2026 Israeli–United States strikes on Iran

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On 28 February 2026, Israel and the United States launched a joint attack on various targets in Iran. The operation is codenamed Roaring Lion^[c] by Israel^[30][31] and Operation Epic Fury by the United States Department of Defense,^[32][33] and is part of a regime change war.^[34] Ali Khamenei, the then supreme leader of Iran, was assassinated as part of this attack.

The attack began with airstrikes in the cities of Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. As explosions were observed, Israeli defence minister Israel Katz confirmed an attack by the Israel Defense Forces. US president Donald Trump announced in a video posted on Truth Social that the United States had launched strikes on Iran alongside Israel. The initial attacks targeted key officials, military commanders, and facilities, including the compound of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, which satellite images show was heavily damaged or destroyed.^[35] Later he was reported dead, and Iranian civilians were reported celebrating his death.^[36][37] Supreme National Security Council secretary Ali Shamkhani was also reported to have been killed.^[38]

In retaliation, Iran launched dozens of its drones and ballistic missiles throughout the Persian Gulf in addition to targeting Israel^[39] as well as US military bases^[39] in Jordan, Kuwait,^[40] Bahrain,^[40] Qatar,^[40] Iraq,^[41] Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Furthermore, the Yemen-based Houthis announced that they would resume their attacks in the Red Sea.^[42][43] Additionally, reports indicated that Iran had launched airstrikes on civilian aviation facilities, including international airports in Kuwait and the UAE.^[44][45][46] One civilian was killed in Israel,^[47] and four were killed in Suwayda, Syria, from the Iranian retaliations.^[48]

Trump declared that the objective was to destroy Iran's missile and military capabilities, prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, and ultimately topple the regime.^[49] The United Nations and several uninvolved countries condemned the strikes for undermining regional stability while others condemned Iran's retaliatory strikes on other nations in the Middle East.^[50] Critics of the strikes also called them illegal under domestic and international law.^[51] Israel and Iran had twice exchanged strikes in 2024, and in 2025 they fought a 12-day war that also saw a US airstrike aimed at destroying Iran's nuclear facilities.^[52] From 6 February 2026, Iran and the US had been in indirect nuclear negotiations mediated by Oman, and a second round of nuclear talks was scheduled to be held in Geneva.^[53] The Washington Post reported that President Trump's decision to attack Iran came after Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Israeli government lobbied him repeatedly to make the move.^[54]

Since his 2016 presidential campaign, Trump has presented himself as anti-war and has criticized the United States' involvement in the Middle East. He has called the Iraq War a "big, fat mistake" and has suggested that former US president Barack Obama would attack Iran because he was bad at negotiation. Trump also criticized former president George W. Bush for claiming that Ba'athist Iraq had nuclear weapons when it had none, despite Trump's now claiming that Iran has nuclear weapons^{[citation needed]} without presenting evidence.^[55][56]

The United States withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2018^[57] led to the re-imposition of sanctions on Iran and a turn towards the use of force rather than diplomacy in relations between the US and its allies and Iran. The Trump administration adopted a "maximum pressure" strategy.^[58]

The re-imposition of US sanctions severely impacted Iran's economy. The Iranian rial fell by 20%,^[59] from 35,000 to the dollar to 42,000 in 2021.^[60] International banks that traded with Iran paid heavy fines.^[61] All major European companies abandoned doing business with Iran out of fear of US punishment.^[62] Sanctions drove millions of Iranians into poverty and reduced their purchasing power with respect to imported essential goods such as food and medicine^[63] while fuelling inflation, unemployment and infrastructure deterioration.^[64]

Tensions between Iran and the United States and Israel have increased since the 7 October attacks on Israel and the onset of the Gaza war in 2023 in which Israel has weakened Iranian-backed militias across the Middle East, including Hamas in Gaza,^[d] Hezbollah in Lebanon, and others. Israel and Iran exchanged strikes in April and October 2024, and were engaged in a brief war in 2025 that also saw an American airstrike aimed at destroying Iran's nuclear facilities.^[67]

Beginning in late December 2025, massive nationwide anti-government 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,^[68] spreading to over 100 cities across the country.^[1] The Iranian government responded with violent repression, including massacres of protesters, with the deadliest incidents occurring on 8 and 10 January 2026;^[69] The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency 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.^[70][71] AP News reported that the government's overwhelming use of violence had caused despair among the Iranian public and had given rise to hopes among some citizens for an American attack.^[72] Several scholars have argued that the Iranian government now faces a fragile state that could lead to its demise.^[73]

On 13 January 2026, US president Donald Trump expressed support for Iranian anti-government protesters,^[74] and later, on 23 January, Trump announced that a US "armada" was heading to the Middle East, including the aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford, and several guided-missile destroyers.^[75][76] US and European officials said Washington had presented Iran with three core demands: a permanent end to all uranium enrichment, strict limits on Iran's ballistic missile programme, and a complete halt to support for regional proxy groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.^[77] The planning for a proposed series of attacks also started in co-ordination with Israeli intelligence agencies.^[78]

On 6 February 2026, Iran and the US held indirect nuclear negotiations in Oman's capital, Muscat. Iran emphasized that progress depends on consultations back in capitals.^[79] A second round of nuclear talks is scheduled in Geneva.^[79] During 15 to 20 February, Iran increased its oil export to 3 times normal rate, and reduced oil storage.^[80] Just before the strikes began, on 27 February 2026, Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi said a "breakthrough" had been reached and Iran had agreed both to never stockpile enriched uranium and to full verification by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA);^[81] further Iran had agreed to irreversibly downgrade its current enriched uranium to "the lowest level possible". Al-Busaidi said peace was "within reach".^[82][81]

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.^[83] On 11 February 2026, the 47th anniversary of the 1979 revolution was marked by pro-government rallies and strong anti-American rhetoric.^[84] On 13 February 2026, Trump stated that regime change in Iran would be "the best thing that could happen".^[85] A day later, on 14 February, US officials told Reuters that the US military was preparing for a broad campaign involving weeks-long, sustained operations against Iran that could target its state and security infrastructure.^[86] By 19 February, the US buildup was described as the largest in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.^[87] On 24 February 2026, during a State of the Union speech, Trump accused Iran of reviving efforts to build nuclear weapons, condemning these alleged ambitions as "sinister" and claiming that Iran had also developed increasingly advanced missile capabilities that could threaten the US, Europe, and US bases overseas. He warned that the US was prepared to act if necessary.^[88] The Gang of Eight, a group of eight leaders in the US Congress who are commonly briefed on classified intelligence matters, was briefed on the attack prior to its commencement.^[89]

By the end of February, Trump administration officials had made numerous unproven claims that Iran had restarted its nuclear programme, had enough available material to build a bomb within days, and was developing long-range missiles that would soon hit the United States.^{[citation needed]} These statements were disputed by American and European government officials, international weapons monitoring groups, and American intelligence agencies.^[90] The Defense Intelligence Agency had previously concluded it would be at least a decade before Iran would be able to gain the technical skill to produce missiles to reach the United States;^[91] the United States Department of Defense estimated Iran's nuclear programme had been set back by two years following earlier strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June 2025.^[92] However, it was reported on 27 February that the IAEA discovered that Iran had hidden highly enriched uranium in an underground facility that was undamaged in the previous round of fighting.^[93][94] Before the attack, JD Vance, the Vice President of the United States, defended striking Iran. When asked about whether he would support a regime change in Iran despite previously criticizing the Iraq war, he said that life "has all kinds of crazy twists and turns".^[95]

The Guardian reported a few days before the attack that the decision would be determined by the result of a meeting in Geneva, in which the US will be lead by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Charles Wald, a former air force general and deputy commander of US European Command who now work at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America, stated that bringing the Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier to the middle east would help defend Israel from Iran. He also stated that if US-Iran negotiations do not end up well, that "it’s going to be twice as bad as when Obama didn’t do anything in Syria for the chemical weapons."^[96]

Airstrikes on Iran began around 9:45 a.m. IRST (1:15 a.m. EST) on Saturday, 28 February; Saturday is the first day of the week in Iran and a regular work day.^[97] A combination of US missiles, drones and Israeli fighter jets was used in the strikes.^[98] Low-cost one-way attack drones of Task Force Scorpion Strike were employed for the first time in combat.^[99] US warships launched Tomahawk missiles, while the US Army used HIMARS launchers.^[98] Undisclosed long-range standoff weapons were also used.^[98] Explosions were reported as Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed an Israeli attack.^{[100][101][102]} The Times of Israel reported that Katz had labelled the strikes a "pre-emptive attack" intended to "remove threats to the State of Israel".^[103] Among the targets were a district in Tehran where Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei normally resided; they are also home to the presidential palace and National Security Council.^[104] Seven missiles have been confirmed to have struck this area.^[105] American officials confirmed that the strikes were coordinated with the US.^[106] The Israeli Air Force (IAF) said that it had struck 500 military targets in western and central Iran, including air defences and missile launchers, using approximately 200 fighter jets, in the largest combat sortie in its history.^[107] The opening strikes were codenamed by Israel "Operation Genesis" (Hebrew: מטס בראשית).^[108][109]

Israel followed up with declaring a state of emergency, citing expectation of Iranian attack.^[103] Sirens blared in Israel as the government warned its citizens to remain in protected areas.^[110] US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee encouraged US citizens in Israel to take immediate action upon hearing the siren,^[111] and US president Donald Trump warned that US lives may be lost.^[112] The Israeli Ministry of Health moved its hospitals underground.^[113] According to Iran International, Israeli military Persian-language spokesman Lt. Col. Kamal Penhasi had issued an urgent warning to Iranian civilians residing near military industries and infrastructure to evacuate immediately, stating "Your presence in these areas puts your life at risk."^[114]

According to a US official, dozens of US strikes are being carried out by attack planes based at bases around the Middle East from one or more aircraft carriers.^[115] Reuters reported that strikes will be carried out by air and sea.^[116] Israeli military officials said months-long planning preceded their strikes, allowing them to pinpoint their targets, attain "tactical surprise", and gain US support.^[117]

The Fars News Agency and CNN reported more explosions across other cities in Iran, including Qom, Kermanshah, Isfahan, and Karaj.^[118][119] In Tehran, missile strikes were reported to have occurred on University Street, in the Jomhouri area, and in the northern Seyed Khandan area.^[120] Communication services across Tehran have been impaired following the attacks,^[121] and a near total internet blackout was reported by Netblocks.^{[122][123][124]} According to the BBC, the office of the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and the presidential office of Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran were hit during the strikes.^[122] Channel 12, citing unnamed Israeli sources, said Israel assesses that there are "growing indications" that Khamenei was likely killed in the Israeli strike, or that he was "hurt at the very least".^[125] Reuters quoted an unnamed Israeli official who stated that Khamenei's body had been found, confirming death.^[126]

A spokesperson for the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces said that two of its fighters had been killed while three more had been injured during strikes in Jurf al-Sakhar, south of Baghdad.^[127] According to Iran International, quoting the Iranian Students' News Agency, thousands of IRGC personnel, including several senior officials,^[128] were killed or wounded as several military bases were attacked.^[114] It reported that the port city of Bushehr had also been struck; however, it was unclear whether the nuclear reactor had sustained any damage.^[114] CNN reported that the timing of the attacks is symbolically meaningful in Judaism as it was done ahead of the upcoming Jewish holiday of Purim on 2 March.^[129]

At 2:30 AM EST on 28 February, US president Donald Trump released an 8-minute video statement, saying that the purpose of the US strikes in Iran was effectively regime change. Trump said that Iran's "menacing activities" endangered the US and its allies. He cited the Iran hostage crisis, support for proxies such as Hamas and Hezbollah, its killings of protesters, and its alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons. He asserted that in the conflict, "The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost and we may have casualties. That often happens in war".^[130] He urged members of the IRGC to "lay down your weapons and have complete immunity, or in the alternative, face certain death". Addressing the Iranian public, he said, "When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations." He added, "For many years, you have asked for America's help, but you never got it ... So let's see how you respond. America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force", concluding, "Now is the time to seize control of your destiny ... This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass."^[49][131]

Shortly after, Benjamin Netanyahu released a video statement saying Israel and the United States had launched strikes against Iran "to remove the existential threat" posed by what he called "the terror regime in Iran". Netanyahu accused Iran's leadership of decades of hostility, saying that "for 47 years, the Ayatollah regime has called out 'Death to Israel' and 'Death to America'", and described it as a "murderous terror regime" that "must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons". He said the joint US-Israeli action would "create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands", and called on the people of Iran to "cast off the yoke of tyranny".^[132]

Iran targeted multiple US military bases throughout the Persian Gulf region.^[133] 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 have been seen in the capital, Manama.^[134][135] Bahrain later confirmed the strikes and said that the US Fifth Fleet headquarters had been targeted.^[14] Explosions were also reported at Kuwait International Airport and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.^[136][137] Following the missile and drone attacks on Kuwait, its Foreign Ministry summoned Mohammad Toutounchi, Iran's ambassador in Kuwait.^[138] 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),^[139] 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.^[140] Saudi Arabia confirmed that there had been Iranian attacks on Riyadh and its Eastern Province.^[141] 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".^[142] Additional reports state that after successfully intercepting a number of Iranian missiles, the UAE stated that one civilian of Asian nationality had been killed by interceptor debris which had fallen on a residential area.^[122][143] Qatar said that it had intercepted at least two waves of missile attacks, stating that no casualties or property damage had been reported.^[144]

A nine-storey building was hit by missiles in northern Israel, injuring one person.^[127] Strikes were also reported in Haifa and Tel Aviv.^[145] Reports claim missiles from Iran had hit Jordanian territories and the capital Amman.^[146][147] Jordan said that its armed forces had shot down two Iranian ballistic missiles targeting its territory^[148] and that it had handled 54 reports of falling debris that caused material damage but no casualties.^[149] In Syria, Iranian ballistic missile debris fell on a residential building in the city of Suwayda, killing at least four civilians.^[150][151] Residential areas of Dubai in the proximity of the Dubai Marina and the Dubai Palm were hit by strikes, setting the Fairmont The Palm hotel on fire,^[152] causing four injuries,^[153][27] as well as a residential building on the outskirts of Doha.^{[154][144][155][156]} 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.^[157] 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.^[158][159] Strikes on the Kuwait International Airport caused several undefined injuries.^[152] In Bahrain during the evening a tower in a residential area was reported to be hit by an Iranian drone.^[153] In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Iranian aerial attacks targeted infrastructure hosting U.S. military and civilian personnel, including Erbil International Airport and the U.S. Consulate General in Erbil. However, according to local media reports, most missiles and drones had been intercepted.^[160]

Later in the day Israel said that it had begun another wave of attacks on Iranian aerial defence and missile launchers in central Iran.^[161]

On 1 March, Israel executed another wave of strikes against Iranian targets, as part of its ongoing campaign.^[162]

On the morning of 1 March, reports confirmed Iran launched missiles and drones on Israel, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.^{[163][164][165]} Later reports noted missiles from Iran fired at Fifth fleet headquarters in Bahrain.^{[166][164][165]}

Shortly before midnight in Iran on 28 February, an unnamed Israeli official said that Khamenei had been killed in the air strikes and his body had been recovered and identified by intelligence sources.^[167] Furthermore, Netanyahu has stated that there are signs that Khamenei might have been killed,^[168] though the Iranian foreign ministry contested his claim.^[169] Iran International also claimed that Khamenei had been killed in the strikes.^[170] According to Israeli officials, Khamenei's body was found in rubble.^[171] Several hours earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian were alive "as far as I know".^[172] Iranian sources later suggested he was "commanding the field".^[173] Several Western and Iranian news outlets, citing Israeli government sources, reported that Khamenei was deceased.^{[170][174][175][176]} President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu both indicated they believed he was dead before his death was acknowledged by Iran.^[173]

Trump later wrote on Truth Social that "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead […] He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems."^[177] If confirmed dead, CIA assessments suggest that a hardliner from the IRGC would replace Khamenei.^[178] Fars News Agency, which is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, announced that Khamenei's daughter, son-in-law, grandchild, and daughter-in-law had also been killed in the strikes.^{[179][180][181]}

Early on 1 March, Iranian state media announced that Khamenei had been killed.^[182] The state declared 40 days of mourning.^[183]

Reuters reported several commanders in the IRGC may have been killed, but could not confirm this report.^[184] It later reported, citing Israeli military and regional sources, that defence minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and IRGC commander Mohammad Pakpour had likely been killed by Israeli airstrikes.^[185] Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged but downplayed the losses, deeming them "not such a big problem".^[186] Iran International reported that Defence Council head Ali Shamkhani had been killed,^[187] along with four top Ministry of Intelligence officials.^[188] The IDF later stated that it had confirmed the deaths of seven Iranian security leaders, including Shamkhani, Nasirzadeh, and Pakpour.^[189] Additional senior officials allegedly confirmed to have been killed are Salah Asadi, head of intelligence for Iran's emergency command, Mohammad Shirazi, head of the military office of Ali Khamenei, head of the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND) Hossein Jabal Amelian and former head of SPND - Reza Mozaffari-Nia.^[190]

In Iraq, two members of the Popular Mobilization Forces were killed and three injured in an Israeli attack.^[191] A later report from The New York Times claimed three dead.^[15]

United States Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that it had suffered no casualties, noting that light damage to its facilities had not disrupted its operations and that it had neutralized several hundred Iranian drone and missile strikes.^[192]

CBS News reported that "an intelligence source and a military source told CBS News Saturday evening [28th February 2026]" that 40 Iranian officials had been killed in the strikes but that they were not "clear whether these officials were in one location or multiple locations".^[193][194]

At around 17:30 CET of the first day of strikes, the Red Crescent reported that 201 civilians had been killed and 747 injured in Iran.^[155]

More casualties were added following retaliatory attacks from Iran. The first connected Iranian airstrike targeted a building in Israel, leaving one Israeli civilian injured.^[195] Magen David Adom reported that Iran's initial attacks had left 89 injured, with three directly wounded and the rest indirectly.^[18] A later direct hit in Tel Aviv killed a woman and injured 20 others, one seriously.^[19] Four people were killed in Syria by an Iranian missile.^[196] One man in the UAE was killed in an Iranian retaliatory attack,^[24][197] and there were four reported injuries during strikes on residential areas in Dubai.^[153] Two students were killed in a strike in Tehran.^[23]

According to sources in the Iranian government, a girls' elementary school was hit in the Israeli and American attacks on Minab.^[198] Reports stated that 108 students had been killed and 92 had been wounded in the strike.^[22] A spokesperson for the Iranian foreign ministry called the strike a crime.^[199]

Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency, saying that the strikes on Iran were the largest that it had ever launched.^[103][200] Israel Katz issued a statement saying "Under my authority pursuant to Section 9C(b)(1) of the Civil Defence Law, 5711-1951, and after being convinced that there is a high probability of an attack on the civilian population, I hereby declare a special state on the home front throughout the entire territory of the country."^[201] The New York Times stated that Israeli schools and workspaces were closed and that public gatherings were cancelled.^[202]

Amid the renewed "near total" internet blackout in Iran, NetBlocks reported internet connectivity in Iran dropping to 4% of ordinary levels.^{[122][123][124]}

Iran's airspace was largely empty of civilian aircraft following the strikes as regional states closed airspace.^[203][204] Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Syria and the UAE closed their respective airspace following the attacks, with multiple airliners being redirected to other destinations.^{[205][4][206]} International airlines like Air India, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, IndiGo, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, and Wizz Air suspended their services to the Middle East for various terms in view of the conflict, as did airlines based in the region, including Kuwait Airways and Qatar Airways.^{[207][208][209][210]}

A Reuters report cited an Operation Aspides official who said that the IRGC had closed the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, according to maritime VHF radio announcements. A European Union official reported that vessels have been receiving messages stating that "no ship is allowed to pass the Strait of Hormuz".^[211][212]

Iran's Foreign Ministry vowed a response as Iranian forces struck US bases across the Persian Gulf.^[133][213] The Supreme National Security Council of Iran has said the country was targeted by a "brutal air operation" carried out by the US and Israel, saying: "This occurred once again during negotiations, and the enemy imagines that the resilient Iranian nation will surrender to their petty demands through these cowardly actions."^[214] Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the attacks "wholly unprovoked, illegal, and illegitimate".^[209]

Reactions to the strikes inside Iran have been mostly positive, though sometimes mixed. The Daily Telegraph and Iran International posted videos of some people inside Iran celebrating the attacks, hopeful that they will bring forth an end to the ruling government.^[215][216] Videos showed Iranian citizens laughing and celebrating, while some chanted "Death to Khamenei" and "Death to the Velayat".^[217][218] According to reports, fireworks of joy were reported in several cities in Iran, while students chanted "I love Trump".^[219][220] Meanwhile, The New York Times, Reuters, Al Jazeera, and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty published photos of some Iranians during pro-government rallies waving the Islamic Republic flag holding portraits of Ali Khamenei while demonstrating against the US and Israeli attack.^{[221][222][223][224]} Some blamed the regime for the outbreak of the war, and some were concerned it would survive.^[225] There was some panic in areas with strikes.^[224] However, as news of Khamenei's death broke out, Iranians began pouring out into the streets in celebration, though security forces were deployed to prevent an uprising along with a renewed internet blackout.^{[226][227][124]}

Following the American-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, Iranians living abroad showed support for regime change in Iran. Celebratory rallies were held worldwide by the Iranian diaspora, where Iranians gathered waving anti-regime symbols, including the Lion and Sun flag.^{[229][230][231][232][233][234][235]}

Reza Pahlavi, the US-based exiled son of the former Shah of Iran, urged Iranians inside Iran to prepare to resume protests as the Islamic Republic "collapses", called on the military and security forces to side with the public rather than the ruling government, and described US action against Iran as a "humanitarian intervention" while urging Trump to avoid civilian harm.^[236] Pahlavi prepared a transitional government and put forward the Iran Prosperity Project, an initiative affiliated with the US-based National Union for Democracy in Iran (NUFDI), which outlines plans for the first 180 days of Iran's governance following the potential collapse of the Islamic Republic, including measures for economic stabilization and institutional reconstruction.^[2]

Maryam Rajavi, the leader of the France–Albania based National Council of Resistance of Iran, which is the political wing of the Islamist–Marxist organization People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran, announced the formation of a rival transitional government and rejected both the Islamic Republic and the Iran Prosperity Project.^[237]

President Donald Trump confirmed that the US military have begun "major combat operations" in Iran,^[238] describing it as "a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America".^[239] In a video posted to Truth Social, he reaffirmed that "Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people", adding: "For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted Death to America and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder, targeting the United States, our troops and the innocent people in many, many countries."^[240] Trump said that talks with Iran will be easier following the Assassination of Ali Khamenei.^[241]

American lawmakers have had mixed reactions. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham supported the action, along with other members of his party, including Senator John Thune, as well as some Democrats, including Senator John Fetterman. However, other Republicans opposed this operation, such as Marjorie Taylor Greene.^[242] Democratic politicians tended to be more withdrawn. Representative Jim Himes stated, "Everything I have heard from the Administration before and after these strikes on Iran confirms this is a war of choice with no strategic endgame."^[243] Senator Tim Kaine called for a check on Trump's power to engage in war without the support of Congress, supported by Republican Senator Rand Paul, Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries,^[243] and Democratic Senator Andy Kim.^[244]

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the goal of the strikes was to "remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran", stating that "our joint action will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands."^[245] Foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar said that military action against Iran was urgently needed "despite the significant risks involved", adding that "delay would have allowed the Iranian regime to reach a level of immunity for its nuclear programme, as well as to engage in the mass production of long-range ballistic missiles".^[246]

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• United Nations: Secretary General António Guterres condemned the attacks, stating that "the use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermine international peace and security."^[247]
• European Union: Commission President ⁠Ursula von der Leyen and Council ⁠President Antonio Costa called the conflict "greatly concerning" and urged restraint.^[78]
• NATO: A spokesperson for the alliance stated they were closely watching the situation while a senior official told Stars and Stripes that its missile defence vigilance was heightened in order to protect its member states in the event that Iranian attacks expanded.^[248][249]

• Albania: Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed Albania's support for "the United States in militarily supporting Israel today under the leadership of President Donald Trump". He added that "we stand firm with Israel and with the peace-seeking brotherly Arab countries", and called on European countries to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization.^[250]
• Argentina: Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno expressed Argentina's support for the US and Israel, saying that the strikes aim to "neutralize threats" and bring "lasting international stability and security in the region", adding that Argentina had increased security across the country, especially at the American and Israeli embassies, as well as Jewish community centres.^[251][252]
• Austria: Austrian chancellor Christian Stocker expressed concern about the security of civilians, which he called the "top priority". Furthermore, he condemned the Iranian nuclear programme and demanded a return to diplomacy.^[253]
• Australia: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed support for US action against Iran, citing security threats, warned of reprisals in the Middle East, and updated travel advice for Australians.^[254]
• Azerbaijan: In an official statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and return to the negotiating table. The Ministry emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of all states in accordance with the UN Charter.^[255]
• Bahrain: Bahrain condemned the Iranian strikes on the headquarters of the US Navy Fifth Fleet which it hosts, calling it a "treacherous attack" and a "blatant violation of the kingdom's sovereignty and security".^[256]
• Bangladesh: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concerns over the safety of Bangladeshis in the Middle East, and urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, avoid further escalation, and immediately pursue diplomatic efforts to de-escalate. They also emphasized the importance of respecting each country's sovereignty.^[257]
• Brazil: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned and expressed "grave concern" for the attacks, urging all parties involved to "respect International Law and to exercise maximum restraint to prevent an escalation of hostilities and to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure".^[258]
• Canada: Prime Minister Mark Carney accused Iran of being the "principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East", and expressed support for the operations, stressing that Iran cannot obtain nuclear weapons.^[259]
• Chile: The Chilean government condemned "the attacks against Iran perpetrated by the United States in conjunction with Israel, as well as the Iranian regime's response against Israel and Gulf states", expressed its concern about the military escalation in the region and called for an end to the violence, reaffirming its commitment to nuclear non-proliferation.^[260][261] The incoming president José Antonio Kast released a statement saying that Chile must align with democratic nations, expressing concern at civilian casualties in the strikes and the risks of the Iranian nuclear programme. Kast's office also condemned Iran's actions against its neighbours.^[262]
• China: The foreign ministry expressed concerns about the American and Israeli strikes, called for an immediate end to hostilities against Iran, and to resume dialogue. It also stressed that Iranian sovereignty must be respected.^[263]
• Cuba: President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned the US and Israeli strikes, saying that they are a flagrant violation of the UN charter and international law. Díaz-Canel said that the attacks jeopardized once again a possible nuclear deal with Iran.^[264]
• Czech Republic: Prime Minister Andrej Babiš declared the "uncontrollable Iranian nuclear programme and support for terrorism" a danger to the Czech Republic and to all of Europe, adding the Czech Republic stands by its allies and expressing a belief that stability and peace will soon prevail in the region.^{[265][non-primary source needed]}
• France: President Emmanuel Macron called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.^[266]
• Georgia: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia stated that it was closely monitoring the situation with "deep concern" and called for de-escalation.^[267]
• Germany: Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that he was informed in advance and that deliberations were underway in a joint statement with France and the UK.^[50]
• India: The Ministry for External Affairs expressed its concerns and requested all three nations for a ceasefire.^[268] The Indian embassy warned Indian citizens against travel to Iran and most Middle Eastern nations and urged those within the nation to seek immediate shelter.^[269] NORKA also set up helplines for stranded nationals in all affected nations.^[270] The opposition Indian National Congress criticized the Indian government's tacit support of Israel prior and during the conflict.^[271]
• Indonesia: The foreign ministry expressed "regret" over American and Israeli strikes, stopping short on condemnation. President Prabowo Subianto offered to fly to Tehran to mediate both sides.^[272]
• Ireland: Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that he was deeply concerned by developments in Iran and urged all parties to exercise restraint, in line with the principles of the UN Charter and international law. He declared that the protection of civilian life in Iran, in Israel and in all neighbouring countries must be paramount to ceasefire efforts.^[273]
• Italy: Antonio Tajani, Italy's Minister of Foreign Affairs, noted that Iran was "given Iran clear signals, but it did not back down". American bases in Italy were put on high alert and a meeting on the topic was persued.^[274] The Italian Minister of Defence, Guido Crosetto, had traveled to Dubai with his family the day prior to the attacks, and thus had to continue his duties from abroad.^[275]
• Kazakhstan: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ordered the Security Council to ensure domestic stability following the strikes, while the ministry of foreign affairs expressed solidarity with Gulf states and condemned Iranian retaliatory actions.^[276][277]
• Kuwait: Kuwait condemned the Iranian attacks on its territory as a "flagrant violation" of international law.^[278]
• Lebanon: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam urged restraint following the Israeli strikes on Iran, stressing that Lebanon must not be dragged into a wider regional war and should prioritize its own security and stability.^{[279][280][278]}
• Morocco: The ministry of foreign affairs condemned the Iranian retaliatory strikes on several Arab states and reaffirmed Morocco's "solidarity with the brotherly Arab states in all legitimate measures they take to respond to this attack and protect their security".^[281] The royal cabinet released a statement saying that King Mohammed VI conversed with the leaders of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia by telephone to express his condemnation.^[282]
• Netherlands: Prime Minister Rob Jetten called on all parties to exercise restraint.^[283]
• New Zealand: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters in a joint statement said "New Zealand has consistently condemned Iran's Nuclear programme, its destablilising activities in the region and elsewhere, and its repression of its own people", acknowledging the US/Israeli strikes were "designed to prevent Iran from continuing to threaten international peace and security" and calling for a resumption of negotiations and adherence to international law.^[284]
• Norway: Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said: "The attack is ⁠described by Israel as a preventive strike, but ⁠it is not in line with international law. Preventive attacks require an immediately imminent threat."^[285]
• Oman: Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi expressed "dismay" at the outbreak of violence in spite of the 2026 Iran–United States negotiations, urging the United States to "not get sucked in further" into the conflict, adding "this is not your war."^[256] A spokesperson for the Foreign Minister condemned the strikes, calling them illegal aggression. Oman also called for a UN Security council meeting.^[286][153]
• Pakistan: Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned the attack on Iran and urged immediate halt to escalation.^[287]
• Philippines: President Bongbong Marcos directed the departments of foreign affairs and migrant workers to implement contingency measures and determine the whereabouts of Filipinos in Iran, Israel, and other parts of the Middle East. Foreign Affairs Secretary Tess Lazaro urged all parties to pursue dialogue, while Philippine embassies in Tel Aviv and Tehran were placed on full alert and advised nationals to remain indoors and follow safety advisories.^[288][289]
• Portugal: Prime Minister Luís Montenegro called for maximum restraint in order to avoid escalation, but condemned Iran for unjustifiably attacking neighboring countries, insisting on the cessation of the country's nuclear programme and urging Iran to respect the human rights of its people.^[290]
• Qatar: The Qatari foreign ministry strongly condemned Iran for launching missiles at Qatari territory, calling it a violation of Qatar's sovereignty and reaffirming its right to respond.^[278]
• Russia: Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov condemned the attacks by the United States and Israel as a "reckless step" and a "deliberate, premeditated, and unprovoked act of armed aggression",^[291] accusing them of pushing the region into a "humanitarian, economic, and potentially even radiological disaster".^[292]
• Saudi Arabia: The foreign ministry condemned what it called "blatant and cowardly Iranian attacks" on Riyadh and Eastern Province, highlighting that the attacks took place in spite of the explicit closure of its airspace.^[141] In a statement released by the official press agency, Saudi Arabia condemned the "brutal Iranian aggression" on its fellow Arab states of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan, stating that it was a "blatant violation" of their sovereignty.^[144][293] Saudi Arabia claimed to have intercepted all Iranian attacks aimed at its territory and said that it would "take all necessary measures" to defend itself, "including the option of responding to aggression".^[142]
• Spain: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez rejected the military action used by the United States and Israel, stating that it causes a more hostile international order. He also rejected the actions of the Iranian government and Revolutionary Guard and called for immediate de-escalation.^[294]
• Syria: The ministry of foreign affairs said it "strongly condemns the Iranian attacks" that targeted Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan.^[295]
• Taiwan: President Lai Ching-te stated that his national security team has briefed him on the latest situation, the government is closely monitoring the situation, and Taiwan has taken measures to ensure the safety of Taiwanese citizens in the region, while maintaining close contact with its global allies.^[296][297]
• Turkey: The ministry of foreign affairs called on all parties to end violence within the region.^[78] Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned Israel for starting hostilities and Iran for hitting Gulf states.^[298]
• Ukraine: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy supported the Israeli–US strikes, stating that "it is important that the United States is acting decisively. Whenever there is American resolve, global criminals weaken. This understanding must also come to the Russians", adding that "in the end, the Middle East region will become safer and more stable."^[291] The Ukrainian foreign ministry said that "the cause of the current ⁠events is precisely ⁠the violence and impunity of the Iranian regime, ⁠in particular the killings and ⁠repression of ⁠peaceful protesters, which have become particularly widespread in recent ‌months."^[278]
• United Arab Emirates: The Emirati defence ministry condemned the Iranian attacks on its territory in the "strongest terms", calling the attacks "a dangerous escalation and a cowardly act that threatens the security and safety of civilians", and stating that it has the "full right" to respond.^[278]
• United Kingdom: A statement was released by the British government stating that the UK does "not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict". The government also stated that it had bolstered "defensive capabilities" in the region and that consular support was being offered to British citizens in the region.^[299] Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that British planes are "in the sky" for defensive purposes but "played no role" in the Israeli–US strikes, calling on Iran to refrain from further strikes across the Middle East and stop the "appalling violence and repression against the Iranian people".^[300] He subsequently chaired an emergency COBRA meeting to discuss the UK's response.^[301]
• Venezuela: The Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes on Iran, calling them a "dangerous and unprecedented" escalation amid diplomatic talks to reach a nuclear deal. Venezuela also condemned Iran's attacks on its neighbours as "undue and condemnable" and blamed a lack of dialogue in the region as a cause for the events.^[302][278]

• Hamas: Hamas condemned the US-Israeli strikes and issued a statement calling for Muslim unity and reaffirmed its solidarity with Iran.^[303]
• Hezbollah: Hezbollah condemned the US-Israeli strikes, stating "we are confident that the American and Israeli enemy will receive a great slap and will reap nothing but failure from its tyrannical, criminal aggression."^[303]
• Houthis: The Houthi movement in Yemen threatened to escalate their conflict in the Red Sea.^[304][305] They decided to resume missile and drone attacks on US and Israeli-flagged ships in the Red Sea.^[43] Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi said that his forces are "in a state of high readiness for any necessary developments", adding that Iran's retaliatory strikes are a "legitimate right and is not a targeting of the countries in which the American bases are located".^[303]
• Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq threatened to "soon begin attacking US bases in response to their aggression" after a strike in Jurf al-Nasr area of Iraq's Babil province killed two people and injured three others.^[304]
• Kurdistan Region: Following the targeting of Erbil International Airport and the Consulate General of the United States in Erbil by Iranian missiles,^[160] a senior commander of the Peshmerga stated that his forces were on alert and "prepared for any eventuality".^[306]
• Coalition of Political Forces of Iranian Kurdistan: Representatives stated that they were jointly coordinating political and military decisions and preparing for a new phase, claiming that their forces were "deep inside Iran" and along the Iran–Iraq border, ready to respond as the situation develops.^[307]

• Red Cross and Red Crescent: President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger called on countries to respect the rules of war and urged them to find the political will to prevent "further death and destruction".^[78]

• 2025–present Iran internal crisis
• Twelve Day War
• United States strikes on Iranian nuclear sites
• 1998 bombing of Iraq