U.S. and Iranian forces traded major blows on Saturday, February 28, 2026, after Washington joined Israel in a coordinated wave of strikes across Iran, triggering Iranian retaliation against Israel and multiple American-linked military sites across the Gulf and wider Middle East.
U.S. President Donald Trump said U.S. forces began “major combat operations” in Iran under an operation the White House framed as a response to what Washington described as an escalating security threat tied to Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. Israeli officials described Israel’s opening move as a pre-emptive strike, with air-raid sirens and emergency measures rolled out inside Israel in anticipation of counterfire.
Explosions were reported in several Iranian cities, including Tehran, with residents describing panic, fuel lines, and urgent efforts to move families out of urban areas. Iranian authorities closed schools and universities in some areas while advising residents to take precautions as further attacks remained possible. Reuters reported Iran’s supreme leader was moved to a secure location.
Iran’s response followed within hours. Tehran launched missiles and drones toward Israel and fired on a spread of regional bases used by U.S. forces and partners, according to reporting from regional and international outlets. Iran framed the retaliation as self-defence and accused Washington and Israel of violating international law.
The rapid escalation pushed diplomats back toward the United Nations. Russia condemned the U.S.-Israeli strikes and backed Iran’s call for an emergency UN Security Council session, warning of wider regional fallout and the risk of humanitarian and economic shocks.
From Ottawa, Prime Minister Mark Carney urged protection of civilians and told Canadians in the region to follow local security guidance, while federal travel advisories continued to warn of severe risk across Iran and parts of the region during active conflict. Global Affairs Canada’s travel guidance for Israel and the Palestinian territories also warns Canadians not to rely on Canadian-assisted departures during active conflict and to consider leaving while commercial options remain available.
Canadian officials also face structural limits in Iran. Canada has no embassy in Iran, a constraint Canadian media reports noted while relaying federal advice for Canadians to prioritize personal safety steps and monitor official updates.
