Iran Launches Counterattack With Missiles on Israel and US Bases
Iran Launches Counterattack With Missiles on Israel and US Bases as the Middle East entered one of its most volatile phases in decades, following waves of Iranian missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and American military installations across the region.
The escalation came after joint U.S.–Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory, prompting Tehran to unleash what it described as a “crushing response.” Despite the scale of the counterattack, the United States said there were no reports of American casualties, according to official statements.
Iran Counterattacks Following US–Israel Military Operations
Iran’s retaliatory campaign began early Saturday, with hundreds of missiles and drones launched toward Israel and U.S. military bases in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Iraq. Iranian state media framed the action as a defensive response to what it called an illegal and aggressive assault on its sovereignty.
According to the US Central Command, American forces “successfully defended against” the incoming attacks. Officials confirmed that damage to U.S. installations was minimal and did not disrupt military operations.
The counterattack marked a significant escalation in the US–Israel conflict with Iran and raised fears of a broader regional war.
US Military Response and Defensive Measures
U.S. officials said air defense systems intercepted most of the Iranian projectiles. Advanced missile defense platforms, including Patriot and regional air-defense networks, were activated across allied countries.
In a statement, Central Command said the U.S. had earlier launched precision strikes inside Iran to dismantle elements of its military infrastructure, including facilities linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Targets reportedly included missile launch sites, drone facilities, air-defense systems, and command-and-control centers believed to pose imminent threats to U.S. forces and allies.
Explosions Across the Region and Rising Middle East Escalation
Explosions were reported in Israel, Tehran, and several Gulf states as air-defense systems engaged incoming missiles. Israeli authorities confirmed that more than 125 missiles were launched toward Israeli territory, with some debris landing in neighboring Jordan.
Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the Iranian strikes on Arab states, warning of “serious consequences” if hostilities continue. The developments have intensified Middle East escalation, with regional governments scrambling to secure airspace and protect civilian populations.
Donald Trump Confirms ‘Major Combat Operations’
As the crisis deepened, Donald Trump confirmed that the United States had begun what he described as “major combat operations” against Iran.
In a video posted on Truth Social, Trump said the mission aimed to eliminate imminent threats posed by Iran, protect American lives, and prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
He accused Iran of sponsoring terrorism across the region and vowed to dismantle its missile and naval capabilities. Trump reiterated that Iran “can never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.”
Civilian Impact and Conflicting Claims
Iranian officials and state media reported civilian casualties following the U.S.–Israeli strikes, including claims that a girls’ elementary school in Hormozgan province was hit. Iranian authorities alleged that dozens of children were killed or injured.
Western and Israeli officials said the claims were under investigation, with no independent verification available at the time. The reports, however, have fueled anger inside Iran and intensified calls for retaliation.
Iranian Missile and Drone Strikes Extend Beyond Israel
Iran’s missile and drone campaign did not stop with Israel. Projectiles reportedly targeted U.S. military infrastructure across the Gulf, including bases in Bahrain and Qatar. While most attacks were intercepted, footage circulating on social media showed fires and debris in urban areas.
Iran’s regional allies, including militias in Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen, signaled readiness to join the conflict. Yemen’s Houthi movement announced plans to resume attacks on pro-Israel shipping in the Red Sea.
Diplomacy Collapses as Nuclear Talks Stall
The escalation comes amid stalled negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. Talks mediated by Oman and held in Geneva ended without a breakthrough just days before the strikes.
Washington accused Tehran of rebuilding nuclear capabilities previously damaged during last year’s conflict, while Iran insisted it was acting in self-defense.
The collapse of diplomacy has left the region facing heightened uncertainty, with fears that the conflict could spiral into a prolonged war.
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What Happens Next?
Analysts warn that the current confrontation could redefine security dynamics across the Middle East. While the U.S. says it is taking steps to minimize risk to its personnel, officials acknowledge that further escalation remains possible.
As Iran launches counterattack with missiles on Israel and US bases, global leaders are urging restraint, but the situation on the ground suggests the crisis is far from over.
Mainstream Media References
- The Guardian – Iran Retaliatory Strikes on Israel and US Bases
• Iran vows ‘no leniency’ as it launches reprisal attacks on Israel and US air bases — The Guardian reports that Iran launched missiles aimed at Israel and U.S. bases across the Middle East in retaliation for joint U.S.–Israeli strikes.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/28/iran-vows-no-leniency-reprisal-attacks-israel-us-air-bases - The Jerusalem Post – No US Combat Casualties
• No US combat casualties despite Iranian retaliation, US military says — Reuters-sourced coverage in The Jerusalem Post confirms the U.S. military reported no American casualties after hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones were launched.
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-888303
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