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

Could you say what Iranians should do instead?

I can second, it's well worth a read.

Same here 👍
Too many of these threads on anything to do with the ME are simplistic, lack context or any background knowledge. They can be so reductive as to be absurd. It's good to actually have informed conversations.

@GreyhoundLurcher

Could you say what Iranians should do instead?

I would also like to know the answer to this.

The Saudis also have a mutual defence pact with Pakistan (currently warring in Afghanistan) who have had mixed relations with Iran.

I would expect neighbours in China and India to be watching carefully, and also those in their diaspora.
The mullahs are the weakest link.

It must be very concerning to those who have family in the region.

Al Jazeera are reporting that Iran has targeted United States assets across the Gulf Arab states in retaliation.

At least one person has been killed in Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, after several missiles launched from Iran were intercepted, according to the country’s state news agency.

Bahrain says a missile attack targeted the headquarters of the US Navy’s 5th Fleet, which it hosts.

The government called it a “treacherous attack” and “a blatant violation of the kingdom’s sovereignty and security”.

Al Jazeera Arabic has meanwhile confirmed the sound of explosions in Kuwait, home to the US military’s Central Command headquarters.

In Qatar, the Defense Ministry says it “thwarted” several attacks on the country.
“The Ministry of Defense confirms that the threat was dealt with immediately upon detection, in accordance with the pre-approved security plan, and that all missiles were intercepted before reaching Qatari territory,” it said.

Al Jazeera’s Zein Basravi, reporting from Doha, said the only country in the Gulf Cooperation Council that Iran has not struck today thus far is Oman.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/28/multiple-gulf-arab-states-that-host-us-assets-targeted-in-iran-retaliation

My response was to someone saying that Trump only attacked Iran to get the Nobel prize. In that case he should go for Russia first.

Yes, exactly. What were we saying about reductive?

It was a ridiculous supposition anyway that Trump only attacked Iran to get the Nobel prize.

The situation is a lot more complex and nuanced than that.

Do you think the gulf states will attack Iran as a natural act of self defence?

It seems like Iran wants to go down blazing....

Fully agree with you here.

Absolutely. It's as silly as "oil".

The Middle East has gone to shit with very real global ramifications. I think there’s more important things going on than being “rather rude” on the internet.

I think some ME countries might. The Shia / Sunni split might become more obvious to see. I recall that Jordan deployed its armed forces to help Israel within the last couple of years.

I also believe that many of these nations just want peace and for their people to thrive. This includes Israel (though many seem to think that it bares ill-intent towards its neighbours. It really doesn’t- it just wants security.)

Being physically located close to a nation like Iran has been problematic for the whole region. The demise of the regime could allow so much peace, goodwill, trade and prosperity. I so hope this aspiration is realised.

I hope so too, @BrinkWomanship .
I've just been watching the news, and when there was a hit on Khameini's HQ you could hear women cheering.

I expected it at the weekend as they would factor in the markets reaction. Doing it on a Saturday gives the markets time to absorb the info before Monday am. Oil stocks will presumably go through the roof.

That strikes me as very pointedly aggressive towards Iran

I think the IRCG is in its final death throes here.

Let's hope so!

This is my hope too.

And mine @BrinkWomanship

Every right - diplomacy with the Iranian regime has been tried over and over. With them basically lying and trying to string the US along, then refusing any deals offered. Trump warned them what would happen militarily. They still refused to cooperate.

What makes you think this? I hope you’re right, but I can’t see any reason to suppose that internal Iranian military revolt is imminent.

No one else will help the Iranian people get rid of their slaughtering regime. Do you support the regime? The Iranian people want them gone. Perhaps the world should turn away and ignore them as they slaughter their own people? Would that please you more?

Shows you they aren't wanting the regime to continue.... seems only random westerners want it to continue as is.