US and Israel Strikes on Iran Trigger Regional Escalation

The United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Saturday, February 28, 2026, prompting a swift and forceful response from Tehran and raising fears of a wider regional conflict. The attacks, reportedly targeting Iran’s military and nuclear-related infrastructure, came after failed negotiations aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear program. Multiple countries are now grappling with the fallout, with international organizations calling for de-escalation.

Timeline of Events

The strikes occurred despite ongoing talks between Washington and Tehran regarding Iran’s nuclear program. Just two days prior, high-stakes negotiations in Geneva, mediated by Oman, ended without a breakthrough . This attack marks the most serious escalation since the brief conflict in June 2025.

International Reactions

NATO

NATO is closely following the developments in Iran and the region, according to Alliance spokesperson Allison Hart .

European Union

The European Union announced the withdrawal of non-essential personnel from the Middle East, citing alarm over the “dangerous” situation. EU foreign policy chief Kaya Callas emphasized the threat posed by Iran’s ballistic and nuclear programs and its support for terrorist groups . President Ursula von der Leyen called for “maximum restraint” and stressed the importance of nuclear safety.

Germany

The German government is coordinating a response with its European allies and has urged its citizens in Iran, Israel, and nearby countries to register with the ELEFAND emergency list for support, and information.

France

France’s priority is the protection of its citizens and forces in the Middle East. French officials confirmed they received information from the Israeli Ministry of Defense regarding the strikes, which were described as “preemptive.”

Great Britain

The British government stated it did not seek the situation to escalate into a wider regional conflict and affirmed its readiness to defend its interests. The UK was not directly involved in the strikes. British citizens in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates were advised to evacuate immediately .

Italy

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni convened a crisis meeting with key ministers and intelligence chiefs. Italy expressed solidarity with the Iranian civilian population and pledged to work with allies to de-escalate tensions. Italian Air Force personnel stationed in Kuwait, which was also targeted by Iranian missiles, were unharmed.

Spain

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez rejected the unilateral military actions taken by the US and Israel, stating they represented an escalation and contributed to a more unstable international order.

Ukraine

Ukrainian diplomacy condemned the violence and arbitrariness of the Iranian regime, attributing the current events to Iran’s actions and expressing support for the Iranian people’s desire for security and freedom.

Russia

Russia condemned the US and Israeli strikes and called for an immediate return to political and diplomatic solutions. Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Secretary of the Security Council of Russia, criticized the US, suggesting the strikes revealed a lack of genuine interest in negotiation .

Sweden

Sweden’s foreign minister called for restraint and the resumption of diplomatic negotiations.

Norway

Norway’s foreign minister expressed concern that talks between Tehran and Washington had not yielded a diplomatic solution and emphasized the require to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands called for restraint from all parties and emphasized the importance of stability in the region.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia condemned Iranian attacks targeting its neighbors, highlighting a clear violation of sovereignty .

Lebanon

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated his country would not be involved in any adventures that threatened its security and unity.

African Union

The African Union called for restraint, de-escalation, and dialogue, emphasizing the need for all parties to adhere to international law.

Australia

Australia supports US actions, citing concerns about Iran’s nuclear program and threats to international peace and security.

Iran’s Response

Iran responded to the attacks with missile and air strikes across the region, including in Israel, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Iraq . Iran also targeted US bases in Gulf countries .

US Position

President Donald Trump stated that Washington had begun a “major combat operation” in Iran, aimed at “eliminating threats from the Iranian regime” . He urged the Iranian public to “grab over” their government.

Expert Analysis

Former NATO official William Alberque expressed surprise at the eruption of fighting, given apparent progress in nuclear talks. He suggested the US lost patience with Iran’s attempts to gain leverage during negotiations .