Iran declared all military and economic assets of the United States and Israel as legitimate targets for retaliation following a coordinated military operation launched against Iranian territory on Thursday, February 28, 2026. The announcement, reported by News1.kr, came hours after the attacks, signaling a significant escalation in regional tensions.
The joint military action, confirmed by U.S. Government officials and reported by multiple news outlets including News2day.co.kr and Chosun.com, involved strikes against locations in Tehran and other major Iranian cities. Explosions were reported in the University Street, Zomori district, and northern Sayed Khandan areas of Tehran, with reports of attacks extending to the western province of Ilam, according to Iranian state media.
U.S. President Donald Trump characterized the operation as necessary to “eliminate an imminent threat from the Iranian regime and protect American citizens,” according to reports. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated the strikes were taken “to remove threats to the State of Israel.”
The attacks follow a period of heightened anxiety in the Middle East, as negotiations between the U.S. And Iran over its nuclear program stalled. According to a report by Yonhap News Agency, the U.S. Had recently deployed its F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jet to Israel – the first such deployment – a move that coincided with the “Midnight Hammer” operation last year targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. The deployment was seen as a demonstration of U.S. Capability to strike Iran effectively and defend regional allies in the event of retaliation.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have reportedly informed the U.S. That their airspace will not be used for any potential attacks on Iran, according to the Yonhap report. This stance underscores the growing complexities of U.S. Alliances in the region and the potential for limited support for further military action.
The Iranian declaration of U.S. And Israeli assets as legitimate targets raises the specter of a wider conflict. News1.kr reported that Iran has already begun targeting U.S. Military bases in Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE, and Kuwait, escalating the risk of a regional war. The AFP reported images circulating on social media showing smoke rising from locations in Tehran, but independent verification remains limited.
The timing of the joint U.S.-Israeli operation comes after the conclusion of nuclear negotiations with Iran, suggesting a breakdown in diplomatic efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The precise nature of the attacks and the extent of the damage remain unclear, and Iranian officials have yet to provide a comprehensive assessment.
