The Middle East experienced a significant escalation of tensions following US and Israeli military strikes on Iran, which were swiftly met by a widespread barrage of retaliatory missile and drone attacks from Iran. The initial strikes by the United States and Israel on Saturday reportedly targeted facilities in central Tehran, including a site believed to be the residence of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as well as Revolutionary Guards weapons warehouses and missile sites. These actions, described by the two countries as "pre-emptive" under operations "Roaring Lion" and "Epic Fury," aimed to thoroughly degrade the Iranian regime and remove existential threats.

Iran vehemently condemned the US and Israeli actions as a breach of the UN charter and an act of flagrant aggression, designed to end any possibility of a diplomatic resolution. In response, Iran launched a barrage of retaliatory missiles and drones targeting Israel and multiple US bases across the region. These included al-Udeid airbase in Qatar, Ali al-Salem base in Kuwait, al-Dhafra airbase in the United Arab Emirates, Prince Sultan airbase in Saudi Arabia, the US base in Erbil in northern Iraq, Muwaffaq Salti airbase in Jordan, and the US Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain. Iranian media reported significant casualties, including over 80 schoolchildren killed in Minab Hormozgan province, and showed widespread damage to military and civilian targets, such as Khamenei’s charred office and the badly damaged home of leading reformist and former prime minister Mir Hossein Mousavi.

The escalation had immediate and severe regional consequences. In Dubai, the world-famous Fairmont Hotel on The Palm was reportedly hit by an Iranian missile, setting it alight and injuring four people. This incident, combined with a loud bang heard near the Marina and images of missile interceptions across the city, led to widespread fear among residents and the indefinite closure of Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International Airport. Abu Dhabi reported a death after debris fell on a residential area. Bahrain experienced a drone strike on a high-rise building and its national security agency, with social media footage also suggesting a missile hit the US naval base. In Kuwait, a drone crashed into the main airport, wounding several employees. Jordan saw fires blaze in the northern city of Irbid as missile shrapnel fell from the sky. Iran-backed groups in Iraq, such as Kataib Hezbollah, whose bases were struck by US/Israel, vowed to join the retaliatory strikes, along with Yemen’s Houthis, threatening US military bases across the region. Gas stations in Lebanon saw long lines, and commercial flights were cancelled at Beirut airport as people stocked up on essential goods, with the memory of the 2024 war with Israel fresh in their minds.

International reactions to the conflict were swift but varied. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez issued strong condemnation of the "unilateral military action of the United States and Israel," warning that it could heighten regional tensions and "contribute to a more uncertain and hostile international order." Sánchez also condemned the Iranian government and its Revolutionary Guard, calling for "immediate de-escalation" and "full respect for international law." Spain has emerged as a more critical European voice regarding Washington's foreign policy and Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, with Sánchez having described the situation in Gaza as a "genocide" and advocating for a two-state solution, recognizing the Palestinian state in 2024. He has positioned Madrid as a mediator and interlocutor for the Arab World.

Other European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa, expressed "deep concern," urging all parties to avoid actions that could further escalate tensions or undermine the global non-proliferation framework. French President Emmanuel Macron described the situation as an "outbreak of war" with potentially serious implications for international peace and security, calling for an urgent UN Security Council meeting. In a rare joint statement, leaders from France (Emmanuel Macron), Germany (Friedrich Merz), and the UK (Keir Starmer) condemned Iran’s retaliatory attacks "in the strongest terms," reiterated that they did not participate in the strikes, and urged Iran to seek a "negotiated solution," end its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, curb its ballistic missile program, refrain from destabilizing activity, and cease the repression against its own people. Russia demanded an immediate halt to US and Israeli strikes, advocating for a political and diplomatic settlement based on international law, mutual respect, and a balance of interests. Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese supported the US in preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Within the United States, congressional representatives were largely divided along party lines. Republicans, including Reps. Nick LaLota, Andrew Garbarino, Mike Lawler, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, rallied behind President Trump's actions, supporting the defense of American lives and interests, holding Iran accountable, preventing a nuclear-armed theocracy, and empowering the Iranian people. Democrats, such as Reps. Tom Suozzi, Laura Gillen, Hakeem Jeffries, and Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, largely criticized the unilateral military action without first making a case to the American people or obtaining approval from Congress, citing constitutional concerns under the War Powers Act and fearing a costly, prolonged war. They urged the administration to clearly define national security objectives, articulate a clear long-term strategy, and seek congressional authorization, with some questioning Trump's temperament and judgment.

The widespread conflict significantly disrupted travel and prompted enhanced security measures globally. Israel, the UAE, Qatar, and southern Syria closed their airspaces. Numerous international flights, particularly those bound for or departing from the Middle East, were cancelled or diverted, with Dubai's airports halting flights indefinitely. Domestically, state police and law enforcement agencies in the New York metro area, including the NYPD, Nassau, and Suffolk departments, increased patrols at sensitive locations such as religious centers, diplomatic sites, and critical infrastructure out of an abundance of caution, monitoring online activity for potential threats. Governor Kathy Hochul noted outreach to Jewish organizations ahead of Purim to offer support but did not mention Muslim religious organizations in her statement.

Amidst the chaos, various messages were directed at the Iranian populace. Donald Trump called on Iranians to "take control of your government," while Reza Pahlavi, son of the former Shah, also urged protesters back to the streets. The Iranian national security council, conversely, called for national resistance and unity against foreign aggression, assuring the public that essential goods, fuel, and medicine were abundantly available. Iranian military officials warned of severe and unprecedented retaliation against any regional base aiding Israel. Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, sought to justify Iran’s actions to Gulf states by asserting their responsibility to prevent the US from using their bases for illegal attacks on Iran, stating that Iran had no intention of attacking the Gulf states themselves but rather the American bases in an act of self-defense. However, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain condemned Iranian violations of their sovereignty and warned of their right to take reprisals. The conflict unfolded against a backdrop of previous tensions, including a war in Iran in June 2024, which was primarily confined to Israel and Iran, and sensitive negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program that had reportedly been close to reaching a peaceful resolution.