Intensified Conflict After U.S. and Israel Strike Iran
In the early hours of 28 February 2026, the United States and Israel launched a coordinated military offensive against Iran, marking a significant escalation in Middle East hostilities. The operation, described by U.S. leaders as necessary to neutralize threats from Iran’s military, missile infrastructure and alleged nuclear ambitions, began without broad legislative backing and has drawn sharp criticism for its lack of a clear legal mandate.
President Donald Trump, in an address shortly after the strikes commenced, urged Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and armed forces to surrender, warning of devastating consequences otherwise. He also appealed directly to the Iranian public to rise up against their leadership once U.S. forces have weakened Tehran’s capabilities.
📜 Questions Over Legal Authority and Strategic Clarity
Analysts and critics argue that the offensive lacks a clear legal foundation under international law and was launched with minimal consultation from the U.S. Congress or alliance partners. There’s growing concern that the action could violate international norms in the absence of an imminent threat, especially as diplomatic channels were active just days before hostilities.
The operation follows months of heightened tensions — including failed negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and repeated warnings from U.S. officials that “bad things” would follow without a deal — but detractors claim that the decision to move from diplomacy to full-scale strikes was abrupt and poorly justified.
🌍 Regional Fallout and Global Backlash
Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on Israeli and U.S. positions across the region, while several Gulf States intercepted related strikes complicating security dynamics in Bahrain, Qatar, UAE and beyond.
International reactions vary, with calls for restraint from some global players and outright condemnation from others. Critics warn that without a defined objective beyond regime change, the conflict could widen, drawing in other nations and inflaming sectarian divides.
