Newspectives: US and Israel military strikes on Iran

Published: 28 Feb 2026 · Last updated: 16 May 2026 · Generated by AI (methodology)

Coordinated US and Israeli airstrikes targeted Iranian leadership and military infrastructure today, prompting Iranian missile retaliation against Israel and Gulf states. As civilians flee Tehran and casualties rise—including reported student deaths—international organizations and leaders are issuing desperate calls for immediate de-escalation to prevent a catastrophic wider war.

Tags: Geopolitics, Military Action, Middle East, International Relations, Conflict

Common Ground perspective

Sources: iranintl.com, wikipedia.org, ndtv.com, parliament.uk

USA perspective

In a massive coordinated offensive dubbed 'Operation Epic Fury,' U.S. and Israeli forces struck nuclear and military targets across Iran on Saturday. President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu framed the operation as a necessary preemptive measure to dismantle Iran's accelerating nuclear program. Mainstream coverage highlights the unprecedented direct U.S. involvement while raising grave concerns about potential Iranian retaliation and broader regional destabilization.

Sources: iranintl.com, wikipedia.org, timesofisrael.com, opb.org

United Kingdom perspective

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called an urgent Cobra meeting following coordinated US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, confirming the UK played no direct role in the offensive. While RAF assets in Cyprus and Qatar are on high alert for defensive purposes, Downing Street is prioritizing the safety of British nationals and urging immediate de-escalation to prevent a broader regional war.

Sources: muslimnews.co.uk, rediff.com, theguardian.com, theguardian.com

Russia perspective

Russian state media and officials characterize the coordinated US-Israel strikes as an illegal act of aggression against a sovereign state. Reports dismiss Western justifications regarding nuclear threats as a pretext for regime change, warning that these 'irresponsible' actions risk plunging the Middle East into an uncontrolled war and causing a humanitarian or radiological catastrophe.

Sources: ndtv.com, thecradle.co, alarabiya.net, rasanah-iiis.org

China perspective

Chinese state media, including Global Times and Xinhua, have sharply criticized the coordinated US-Israel military operations against Iran, labeling them a severe violation of international law and Iranian sovereignty. Beijing expresses 'deep concern' that these 'hegemonic' actions will plunge the Middle East into chaos, urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint and return to diplomatic negotiations immediately.

Sources: scmp.com, cgtn.com, news.cn, chinaglobalsouth.com

India perspective

Following coordinated US-Israel strikes on Iran dubbed 'Operation Epic Fury' on February 28, 2026, Indian media is dominated by concerns over energy security and economic stability. Reports highlight a surge in Brent crude prices and a weakening rupee, threatening inflation. Diplomatically, New Delhi advocates for immediate de-escalation, balancing strategic ties with Washington and Tel Aviv against its connectivity interests in Iran and leadership of the Global South.

Sources: economictimes.com, indiatimes.com, indiatoday.in, indiatoday.in

Israel perspective

Israeli media reports a massive coordinated offensive, dubbed "Operation Lion's Roar," alongside the US military's "Operation Epic Fury." IDF officials describe the strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, missile production sites, and regime symbols as a necessary preemptive measure to remove an "existential threat." The home front is on high alert, with extensive reserve call-ups and hospitals moving underground.

Sources: washingtonpost.com, argusmedia.com, axios.com

Arab World perspective

Pan-Arab outlets, led by Al Jazeera, frame the coordinated US-Israeli 'major combat operations' against Iran as a catastrophic violation of regional sovereignty that serves Zionist interests at the expense of Arab stability. Reports highlight the immediate fallout—including Iranian retaliatory strikes on US bases in Bahrain and Qatar—portraying the conflict as a Western-manufactured crisis that endangers the Islamic world and conveniently distracts from the ongoing plight of Palestinians.

Sources: cbsnews.com, gulfnews.com, themedialine.org, iranintl.com

Latin America perspective

Latin American media and progressive leaders are fiercely denouncing the February 28 coordinated US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, describing them as a flagrant violation of international law and national sovereignty. Outlets like TeleSUR and Prensa Latina highlight statements from Brazil, Venezuela, and Cuba labeling the offensive 'Operation Epic Fury' as a reckless escalation that threatens global stability, while contrasting this with Argentina's alignment with the US.

Sources: gulfnews.com, tehrantimes.com, nationalinterest.org, iranintl.com

Humanitarian perspective

Coordinated US-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian cities have triggered widespread panic and mass displacement. Reports confirm strikes on residential districts in Tehran and damage to essential civilian infrastructure, including hospitals. The UN warns of a catastrophic escalation, urging immediate protection for the 3.5 million refugees already hosting in Iran as fuel shortages and gridlock impede life-saving humanitarian aid.

Sources: ohchr.org, iranintl.com, georgiatoday.ge, wikipedia.org

The Jester perspective (satire — not factual reporting)

In a bold diplomatic maneuver, the US and Israel have launched 'Operation Epic Fury' and 'Lion's Roar,' a coordinated effort to 'de-escalate' regional tensions by forcefully rearranging Iranian infrastructure with high-explosive ordinance. Officials expressed genuine shock that the 'loud diplomacy' targeted at Tehran's leadership was met with missile fire rather than gratitude, marking the start of a 'very cool, totally necessary' major war.

Sources: gulfnews.com, wikipedia.org, iranintl.com, qazinform.com

JAPAN perspective

Japanese media reports a cautious government response to the coordinated US-Israel strikes that reportedly killed Iran's Supreme Leader. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi refrained from explicitly supporting or condemning the attacks, emphasizing instead the safety of Japanese nationals and the need for a diplomatic solution. Major outlets like Asahi Shimbun criticized the strikes as violations of international law, while business reports focused on the sharp drop in the Nikkei and surging oil prices.

Sources: aa.com.tr, eastasiaforum.org, asiae.co.kr, japantoday.com

NETHERLANDS perspective

Following coordinated US-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets on February 28, 2026, Dutch media report a "major escalation." NOS broadcasts extra bulletins, while the Dutch government issues code-red travel warnings. Political analysis (NRC) questions the legality of these "preventive" measures under international law and warns of severe economic consequences, particularly regarding energy security and trade stability.

Sources: news.cn, moderndiplomacy.eu, nporadio1.nl, nporadio1.nl

NORTH_KOREA perspective

State media (KCNA) fiercely condemns the 'coordinated' airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iran as an 'unpardonable crime against humanity' and a grave infringement on sovereignty. Pyongyang asserts the US is the 'chief culprit' and 'ringleader' of regional instability, utilizing Israel as its 'shock brigade' to stifle independent nations, while expressing full solidarity with Iran's 'just struggle' for self-defense.

Sources: youtube.com, tbsnews.net, jordantimes.com, livemint.com

POLAND perspective

Polish media dominate coverage with the coordinated US-Israel 'Epic Fury' operation against Iran. President Nawrocki and PM Tusk confirm Poland was informed via allied channels, emphasizing national unity and the priority of securing Polish citizens in the region. Commentators express solidarity with the US while warning of unpredictable geopolitical chaos and economic instability.

Sources: tvp.info, interia.pl, rp.pl, onet.pl

SOUTH_KOREA perspective

South Korean media is reacting with high urgency to the coordinated US-Israel 'preemptive' airstrikes on Iran. The Presidential Office convened an emergency security meeting to assess the impact on national defense and energy supplies. Major outlets highlight the immediate spike in global oil prices, benefiting local refiners like S-Oil but threatening export-driven industries. Editorials express anxiety that the US military's focus on the Middle East could leave a security vacuum regarding North Korea.

Sources: joins.com, evrimagaci.org, futunn.com, timesofisrael.com

TAIWAN perspective

Following reports of coordinated US-Israel military strikes on Iranian nuclear and leadership targets—dubbed 'Operation Epic Fury'—Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has heightened travel advisories for the Middle East. Taiwanese media coverage emphasizes the operation's 'pre-emptive' nature, drawing strategic comparisons to Taiwan's own defense against authoritarian threats while highlighting the critical role of US security commitments.

Sources: taipeitimes.com, channelnewsasia.com, 9dashline.com, taipeitimes.com

Sources

All primary sources cited across the perspectives on this page: