Tensions Rise in the Middle East – Joint Israeli–U.S. Military Strikes in Iran, Massive Explosion at U.S. Naval Base in Response
The Global Journal | 28 February 2026 | Tehran, Iran & Middle East
A new wave of tension has erupted in the Middle East as Israel and the United States conducted joint military operations across various locations in Iran, prompting a massive explosion at a U.S. naval base in Iran in retaliation.
A U.S. official told Al Jazeera that the strikes were part of a joint Israeli–U.S. military campaign. Explosions were reported in Tehran and other cities, with smoke visible across the skyline. At the same time, retaliatory explosions were reported in northern Israel and several Gulf Arab states.
Fars News Agency reported that multiple missiles struck Tehran’s University Street and Jomhouri areas, with smoke rising over the city. Tasnim News Agency stated that explosions also occurred in the northern Seyed Khandan district of Tehran. Other Iranian media outlets reported attacks across the country, including West Ilam Province.
The Israeli military confirmed conducting strikes in western Iran. The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that the attacks targeted not only military and defense sites but also civilian infrastructure.
U.S. President Donald Trump said the purpose of the joint strikes was to “neutralize imminent threats from the Iranian regime.” He added, “The U.S. military has recently launched large-scale operations in Iran. Our objective is to protect the American people and eliminate threats from the Iranian regime.”
An Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran is preparing for a ‘destructive’ retaliation and added, “All U.S. and Israeli assets and interests in the Middle East are now legitimate targets.”
Explosions occurred in northern Israel while the country was preparing to counter potential Iranian missile strikes. Israeli airport authorities announced the suspension of all civilian flights and advised the public not to go to airports.
The U.S. Embassy in Qatar issued a shelter-in-place directive for all staff, advising citizens to stay safe. Iraq’s Ministry of Transport has closed the national airspace.
Mehrān Kamrava, Director of the Iran Studies Unit at Georgetown University and the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies in Qatar, said, “Israel carried out an attack aimed at disrupting ongoing negotiations.”
