US and Israel strike Iran. (title edited by MNHQ at request of the OP)

[Twiglets1]

Israel attacked Iran early on Saturday morning, saying it had “launched a pre-emptive strike against Iran to remove threats to the state of Israel,” according to a military spokesman.

Israel closed its airspace and declared a state of emergency, in anticipation of
Iranian drone and missile strikes in response.

Explosions were heard in Tehran on Saturday, Iranian media reported.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/28/israel-launches-attack-on-iran-as-explosions-heard-in-tehran

And that would mean WW3. Hopefully very unlikely.

Why would Russia fire its Iranian missiles and drones at us?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iranian%E2%80%93Russian_Treaty_on_Comprehensive_Strategic_Partnership#:~:text=The%20agreement%20is%20designed%20to,energy%2C%20finance%2C%20and%20culture.

Yes, correct, but even with drones you need a "friendly" launch site.

Frankly I could make up all sorts of imaginative scenarios to frghten the pants off people...but what's the point?

If that was an answer to me, it says nothing about why Russia would fire Iranian missiles at us.

The whole idea is fanciful.

I'm not trying to frighten anyone.

It's plain as day how this is wildly escalating.

Iran are following a scorched earth strategy.

Russia and China are allies of Iran.

China are saying both sides should stop. And tbh, I agree with them.

So do I.

This whole thing is quickly becoming out of control.

@notimagain

Jeez you were right on the scaremongers and in record time as well!.

Well done
@UYN!

Russia is not going to let Iran fire missiles at Europe any more than Basingstoke Council is.

The only thing escalating at the moment is the likelihood of the end of the loathsome Iranian regime.

Don't worry I don't think you frightened anyone, everyone realised that you were talking bollocks about Iran launching missiles against the UK from Russia.

I didn't mention the UK at all.

China has more sense. Russia let Syria go despite being allies, Putin is a pragmatist maybe.

Panic doesn't change anything but your mental health.

Yes, you're right.

I really hope some stability can be created as soon as possible.

I'm agnostic but praying for all the citizens affected in all countries.

So your post really makes no sense

@RedTagAlan I wasn’t intending the suggestion that China would overthrow Saudi Arabia as a genuine possibility - I was trying to say that much of the opposition to US’s attacks on Iran are down to a loathing of Trump and whatever he does in wrong.
Maybe a better comparison would be that had Obama launched attacks on Iran maybe there would’ve been more support.

Chatham House have a webinar on 5th March which should be interesting. Need to register.

US–Israel strikes on Iran: What next for the Middle East?
The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran with the stated aim of regime change. Speakers in this online-only webinar will examine how the military escalation is likely to play out, and the potential consequences.

Event date and time:5 March 2026 — 11:30AM TO 12:45PM

www.chathamhouse.org/events/all/standard-event/saudi-uae-tensions-yemen-and-regional-implications

@RedTagAlan sorry, I should’ve added that if the rulers of a country such as Saudi or UAE were to be overthrown, then would those who oppose those regimes object?

Two drones heading to RAF Akrotiri intercepted

Sirens have sounded at the UK base in southern Cyprus.

Now, a Cypriot government spokesperson says two drones heading towards RAF Akrotiri have been intercepted.

This comes after an Iranian drone crashed into the UK military base last night, "causing minor material damage".

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cy0dp1l57nxt

Depends on how it is done surely ?

It is possible to utterly detest the Iranian regime, and also to detest Trumps methods here. I fall into that camp.

Following the 2 drone attacks at RAF Akrotiri today, Easyjet have cancelled flights to Cyprus.

Sources told the Cyprus Mail that all EasyJet flights connecting Cyprus to the UK would be cancelled until Thursday.

Thanks for this.

Keir Starmer will make a statement on the conflict in the Middle East in the House of Commons at 3.30pm.

Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, will respond to Sir Keir for the official Opposition.

Thanks! Just enough time to pop to the post office x

Europe 'absolutely supportive' of US action in Iran - Nato secretary general

The Secretary General of Nato Mark Rutte has just told BBC News that Europe is "absolutely supportive" of US action in Iran.

Rutte emphasises that Iran is a "threat" to Europe, Israel and its surrounding region - as he adds that Europe is "really stepping up" in the wake of this weekend's operations in Iran.

Asked whether Keir Starmer's decision to allow the US to use UK bases for "defensive" strikes on Iran came too late, he says his understanding is that "legal things" had to be worked through before permission could be granted.

Asked by BBC if Nato forces will be involved, Mark Rutte says: "No, this is clearly a campaign led by the Americans and the Israelis."

He adds that what "we are seeing now" is that Nato allies and "friends in the region" are under "indiscriminate attacks" by Iran, so they are doing what they can in this situation.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cy0dp1l57nxt

Germany said considering joining Israel-US campaign against Iran

Germany is seriously considering joining the US-Israeli campaign against Iran if the regime does not cease attacking countries in the region amid the conflict, German political and military sources tell Israel’s Army Radio.

Planning for possible military action with the United States is already underway, ranging from joining bombing strikes to providing military and aerial assistance, officials in Germany’s foreign ministry and members of the Bundestag’s Foreign Affairs Committee tell the radio station.

Last night, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement condemning Iran’s strikes in the region, warning that they are ready to defend their interests and those of their allies in the Gulf if necessary by taking “defensive action” against Iran.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/germany-said-considering-joining-israel-us-campaign-against-iran/