US-Israel War on Iran: A Deep Dive into the Escalating Conflict
The United States and Israel are currently engaged in an all-out war against Iran, a conflict that began with a large-scale military attack on February 28, 2026. This escalation has dramatically altered the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and beyond, raising concerns about regional stability and global oil supplies.
The Spark: Joint Military Operation and Initial Strikes
On February 28, 2026, a joint US-Israeli military operation commenced with sustained attacks targeting Tehran and other Iranian cities. The strikes, carried out by two US aircraft carrier strike groups, numerous advanced aircraft, and the Israeli air force, focused on military and official targets. A key outcome of the initial strikes was the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, along with several high-ranking members of the clerical regime. The stated aim of the US attack, as declared by President Donald Trump, is regime change in Tehran. [Source: Arab Center Washington DC]
Iran’s Response and Regional Impact
In response to the attacks, Iranian forces launched missiles and armed drones against Israel and US military facilities located in all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. These attacks caused significant damage in Israel, resulting in casualties, and disrupted civilian infrastructure in the Gulf, including ports, and airports. Critically, the hostilities have effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes. [Source: Arab Center Washington DC]
Legality of the Attacks
The legality of the US-Israeli attacks on Iran is being questioned. According to Susan M. Akram, a Non-resident Fellow at the Arab Center Washington DC and Professor at Boston University, the attacks cannot be legally justified under international law. Article 2(4) of the UN Charter prohibits member states from threatening or using force against another state. The Security Council holds the sole authority to authorize the use of force, except in cases of self-defense under Article 51, which requires a prior armed attack. [Source: Arab Center Washington DC]
Regional Reactions and Implications
The conflict is having a ripple effect throughout the Middle East. Experts are analyzing the implications for various countries in the region:
- Israel: The conflict is being framed by some Israelis in the context of the Purim festival, commemorating the deliverance of the Jewish people from ancient Persia. [Source: Atlantic Council]
- United Arab Emirates: The UAE is finding itself closer to the US-Israeli position than it would prefer. [Source: Atlantic Council]
- Gulf States: Iran is losing credibility with its attacks. [Source: Atlantic Council]
- Iraq: The conflict presents an opportunity for Iraq to reestablish its sovereignty. [Source: Atlantic Council]
- Lebanon: The aims of Hezbollah remain uncertain. [Source: Atlantic Council]
- Turkey: Turkey is bracing for impact in terms of security, the economy, and diplomacy. [Source: Atlantic Council]
- Palestinian Territories: The conflict is diverting attention from the Palestinian cause. [Source: Atlantic Council]
Looking Ahead
The US-Israel war on Iran represents a significant escalation in Middle Eastern tensions. The conflict’s outcome will have far-reaching consequences, potentially reshaping the region’s political landscape and impacting global energy markets. A Brookings Institution event is scheduled for March 3, 2026, to discuss “War in Iran: What happens next?” [Source: Brookings] The pursuit of regime change in Iran, as stated by President Trump, remains a central objective, but the path forward is fraught with uncertainty and risk.