How US & Israeli Strikes on Iran are Affecting the Region
Hours after nuclear negotiations fell apart in Geneva, the US and Israel launched a sweeping military operation against Iran. Tehran is retaliating across the MENA region.
On Saturday, February 28th, the United States and Israel launched a sweeping joint military operation against Iran, striking multiple cities simultaneously across the country. The strikes came just hours after the collapse of a third round of nuclear negotiations held in Geneva on February 26th - talks that Trump described as deeply unsatisfactory, telling reporters he was “not happy” with Iran’s refusal to meet US demands.
Iran has since retaliated with a wave of missiles and drones targeting US military bases and civilian areas across the MENA region.
Here is what is happening across the region.
BAHRAIN
A missile struck near the US Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters in Juffair, with sirens activated nationwide and emergency response plans immediately put into effect as authorities urged the public to seek shelter.
United Arab Emirates
A partial airspace closure was declared after explosions were reported in Abu Dhabi and air defenses intercepted incoming projectiles. Emirates and Etihad are rerouting flights, and Wizz Air has suspended all services to Dubai and Abu Dhabi until March 7th. One casualty in Abu Dhabi was confirmed.
QATAR
Two Iranian missiles were intercepted over Doha’s West Bay, with emergency alerts sent to residents to shelter in place. Qatar’s airspace has been closed, bringing Hamad International to a standstill and leaving thousands of passengers stranded. Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military installation in the Middle East, was also reportedly targeted.
KUWAIT
Air defenses engaged incoming missiles as explosions were heard across parts of the country, prompting a full airspace closure and the activation of warning sirens nationwide.
IRAQ
Iraq closed its airspace entirely, with Erbil International Airport suspending all flights until further notice.
IRAN
Explosions have been reported across Tehran — including near Khamenei’s offices, the presidential palace, and the National Security Council — with strikes also confirmed in Qom, Kermanshah, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Kara. At least 60 students have been killed after US and Israeli missiles struck a girl's school in the city of Minab. Communications across the capital have been disrupted and Iran’s airspace is fully closed.
THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES
A 48-hour nationwide state of emergency has been declared, with airspace closed to all civilian flights and air raid sirens sounding as citizens are ordered into bomb shelters. Smoke was seen above Tel Aviv as interception systems engaged incoming Iranian missiles, and schools, workplaces, and public gatherings have been shut down.
JORDAN
Two missles were intercepted by the Royal Air Force. A missile struck a home in the Marj Al Hamam district.
SAUDI ARABIA
Loud explosions were heard across Riyadh, confirmed by AFP correspondents on the ground. It remains unclear whether the blasts were incoming missiles or air defense interceptions.
THE GLOBAL IMPACT
Oil prices spiked over 15% on fears of Strait of Hormuz disruptions, sending global markets lower and hitting airline and tourism stocks hard. Air France, British Airways, and Lufthansa have cancelled or rerouted regional flights, with the full economic fallout still unfolding.
Feb 23, 2026
