The military escalation in the Middle East reached a new level on Saturday, February 28, 2026, following a series of coordinated strikes by the United States, Israel, and Iran. In the morning, Israel, with operational support from Washington, launched a targeted attack against several military installations on Iranian soil. Donald Trump confirmed American participation in this joint operation, which Tel Aviv described as preemptive action in response to an "imminent threat."

In response, Iran launched an unprecedented counterattack. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced it had targeted the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet stationed in Bahrain, as well as other American military bases in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait. Tehran also claimed to have struck military and intelligence facilities "located in the heart of the occupied territories," referring to Israel.

Several Gulf capitals reported explosions and missile interceptions in their airspace, leading to the suspension of some flights and the activation of high-level defense systems. In Abu Dhabi, authorities confirmed at least one death linked to projectile impacts, while material damage was reported in several areas.

This retaliation sparked a wave of condemnation across the region. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states denounced the "irresponsible attacks," seeing them as a direct threat to regional stability. Tensions, already heightened by previous military exchanges between Iran and Israel, have thus reached a critical level, raising fears of a widespread conflagration in the Middle East.

While Washington and Tehran maintain an aggressive stance, international leaders are calling for immediate de-escalation. But on the ground, the escalation appears to be continuing, raising fears of a wider confrontation in the coming days.