Us And Israel Airstrikes On Iran Escalate Middle East Conflict

On February 28, 2026, the situation escalated dramatically as the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, targeting its leadership and plunging the Middle East into a new conflict. President Donald Trump stated that the strikes aimed to eliminate a security threat and provide an opportunity for Iranians to challenge their rulers. In a significant development, Tehran retaliated by launching missiles that triggered explosions in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, both key oil exporters. Qatar confirmed it intercepted missiles directed towards its territory, while blasts were also reported near Iran's Kharg Island export terminal, crucial for Iranian crude shipments. Despite these tensions, there have been no confirmed interruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which handles nearly 20 million barrels per day of crude oil and petroleum products, although concerns about potential disruptions are rising (Tribune Latest).