By Current Affairs Desk — March 2, 2026
What began as a long-running rivalry between Israel and Iran — rooted in decades of mistrust over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, regional influence, and support for militant groups — has exploded into one of the most serious conflicts in the Middle East in generations. After months of rising tensions, a massive military offensive in late February 2026 pushed the region into near-open war.
How the Conflict Started
Joint U.S.–Israel Military Operation
On 28 February 2026, the governments of Israel and the United States launched a coordinated military campaign against the Islamic Republic of Iran. This offensive — code-named Operation Lion’s Roar — involved sustained air and missile strikes on targets in Tehran and other Iranian cities, including military and strategic infrastructure.
The strikes were described by Washington and Jerusalem as necessary to degrade Iranian missile capabilities, thwart nuclear ambitions, and limit Iranian influence in the region. Iran’s government condemned the assault as an illegal act of war.
Iran’s Response and Retaliatory Attacks
Missiles, Drones, and Regional Strikes
In retaliation, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared that all U.S. and Israeli military targets in the Middle East were now legitimate targets. In a sweeping counterattack, Iran launched ballistic missiles and swarms of drones at military sites and infrastructure in multiple countries across the Gulf region.
According to credible reports, Iranian strikes have been directed — at least in part — toward U.S. military bases and assets stationed in Arab states including:
- Bahrain — U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters was targeted with missiles and drones.
- Qatar — Al Udeid Air Base and other nearby military facilities were struck in Iran’s counterattacks.
- United Arab Emirates (UAE) — Air bases such as Al Dhafra Air Base and surrounding areas came under attack.
- Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan, and Iraq — Iranian missiles and drones reportedly flew toward installations in these countries as part of the broader offensive.
Most of these strikes were intercepted, and reported physical damage has been limited, but explosions, air raid warnings, and civilian evacuations have been widely reported.
Israel’s Operations and How Both Sides Are Fighting
Israel’s Military Strategy
Israel’s leadership has relied primarily on airpower, precision strikes, and missile defenses to blunt Iranian capabilities and pre-empt further threats. Israeli forces have used advanced fighter aircraft and long-range missiles to target Revolutionary Guard corps facilities, ballistic missile sites, and command centers. Israel has also mobilized defensive systems to protect its cities from incoming Iranian missiles and drones.
Proxy forces allied with Iran — including Hezbollah in Lebanon — have also played a role in the warfare. Hezbollah escalated missile and drone strikes against northern Israel following Iran’s counterattack and the reported death of top Iranian leadership, further widening the frontline.
Iran’s Military Campaign
Iran has employed large numbers of drones and ballistic missiles, often launching them in waves intended to overwhelm defensive systems. Iranian attacks are not limited to Israeli territory; their strategy has included striking Gulf Arab states that host U.S. and allied military forces.
The focus on drones reflects Tehran’s understanding that inexpensive, low-flying platforms are harder to intercept and can force neighboring countries to exhaust their limited air defenses.
Impact on Arab States Hosting U.S. Forces
Shock, Condemnation, and Diplomatic Shift
Countries across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) — including Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait — have been directly affected by Iranian strikes, which have in some cases crossed into their sovereign airspace.
Key Arab state reactions include:
- United Arab Emirates — Condemned Iranian attacks as violations of sovereignty and supported defensive measures against missiles and drones.
- Qatar — Reportedly shot down Iranian aircraft and intercepted missiles and drones, and strongly condemned Iranian aggression.
- Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait — Issued statements condemning Iranian incursions into their airspace and examining options to better defend their territories.
Some Gulf states are reconsidering their diplomatic positions, with discussions among GCC members about more clearly aligning with U.S. and Israeli strategies to safeguard their security — a major shift from the historically neutral or balanced posture many had maintained toward Tehran.
Regional and Global Impact
Security, Energy, and Economic Disruption
The conflict has had wide-ranging effects beyond military clashes:
- Air defenses in Gulf states have been stretched, prompting emergency alerts and evacuations.
- Major energy hubs and airports — such as Dubai’s international airport and Saudi oil facilities — have sustained damage or faced risks during Iranian strikes.
- Global oil and gas markets have jumped in volatility as key suppliers become embroiled in conflict.
- International airlines have rerouted flights and canceled routes due to regional airspace closures.
International Reactions
Reactions have been mixed worldwide. Western governments have largely supported defensive measures and condemned Iranian attacks, while some countries called for immediate de-escalation and a return to diplomacy to avoid broader destabilization.
What Comes Next?
The situation remains highly volatile. With multiple fronts opening across the Middle East and the political balance shifting among key Arab states, the conflict between Israel and Iran — now involving the United States and impacting dozens of countries — shows few signs of quick resolution.
Scholars warn that prolonged hostilities could reshape regional alliances, energy markets, and global geopolitical priorities. A diplomatic ceasefire remains elusive, and many Arab governments now fear that continued escalation could bring deeper economic and security consequences to their own shores.
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