the collapse of the rial, and rising prices. The protests, which included calls for regime change, became the largest in scale since the 1979 revolution, spreading to over 100 cities across the country. The Iranian regime responded with violent repression, including massacres of protesters, with the deadliest incidents occurring on 8 and 10 January 2026. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei personally ordered the nationwide killings during the protests with the approval of Iran's top state bodies. The violence was carried out mainly by the IRGC and Basij forces, who used live ammunition, shotguns, pellet guns, mounted machine guns, and drones. Witnesses reported blood-covered streets, widespread injuries, while hospitals and morgues were overwhelmed. Iran also imposed the longest internet blackout on record to restrict reporting on the unrest and the killings, and disrupt communication among demonstrators. US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) estimated the death toll at 7,000, the Iranian government said the death toll was 3,117, while Donald Trump and others said the death toll was 32,000 people. According to HRANA, at least 26,541 people were detained. International Centre for Human Rights said the death toll was 43,000. During a news briefing on 27 February 2026, US president Trump stated that the Islamic Republic "killed at least, it looks like, 32,000 protesters," a similar figure to the earlier estimated death toll of approximately 30,000 by two senior officials in the Iranian ministry of health. AP News reported that the government's overwhelming use of violence had caused despair among the Iranian public and had given rise to hopes for an American attack. Several scholars have argued that the Iranian regime now faces a fragile state that could lead to its demise. According to The Economist, Iran's leadership, having resorted to violence to maintain power, may be at a breaking point. Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who has become a symbolic figure for protesters with many chanting his name, has called for the removal of the Islamic Republic and the establishment of a democratic government through free elections. He has also urged President Trump to carry out targeted strikes on the Iranian regime's paramilitary forces to weaken its capacity to suppress protests and hasten the regime's collapse. On 13 January 2026, US president Donald Trump called Iranians to "keep protesting" and to "take over your institutions," adding that "help is on its way." In later remarks, he told Iranians to remember "the names of the killers and the abusers," warning that those responsible would "pay a very big price." === US military buildup and US–Iran negotiations === On 23 January, Trump announced that a US "armada" was heading to the Middle East, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided-missile destroyers. On the same day, it was reported that Khamenei had taken shelter in a Tehran bunker, while global protests in support of Iranian demonstrators were planned and airlines canceled flights to the region; UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Türk condemned the killings, forced confessions, and lack of transparency, and called for an end to executions. The Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect has identified that the Iranian population is at significant risk of mass atrocity crimes. US and European officials say Washington has presented Iran with three core demands: a permanent end to all uranium enrichment, strict limits on Iran's ballistic missile program, and a complete halt to support for regional proxy groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. On 6 February 2026, Iran and the US held indirect nuclear negotiations in Oman's capital, Muscat. Iran emphasized that progress depended on consultations back in capitals. A second round of nuclear talks was scheduled in Geneva. In early February 2026, the US also deployed a second aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, to the Middle East to increase pressure on Iran. On 11 February 2026, the 47th anniversary of the 1979 revolution was marked by pro-government rallies and strong anti-American rhetoric. On 13 February 2026, US president Donald Trump stated that regime change in Iran would be "the best thing that could happen." A day later, on 14 February, US officials told Reuters that the US military was preparing for weeks-long sustained operations against Iran. On 24 February 2026, during a State of the Union speech, Trump accused Iran, which he called "the world's number one sponsor of terror”, of reviving efforts to build nuclear weapons. He described Iran's ambitions as "sinister" and warned that Iran had also developed increasingly advanced missile capabilities "that can threaten Europe and our bases overseas, and they're working to build missiles that will soon reach the United States of America." He warned that the US was prepared to act if necessary. == United States buildup == === US Government approach === In the period following 13 January, the United States adopted a more assertive public posture toward Iran while continuing to emphasize that it sought to avoid direct conflict. Senior officials within the Trump administration issued a series of statements outlining Washington's position. President Donald Trump reiterated that the United States was prepared to respond to any actions perceived as threatening U.S. personnel or regional stability, while also stating that military force would be used only if necessary. His remarks framed the situation as a test of deterrence, emphasizing that Iran would be held accountable for further escalation. The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscored this approach by calling on Iran to halt its crackdown on domestic protests and to comply with international obligations. In public briefings, the Secretary described Iran's internal unrest as evidence of widespread dissatisfaction and urged Tehran to "choose de‑escalation" through diplomatic channels. The National Security Advisor similarly warned that the United States would not tolerate attacks on its regional partners or interests, calling out Iran's actions as destabilizing and inconsistent with international norms. === Congressional debates === The escalation in U.S.–Iran tensions after 13 January prompted extensive debate within the United States Congress, where lawmakers expressed differing views on the appropriate scope and direction of U.S. policy. Members of Congress who favored a more assertive approach argued that Iran's regional activities and domestic repression required stronger deterrence measures. These legislators supported maintaining or expanding sanctions, increasing military readiness in the region, and issuing clear warnings that attacks on U.S. personnel or allies would result in a forceful response. They contended that a firm posture was necessary to prevent further escalation and to counter what they viewed as destabilizing behavior by Iran. Some bipartisan lawmakers advocated for a more restrained strategy, emphasizing the risks of miscalculation and the potential for unintended conflict. These members called for renewed diplomatic engagement, greater transparency regarding the administration's decision‑making, and adherence to congressional oversight mechanisms related to the use of military force. Some raised concerns about the legal basis for any potential military action, citing the need for updated authorizations and clearer definitions of U.S. objectives. They argued that sustained diplomatic efforts, rather than increased military pressure, offered the best path to reducing tensions and addressing long‑standing disputes. No clear consensus emerged. === Diplomacy === Further U.S. policy discussions after 13 January also focused on the security of American personnel and facilities across the Middle East. The Department of Defense reviewed force protection measures at bases in Iraq, Syria, and the Gulf, citing concerns about potential retaliation from Iranian‑aligned groups. Pentagon officials emphasized that any attack on U.S. forces would prompt a direct response, reflecting a broader effort to deter proxy activity without escalating into open conflict. Analysts noted that these measures were consistent with previous periods of heightened tension, during which the United States sought to balance deterrence with the risk of miscalculation. At the diplomatic level, the United States intensified consultations with European and regional partners to coordinate messaging and assess potential avenues for de‑escalation. American diplomats engaged with NATO allies, Gulf Cooperation Council members, and other partners to reinforce shared concerns about Iran's internal repression and regional activities. These discussions aimed to maintain a unified international stance while exploring options for renewed dialogue. Despite these efforts, progress remained limited, as longstanding disagreements over sanctions, nuclear policy, and regional security continued to shape the broader context of U.S.–Iran relations. === Military buildup === On 13 January, senior national security officials met at the White House to review potential military options, including airstrikes, cyber operations, and targeted raids, as part of the administration's response to Iran's violent suppression of demonstrations. The U.S. military began repositioning assets to strengthen its regional posture. By 25 January, an American aircraft carrier strike group, the USS Abraham Lincoln was deployed toward the Gulf, accompanied by additional Navy and Air Force assets. This movement was described as a precautionary measure amid fears of further escalation and was part of a broader effort to deter Iranian actions. Throughout late January, President Donald Trump continued to weigh expanded military options. Reports on 29–30 January indicated that he had been presented with additional plans, including possible commando operations targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. These deliberations occurred alongside ongoing concerns about Iran's mass arrests and internal unrest, which U.S. officials cited as contributing factors in the heightened military readiness. On 14 February, Trump stated he will dispatch a second carrier strike, the USS Gerald R. Ford, will be on the way to the Middle East with Carrier Strike Group 12 after completing operations in the Caribbean as part of Operation Southern Spear to support the USS Abraham Lincoln. Arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford marked the new height in deployment of U.S. Navy assets during the Middle Eastern crisis. Top administration national security officials met on 18 February in the White House Situation Room to discuss the situation in Iran, a person familiar with the meeting said. Trump was also briefed that day by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner about their indirect talks with Iran that occurred a day earlier. It was not clear if Trump would make a decision by 21 or 22 February. On the same day, anonymous sources informed CNN that the US military was prepared to strike Iran as early as 21 February, although President Trump had yet to make a final decision on whether he would authorize such actions. One source, however, cautioned that Trump had privately argued both for and against military action and, polling advisers and allies on what the best course of action is. On 19 February 2026, according to reports The US could launch military strikes on Iran within days as the White House issued a warning that Tehran should make a deal. Trump sent warships, tankers and submarines to the Middle East to be ready for potential strikes as early as 21 February, sources told CBS. === Threatening speeches and posts === In the final week of January, President Donald Trump used Truth Social to issue a series of public warnings directed at Iran, marking one of the most visible escalations in U.S. messaging during the crisis. On 28 January 2026, Trump declared that "a massive Armada is heading to Iran", describing it as moving "with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose." Trump warned that if Iran did not agree to a deal, "the next attack will be far worse", referencing previous U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Several of the posts referenced previous U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites which Trump cited as evidence of Washington's willingness to act if necessary. He warned that any further escalation by Iran could prompt a more severe response, presenting the situation as a narrowing window for Tehran to alter its course. When speaking at Fort Bragg on 13 February, Trump declared that regime change would be "the best thing that could happen". Trump said on a post on Truth Social, when referring to the Chagos dispute, UK air bases at RAF Fairford and the shared base at Diego Garcia in the British Indian Ocean Territory would be used by the US in an attack on Iran should Iran not agree to a nuclear deal. However, the United Kingdom has reportedly blocked Trump's request to use their air bases, leading to the latter withdrawing his support for the Chagos Islands deal. While some US sources, including Senator Lindsey Graham, told Axios that the US might need more time to prepare on 18 February, others disagreed. "The boss is getting fed up. Some people around him warn against going to war with Iran, but I think there is 90% chance we see kinetic action in the next few weeks," one anonymous Trump advisor told Axios. United States officials stated that Iran has two weeks to submit a detailed proposal. President Trump said that he is prepared to decide whether to attack Iran within the next 10 days — after deploying a second carrier strike group led by the USS Gerald R. Ford to the Middle East. "We may have to take it a step further, or we may not. Maybe we're going to make a deal. You are going to be finding out over the next, probably, 10 days," Trump said at a meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington. == Iranian buildup == === Verbal response === Senior Iranian officials dismissed U.S. warnings as psychological warfare and accused Washington of exploiting Iran's domestic unrest for strategic gain. Government spokespeople reiterated that Iran would not alter its policies under foreign pressure and warned that any military action by the United States would be met with what they described as a "decisive" and "regret‑inducing" response. These statements were accompanied by assurances that Iran's armed forces remained fully prepared to counter external threats. Iran has threatened the U.S. in comments made by officials such as Ali Khamenei. === Attempts to control protests === Iranian authorities intensified efforts to control the internal situation. Security forces expanded their presence in major cities, and state media portrayed the protests as foreign‑influenced attempts to destabilize the country. Officials framed the unrest as part of a broader campaign orchestrated by hostile governments, arguing that the United States and Israel was using the demonstrations to justify increased military pressure. === Diplomatic response === Diplomatically, Iran maintained that it remained open to dialogue but insisted that any negotiations must respect its sovereignty and security interests. Iranian representatives criticized U.S. sanctions and military deployments as provocative and counterproductive, urging regional states to avoid aligning with what Tehran described as destabilizing American policies. On 31 January, top Iranian security official Ali Larijani said on X that work on a framework for negotiations with the United States is progressing. === Military and movements === Iranian state media reported increased activity among the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including the repositioning of units responsible for air defense, missile operations, and internal security. Analysts noted that these movements were consistent with Iran's standard response during periods of heightened tension, aimed at demonstrating preparedness without provoking direct confrontation. Iran also conducted limited military exercises in several regions, emphasizing missile capabilities and rapid‑deployment forces. These drills were framed by Iranian officials as routine but were widely interpreted as a message to external actors, particularly the United States, that Iran retained the capacity to respond to any attack. Satellite imagery during this period indicated heightened activity at several IRGC bases, including the movement of mobile missile launchers and increased aircraft dispersal at military airfields, measures typically associated with efforts to reduce vulnerability to potential strikes. Naval forces in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz also began movements. The IRGC Navy increased patrols and monitored U.S. naval movements closely, while Iranian officials reiterated that the country would defend its territorial waters against any perceived encroachment. Although no direct confrontations were reported, the combination of heightened naval activity, missile readiness, and internal security deployments contributed to a broader atmosphere of military alertness within Iran during the late‑January escalation. On 3 February 2026, six IRGC Navy gunboats attempted to stop and seize a US tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. The Stena Imperative tanker ignored their demands and continued toward the Arabian Sea under the escort of the USS McFaul (DDG 74). Moreover, a US F-35 fighter jet shot down an Iranian Shahed 139 drone approaching the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. On 5 February, Iran's IRGC Navy announced it had seized two foreign oil tankers near Farsi Island in the Persian Gulf and transferred them to the port of Bushehr, claiming both vessels were involved in fuel smuggling operations. During the second round of nuclear talks in Geneva on 17 February, Khamenei threatened the United States warships in the area, stating Iran is "capable of sinking...[them]." In addition the Strait of Hormuz was closed for several hours during a live military fire drill. Khamenei said that even though the US military may be the strongest in the world, "the strongest army in the world can sometimes be slapped so hard it cannot get up." Reuters reported on 24 February that the Iran military officials were finalizing the negotiation to acquire CM-302 anti-cruise missiles from China, which would pose the greatest threats to the US naval force deployed in the area. === Proxies responses and other allied responses === Abu Hussein al‑Hamidawi, the leader of Kata'ib Hezbollah, an Iraqi group part of the Popular Mobilization Forces, reaffirmed its support for Iran, warning of a "total war" if Iran is attacked by the U.S. The leader of Hezbollah made a statement saying that they will choose whether or not to intervene, and is "concerned" about confronting the U.S. He said that he is "not neutral". The Taliban-led Afghanistan called on both sides to peacefully resolve their differences, adding that that they would support Iran if the U.S. attacks it. == Negotiations == The United States demanded that Iran transfer its remaining 400 kg of enriched uranium, halt its nuclear weapons development, restrict its ballistic missile program, and end support for groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. Ahead of the talks, Iran increased regional diplomacy, with Ali Larijani visiting Moscow, Abbas Araqchi holding consultations in Istanbul, and Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani traveling to Tehran. Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar worked to arrange U.S.–Iran talks, with Iran requesting Oman as a neutral venue. On 6 February, indirect US–Iran talks were held in Muscat, mediated by Omani foreign minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi. Both sides described the nuclear-focused discussions as a "good start" and agreed to continue engagement despite deep mistrust. == Hostilities == === Israeli–United States strikes on Iran === On 28 February 2026, the United States and Israel reported that they had conducted military strikes on Iran. Massive explosions were heard in Tehran, according to the semiofficial Iranian Fars News Agency. The headquarters of the Iraqi Iran-backed Kata'ib Hezbollah paramilitary group near Baghdad were attacked, causing at least two deaths. === Iranian strikes on Middle Eastern countries === On the morning of 1 March, Iran retaliated by launching missiles and drones on Israel, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Iranian forces reacted within hours by launching missiles against targets in Tel Aviv and Haifa as well as the US military bases in the Persian Gulf region. The quicker response relative to that of the Twelve-Day War suggests a change in Iran's command structure. Iran targeted multiple US military bases throughout the Persian Gulf region. Bahrain activated air-raid sirens to warn of an Iranian attack on US military bases within the nation, with Arabic media saying explosions and smoke were seen in the capital, Manama. Bahrain later confirmed the strikes and said that the US Fifth Fleet headquarters had been targeted. Explosions were also reported at Kuwait International Airport and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Following the missile and drone attacks on Kuwait, its Foreign Ministry summoned Mohammad Toutounchi, Iran's ambassador in Kuwait. According to CNN, the IRGC said that Iran had targeted four US bases in the Middle East: Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait (which also hosted Italian soldiers), Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, and the US Navy Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, and a video was posted in which smoke could be seen rising from the direction of the base in Bahrain. Saudi Arabia confirmed that there had been Iranian attacks on Riyadh and its Eastern Province. It claimed to have successfully intercepted Iranian attacks aimed at those areas and said that the Kingdom will "take all necessary measures" to defend itself, "including the option of responding to aggression". The UAE also stated that it had successfully intercepted a number of Iranian missiles and that one Asian national had been killed by interceptor debris which had fallen on a residential area. Qatar said that it had intercepted at least two waves of missile attacks, stating that no casualties or property damage had been reported. In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Iranian aerial attacks targeted infrastructure hosting US military and civilian personnel, including Erbil International Airport and the US Consulate General in Erbil. However, according to local media reports, most missiles and drones had been intercepted. A nine-storey building was hit by missiles in northern Israel, injuring one person. Strikes were also reported in Haifa and Tel Aviv. A strike on a residential area in Tel Aviv killed a woman and injured 27 others. Reports claim missiles from Iran had hit Jordanian territories and the capital Amman. Jordan said that its armed forces had shot down two Iranian ballistic missiles targeting its territory and that it had handled 54 reports of falling debris that caused material damage but no casualties. Residential areas of Dubai in the proximity of the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina and the Dubai Palm were hit by strikes, setting the Fairmont The Palm hotel on fire, causing four injuries, as well as a residential building on the outskirts of Doha. Local sources say Iran used Shahed drones, that are one of the deadliest weapons used by the regime as well as its proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah. The UAE said that it had intercepted a "new wave" of Iranian missiles and that "fragments from the interceptions" had fallen in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, causing damage to Burj Al Arab. Strikes on Kuwait International Airport caused several undefined injuries. In Bahrain during the evening a tower in a residential area was reported to be hit by an Iranian drone. Later in the day Israel said that it had begun another wave of attacks on Iranian aerial defence and missile launchers in central Iran. === 1 March === ==== US and Israeli strikes ==== On 1 March, Israel executed another wave of strikes against Iranian targets, as part of its ongoing campaign, aiming at the centre of the capital. Iranian media outlets reported potent blasts. Trump said in a post on Truth Social, "Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever been hit before. They better not do that, however, because if they do, we will hit them with a force that has never been seen before!" CENTCOM declared that it was instructed to "dismantle the Iranian regime's security apparatus." The IDF said that it bombed an F-4 and an F-5 fighter jet preparing to take off from a runway. The HQ-9B system around Tehran was also inactivated. Iran's top security official, Ali Larijani, announced a temporary leadership council and accused the US and Israel of trying to dismantle Iran. He warned "secessionist groups" of severe consequences if they take action. Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, threatened Trump and Netanyahu, saying they had crossed a red line and would "pay for it." The Tehran Revolutionary Court was bombed and its building was destroyed. Casualties of the 2026 Minab school airstrike rose to 148 deaths. Explosions were reported near the Azadi Stadium, Azadi Square, and Milad Tower. The Iranian Red Crescent Society reported explosions near hospitals in Tehran, as well as near its Peace Building. The IDF also declared it had levelled the "General Staff of the internal security forces", along with the Thar-Allah Headquarters. US–Israeli strikes also impacted state radio and television headquarters, according to Iranian media. Officials killed in strikes included Mohammad Baseri, an official in the ministry of intelligence, and Gholamreza Rezaeian, the head of the intelligence department of FARAJA police. Trump relayed to NBC News that "a large amount of leadership" in Iran had been killed. ==== Iranian retaliation ==== On the morning of 1 March, reports confirmed Iran launched missiles and drones on Israel, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Later reports noted missiles from Iran fired at Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain. Witnesses saw smoke from missile intercepts over Dubai and dark plumes rising from the Port of Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates. An explosion occurred near the Erbil Airport following an attack by Iraqi militia drones. UK defence secretary John Healey stated that Iran had fired two missiles towards British bases on Cyprus, but added that he did not believe they were under attack. However, Defence Minister of Cyprus Vasilis Palmas later denied that missiles were launched at Cyprus. During drone operations in the Strait of Hormuz the port of Duqm was reportedly hit by two drones, injuring one expatriate worker, and Oman's Maritime Security Centre confirmed that an oil tanker which was Palau-flagged, named Skylight, had been targeted 5 nautical miles north of the port of Khasab, causing four injuries amongst the Indian-Iranian crew present on the vessel. Later, a vessel 17 nautical miles northwest of Mina Saqr, UAE, was struck by a projectile, causing a fire that was extinguished. Just like the prior day, Riyadh was also hit by direct strikes. An Iranian missile managed to breach Israeli defences and hit a synagogue in Beit Shemesh, killing 9 people, leaving 11 missing and injuring 51 others. An Iranian drone hit the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Manama, Bahrain, causing a fire and the intervention of the Bahraini civil defence teams to safeguard the tourists and personnel located in the hotel. In Abu Dhabi a drone was intercepted in the proximity of the Etihad Towers complex, near to the Israeli embassy, and upon being intercepted its debris damaged the towers and caused minor injuries to a woman and her child. Iranian attacks killed one person and injured 32 in Kuwait. As a result of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, 150 freight ships, including many oil tankers, are stalled behind the strait. The IRGC claimed that it struck the USS Abraham Lincoln with four missiles, which was later denied by a US official. The French naval base Camp de la Paix in Abu Dhabi was also reportedly struck by an Iranian missile or drone. Two Iranian drones targeted a warehouse at Al-Salam Naval Base in Abu Dhabi, causing a fire in two containers storing general materials. Around 04:30 PST (12:30 GMT), according to Amazon, an Amazon Web Services data center within the UAE was "impacted by objects that struck" it, resulting in "sparks and fire." Reuters reported that this resulted in a complete power cut and shutdown of the center with the involvement of local fire department crews, leading to a temporary connectivity outage of the availability zone impacted. Around 15:30 GMT Saudi Arabia stated that they had managed to intercept various missiles attempting to target Prince Sultan Airbase and King Khalid International Airport. UK military officials said an RAF Typhoon felled an Iranian drone bound for Qatari airspace. Iranian missiles and drones also struck a US military base near Erbil and a Bundeswehr field camp in eastern Jordan, injuring one American soldier. Another vessel, the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker MKD VYOM, was damaged after being struck off the coast of Oman. Towards the end of the day a ballistic missile strike managed to hit an area of West Jerusalem causing property damages in the surrounding road, damaging a civilian vehicle and wounding six people. Debris of an Iranian missile fell in Ain Tarma, Syria. ==== Diplomatic developments ==== ===== Saudi response ===== CNN reported that Crown Prince Salman, with US backing, vowed to employ military force against further Iranian incursions, calling Iranian strikes "cowardly" due to Saudi airspace being closed to US and Israeli attackers. ===== E3 response ===== To avert further Iranian strikes, the E3 - the UK, France, and Germany - resolved to back, if needed, "proportionate military defensive measures" against drones and ballistic missiles, signalling the potential for direct involvement. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that US can use British bases for "defensive" strikes on Iran. ===== Negotiations ===== On 1 March, Trump announced that the US has agreed to continue negotiations with Iran. Trump later outlined a four-week timetable for the war in an interview with the Daily Mail. === 2 March === ==== US and Israeli strikes ==== As a response to northern aggression by militants in Lebanon the IDF proceeded with a series of strategic bombings on Beirut and the Beqaa Valley. Strikes also hit southern Lebanon. Soon after the Israeli air force begun operations in Tehran. ==== Iranian retaliation and Hezbollah offensive ==== Around midnight local time, the Royal Air Force station at Akrotiri was targeted by a suspected drone strike, setting off air raid sirens across Akrotiri and Dhekelia. Five drones were reportedly intercepted although one managed to hit the airfield, causing minor damage. The British military automated alert system stated that there was an "ongoing security threat", and the Ministry of Defence claimed that "the base has responded" to the attack. This was later confirmed by Cypriot authorities. Israeli sources reported projectiles being launched from within Lebanon toward its territory in the early hours of 2 March, setting off sirens across Haifa and the Upper Galilee. The IDF said that it intercepted a rocket, while others hit open areas. Israeli intel believes the attack was the result of an order from Tehran, and the IDF spokesperson issued an emergency statement stating that the attack is to be considered "an official declaration of war by Hezbollah", vowing to "neutralize" the threat. Hezbollah confirmed its responsibility, claiming it attacked an IDF base in Haifa in response to Khamenei's killing. Two drones targeted the U.S. Victory Base near Baghdad International Airport, one of which reportedly struck the base. An Iranian strike targeted Mina Salman port in Bahrain causing a fire. == International reactions == === Europe === European Union Officials expressed "deep concern over the escalating confrontation between the United States and Iran" and urged both sides to avoid actions that could trigger a wider conflict. EU security analysts warned that the crisis risked "a dangerous nuclear proliferation cascade" if diplomacy continued to collapse. The EU labelled the IRGC a terrorist organisation on 29 January 2026. Germany German policymakers stated that "the combination of Iran's internal repression and U.S. military signaling leaves almost no margin for error." It has been reported that the German government had been informed of the coming Israeli operation in advance, in the morning of the same day that the attack was carried out. France French officials called for restraint, saying "the region cannot absorb another major conflict, especially one involving nuclear‑sensitive facilities." == See also == Reactions to the 2025–2026 Iranian protests Operation Southern Spear United States strikes on Iranian nuclear sites 2026 United States intervention in Venezuela Greenland crisis 2026 Cuban crisis 2026 Israeli–United States strikes on Iran == Notes == == References == == External links ==