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US-Israel strikes on Iran February/March 2026 (UK Parliament, House of Commons Library)

Note: This research briefing is not intended to provide detailed information on fast-moving events. Due to the ongoing conflict and restricted internet and media access within Iran, civilian and military casualties and reports on specific events can be difficult to verify.

Introduction

On 28 February 2026, Israel and the United States began a series of strikes against Iran targeting the country’s leadership, security forces and nuclear programme and missile sites. They said they aimed to induce regime change in Iran and to address concerns regarding its nuclear programme. The strikes are reported to have caused both military and civilian casualties in Iran.

In response, Iran has launched a series of counter-strikes against Israel, US military bases in the region, and military and civilian locations in Arab states that house US forces. UK bases in Bahrain, Qatar and Cyprus have also been attacked and the RAF has been deployed in a defensive capacity.The extent of military and civilian casualties is uncertain, as is the trajectory of the conflict.

The attacks come when the Iranian regime is arguably at its weakest point for some years:

There were extensive protests in Iran in early 2026, motivated by a weakened economy as well as struggling infrastructure, illustrating the regime’s weakened legitimacy within the country. The protests were put down with extensive use of force. Some student protests had resumed in late February.

Many of Iran’s regional allies have been significant weakened, primarily by Israeli military action from 2023. In Syria, long-standing Iranian ally President Assad was overthrown by rebel forces

Israeli military strikes in 2024 and joint strikes with the US over 12 days in 2025 have undermined Iran’s defences and nuclear programme.

Iran’s counter-strikes on Arab Gulf states in 2026, who have sought to deepen relations in recent years, may also leave it further isolated.

This briefing sets out US and Israeli statements on their decisions to launch the attacks, the Iranian regime’s response to the strikes and death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and UK actions and response to the military conflict. This includes information on UK defensive military action, advice to British nationals, and responses within the UK Parliament.

(…Omitted below…)

(Philip Loft / Research Briefing, UK Parliament House of Commons Library, 02 March, 2026)

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<Attachment>

Philip Loft, US-Israel strikes on Iran: February/March 2026, Research Briefing 2, Number 10521, 

UK Parliament, House of Commons Library (Mar. 2026).

US-Israel strikes on Iran: February/March 2026 - House of Commons Library