US and Israel Launch Strikes on Iran

What's happened

On February 28, 2026, the US and Israel initiated major combat operations against Iran, targeting its missile industry, navy, and proxy groups. President Trump justified the strikes as necessary to eliminate imminent threats to American security and prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The attacks have killed over 200 people and triggered Iranian missile retaliation, escalating regional tensions.

What's behind the headline?

Strategic Shift and Regional Impact

The US-Israel joint strikes on Iran mark a significant escalation in President Trump's foreign policy, reflecting a shift from limited operations to a broader campaign aimed at regime change. Trump's rhetoric frames Iran as an existential threat, justifying military action to prevent nuclear armament and destabilize proxy networks.

Legal and Ethical Concerns

The strikes, considered violations of international law by many experts, blur the lines between criminal justice and military aggression. The use of military force against drug cartels and alleged terrorist groups in Latin America further complicates the legal landscape, raising questions about sovereignty and human rights.

Political Calculations and Alliances

Trump's alignment with right-wing Latin American leaders and distancing from traditional allies like Mexico and Brazil reveal a transactional approach to hemispheric influence, dubbed the "Donroe Doctrine." The campaign against Iran also serves domestic political aims, reinforcing Trump's image as a strong leader.

Forecast and Consequences

The ongoing conflict risks widening into a regional war, with Iranian retaliation already targeting US and Israeli assets. The absence of a clear endgame and the potential for civilian casualties suggest prolonged instability. The US military's capacity is stretched across multiple fronts, raising concerns about sustainability.

Reader Impact

While geographically distant, the conflict affects global security and energy markets, with potential repercussions on international relations and economic stability. The militarization of drug enforcement in the Americas may also influence migration and security policies affecting readers directly.

How we got here

Tensions between the US and Iran have escalated over decades, with Iran's regime accused of sponsoring terrorism and pursuing nuclear weapons. Since January 2025, President Trump has adopted a militaristic approach, including the capture of Venezuela's leader and labeling drug cartels as terrorist groups. The US has conducted multiple strikes in the Middle East and Latin America, culminating in the recent large-scale attack on Iran.

Our analysis

The New York Times highlights Trump's direct appeal to Latin American leaders to use military force against cartels, emphasizing a renewed US dominance in the hemisphere through the "Donroe Doctrine." The Times of Israel details the joint US-Israel strikes on Iran, noting the targeting of military and government sites and the call for Iranian forces to surrender, while also reporting on Iran's missile retaliation against Israel. Al Jazeera provides a critical perspective on the legality and human rights implications of the US's militarized approach to drug cartels and the broader regional strategy, noting the absence of Mexico and Brazil from the coalition and the risks of escalating conflict. The NY Post underscores Trump's emphasis on lethal military force and the commitment of Latin American partners, while The Independent and France 24 focus on the immediate military actions and Trump's justification for the Iran strikes, including his warnings of potential US casualties. These varied perspectives illustrate the complexity of the US's aggressive foreign policy, the regional alliances it fosters, and the contentious legal and ethical debates it provokes.

Go deeper

• What are the goals of the 'Shield of the Americas' coalition?
• How has Iran responded to the US-Israel strikes?
• What legal concerns surround the US military actions in Latin America?

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