The latest conflict began on 28 February 2026, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes targeting Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure. The strikes killed several senior Iranian officials, including Iran’s supreme leader, triggering a major regional crisis.

The operation was described by Washington and Israel as a pre-emptive strike aimed at weakening Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities.

Iran responded quickly.

Within hours and days, Iran launched missile and drone attacks against Israel, U.S. military bases, and allied countries across the Middle East.

The conflict quickly spread beyond the two countries, involving multiple regional actors.

The roots of this crisis go back years.

The main drivers include:

Israel and the United States have long accused Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons, something Tehran denies.

Iran supports armed groups across the Middle East, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and militias in Iraq and Syria.

Throughout 2024 and 2025, the region saw increasing clashes between Israel and Iranian-backed groups.

In 2025, Israel conducted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, prompting large missile attacks from Iran in retaliation.

These tit-for-tat attacks gradually escalated into the current war.

The conflict is now spreading across the region.

Key developments include:

Airstrikes and missile attacks

Regional escalation

Iran-aligned groups such as Hezbollah have opened new fronts against Israel, raising fears of a broader Middle East war.

Energy disruption

The conflict has disrupted energy infrastructure and shipping routes, pushing global oil prices higher and threatening supply from the Persian Gulf.

Humanitarian and environmental damage

Bombing of oil depots and infrastructure has created pollution and environmental risks in parts of Iran.

There are three possible scenarios analysts are watching.

If Iran’s allies such as Hezbollah and other militias fully join the conflict, the war could expand across Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and the Gulf.

The war could remain limited to airstrikes and missile attacks between Iran, Israel, and U.S. forces.

Diplomatic pressure from regional countries and global powers could eventually lead to a ceasefire and negotiations.

However, Iran has recently rejected ceasefire talks while attacks continue.

This conflict matters far beyond the Middle East.

The biggest implications include:

The signal:
The Iran conflict could reshape Middle East geopolitics and energy markets, with consequences for the global economy.