Israel Launches Airstrikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites with U.S. Support

Military Operations and U.S. Support

Israel’s military operations against Iran’s nuclear facilities and strategic assets have intensified over the past five weeks, with U.S. intelligence and logistical assistance playing a central role. According to Military.com, initial strikes on February 28, 2026, targeted approximately 200 Iranian air defense systems and damaged critical ballistic missile launchers as part of Operation Epic Fury. These actions aimed to disrupt Iran’s regional military capabilities. The U.S. military, under President Donald Trump’s guidance, has provided intelligence and logistical support without deploying ground troops beyond pre-existing regional forces. Israeli air forces have maintained dominance in the skies, with unconfirmed reports of special forces operations at nuclear sites. In response, Iran has launched seven waves of missile attacks on Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa. The conflict has also drawn in Hezbollah, which has fired rockets at Israel, and the Houthis, who have targeted Israeli military installations in Saudi Arabia. This multi-front escalation has heightened regional tensions, with Iranian leaders warning of potential retaliation beyond its borders, including threats to Red Sea shipping routes.

U.S. Dual Strategy: Military and Diplomatic Efforts

The U.S. has maintained a dual approach, offering military backing to Israel while pursuing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions. President Trump’s administration extended Iran’s deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil trade route, while threatening to destroy Iran’s energy infrastructure if the strait remains closed by April 6. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff proposed a 15-point ceasefire plan to Iran through Pakistan, but Tehran rejected the offer, citing unresolved concerns over its nuclear program and regional security. The U.S. has deployed 2,500 Marines and 1,000 paratroopers to the region, focusing on air operations and logistics. Meanwhile, the U.N. Security Council has convened closed meetings to address Iran’s actions, with diplomats struggling to broker a ceasefire amid rising civilian casualties. The U.S. and its allies face a dilemma: continued military engagement risks further destabilization, while diplomatic efforts have stalled due to Iran’s insistence on preserving its nuclear capabilities and regional influence.

Civilian Impact and Humanitarian Crisis

The conflict has caused significant civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Over 2,000 individuals have died across Iran, Israel, and Lebanon, with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reporting more than 1,900 civilian deaths in Iran since the conflict began. Over 82,000 buildings, including hospitals, schools, and residential areas, have been damaged. UNICEF highlighted the impact on children in Lebanon, where Israeli strikes have displaced over 100,000 civilians, forcing many into underground shelters or refugee camps. In Israel, the government declared a state of emergency, mobilizing 20,000 reservists and 50,000 active troops. Hospitals have been relocated underground to protect medical facilities. The humanitarian crisis has also affected Gulf Arab states, where Iranian-backed militias have attacked Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The International Committee of the Red Cross has called for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further civilian harm, but both sides have refused to halt operations.

Proxy Conflicts and Regional Escalation

The war has evolved into a proxy conflict involving Hezbollah and the Houthis. Hezbollah, based in Lebanon, has launched rocket attacks on Israel since March 2, prompting Israeli airstrikes targeting its infrastructure in southern Beirut. The group’s involvement has worsened the situation in Lebanon, where the U.N. warns of a potential humanitarian disaster. The Houthis, based in Yemen, have fired ballistic missiles at Israeli military sites, triggering alarms in Beersheba and other cities. These attacks have drawn international criticism, with the U.S. and its allies accusing the Houthis of destabilizing the region. The involvement of these groups has complicated diplomatic efforts, as Iran seeks to leverage its proxies to counter Israeli and U.S. influence. Analysts note the conflict has shifted from a direct confrontation between Israel and Iran to a broader struggle for regional dominance, with Hezbollah and the Houthis acting as extensions of Iranian power. This dynamic has made achieving a ceasefire increasingly difficult, as each side prioritizes protecting its interests through proxy warfare.

Global Implications and Regional Tensions

The ongoing conflict has significant implications for global stability, particularly due to its impact on energy markets and international trade. The Red Sea, a critical shipping route for oil exports, has become a focal point, with Iran threatening to disrupt maritime traffic if its demands are not met. Oil prices have risen over 45% since the war began, affecting economies worldwide. The U.S. and its allies face pressure to address the crisis, but the lack of a unified strategy has hindered efforts to contain the conflict. Meanwhile, the war has deepened divisions within the Middle East, with regional powers like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates balancing their alliance with the U.S. against strategic interests in countering Iranian influence. Analysts warn that the conflict could escalate further if diplomatic efforts fail, with the potential for a broader regional war involving additional actors. However, the absence of a clear victory for either side suggests the conflict may continue in a prolonged, asymmetric manner, with both sides seeking to degrade each other’s capabilities without achieving a decisive outcome.