Analysis & Reports

Iran is launching a new round of missile attacks against Israel on February 28. The Israeli Defense Forces have confirmed the detection of these missile launches, indicating an escalation in hostilities between the two nations.

The CIA published new Persian-language instructions on social media for Iranians wishing to contact the agency secretly. This recruitment effort coincides with a significant U.S. military buildup in the Middle East. If negotiations regarding Tehran's nuclear program fail, President Trump may order military action against Iran. The CIA advised potential contacts to take precautions to protect their identity before reaching out.

The Israeli Air Force is conducting airstrikes on Iranian ballistic missile launchers and air defense systems in Central Iran on the evening of the 28th. This operation was announced by the Israeli Defense Forces.

The Iranian Armed Forces shot down 12 enemy combat and reconnaissance drones across multiple regions in Iran on February 28. This operation highlights Iran's active defense measures against aerial threats.

A loud explosion was heard at the U.S. military base in Juffair, Bahrain, on the evening of the 28th. The air defense alarm was activated in the capital, Manama, shortly before the explosion.

The USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) is currently undergoing a 14-month Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News, Virginia, due to a degraded steam turbine generator and labor shortages. This delay impacts the operational readiness of the U.S. Navy, particularly affecting the overextended USS Gerald R. Ford, which is deployed in the Middle East. The Navy aims to resolve these issues to ensure carrier availability amid rising geopolitical tensions.

The Israel Ministry of Defense confirmed the arrival of a cargo ship at the Port of Haifa over the weekend, unloading dozens of Humvees, trucks, and military gear. This delivery supports ongoing operations under Operation Roaring Lion, with logistics efforts expected to intensify. Since the war began, over 130,000 tons of military equipment have been delivered to Israel, highlighting the coordination between defense procurement and international partners.

Debris from Iranian ballistic missile attacks struck multiple areas in central Israel on the evening of the 28th. The Israeli police reported no casualties but noted property damage. This incident follows a recent series of missile strikes from Iran.

U.S. Air Force is conducting airstrikes against Iranian military infrastructure, including IRGC command nodes and nuclear facilities. The operations aim to degrade Iran's military capabilities, but experts caution that airpower alone may not achieve regime change. The Revolutionary Guard's control over various sectors may reinforce the regime's stability in response to external attacks.

The Israel Defense Forces launched Operation 'Roar of the Lion,' conducting airstrikes on hundreds of targets across Iran in coordination with U.S. military forces. This operation follows earlier military actions aimed at Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities, framed as a response to an ongoing existential threat. Israeli military leadership confirmed heightened operational readiness and cooperation with U.S. forces during the planning and execution of these strikes.

The Iranian armed forces announced plans to conduct stronger military actions as stated by a military spokesperson in Tehran on February 28.

The U.S. announced a $12.6 billion investment in surveillance and deterrence operations in the Indo-Pacific on February 24, 2026, amid growing concerns over China's military expansion. This includes the launch of Cobra Gold 2026, a multilateral military exercise in Thailand involving 8,000 personnel from 30 nations. The AUKUS partnership is also progressing with submarine cooperation, enhancing regional security efforts.

Marcus ChenSat Feb 28 2026Loading...

European nations are rapidly developing autonomous military capabilities in response to U.S. defense policy changes and Russian aggression. By 2027, the U.S. expects Europe to take majority responsibility for NATO's defense. The EU has initiated unprecedented financing mechanisms for defense, including the Security Action for Europe initiative, which allocates up to $178 billion for rearmament. Discussions about a European nuclear deterrent are also underway.

Alexandra ReevesSat Feb 28 2026Loading...

The U.S. initiated Operation Epic Fury against Iran in 2026 following the collapse of the JCPOA and the October 7th Crisis. This military intervention marked a shift from a policy of containment to an explicit mandate for regime change, with U.S. airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities amid escalating conflict with Israel. The situation reflects a significant change in U.S. military strategy in the region, positioning the U.S. as a guarantor of military order.

Iran launched a wave of ballistic missiles and attack drones at Dubai on Saturday, causing explosions throughout the city. UAE air defenses intercepted several missiles, and emergency measures were enacted, including evacuations from the Burj Khalifa. The UAE government condemned the attacks as a dangerous escalation and indicated a potential response to Iran.

China's Ministry of National Defense accused the United States of undermining nuclear stability in a statement issued on February 28. The ministry responded to U.S. allegations of Chinese nuclear testing, asserting that China maintains a defensive nuclear posture and complies with international commitments. The statement criticized U.S. nuclear policy and modernization efforts, framing the exchange as part of broader disagreements over nuclear transparency and arms control compliance.

The U.S. and Israel are considering airstrikes against Iranian regime officials as part of a strategy for regime change. Historical precedents suggest that without ground forces, achieving a sustainable change may be difficult. Dr. Michael Rubin highlights the challenges of occupying Iran, given its large population and territory, and the potential for the regime to claim victory through endurance.

Iran launched missile strikes targeting Israeli territory, hitting at least two locations in central Israel and triggering air-raid sirens. The strikes prompted emergency responses, with no casualties reported initially. Additionally, earlier Iranian attacks struck Saudi Arabia, marking an escalation in regional tensions. Israeli air-defense systems were activated during the incidents, and authorities maintained heightened alert levels nationwide.

A drone strike attributed to Iran hit Kuwait International Airport, damaging a passenger facility and injuring several workers. The incident briefly disrupted airport operations, with emergency teams responding to secure the area. The drone used in the attack was similar to Iranian-designed Shahed-series loitering munitions, causing localized structural damage but not affecting runway operations.

Israeli Defense Forces completed a large-scale strike against Iran's strategic defense systems on February 28, significantly weakening them. The operation targeted the SA-65 air defense system located in western Iran and was guided by intelligence from the Israeli intelligence department.