JERUSALEM / TEHRAN – The Middle East has been plunged into a state of high-intensity conflict as the United States and Israel launched a massive joint military offensive, codenamed “Operation Epic Fury,” against Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure.
The strikes, which began in the early hours of Saturday, February 28, 2026, have triggered an immediate and heavy retaliatory response from Tehran, with ballistic missiles currently raining down on major Israeli population centers.
Aerial Assault and Retaliation
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the commencement of “major combat operations,” stating the objective is to eliminate “imminent threats” from the Iranian regime and prevent the development of nuclear weapons. Explosions have been reported in Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, and Karaj.
In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched what is estimated to be between 30 and 70 ballistic missiles toward Israel. Air raid sirens are currently wailing in:
- Jerusalem: Interceptions have been seen over the Old City.
- Haifa: Northern Israel is under heavy fire.
- Tel Aviv: Specifically targeting Ben Gurion International Airport, which has suspended all operations.
Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Al-Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, and the fifth US base in Bahrain have been targeted by Iranian missile attacks, according to Iran’s Fars news agency.
Airspace Closures and Aviation Chaos
The escalation has effectively severed air travel across the heart of the Middle East. At the time of writing, no civilian aircraft remain in the airspace over Iran or Iraq, as carriers scramble to divert flights to hubs in Europe and further east.
Currently Closed or Highly Restricted Airspaces:
| Israel | CLOSED | All civilian flights grounded; Ben Gurion Airport targeted. |
| Iran | CLOSED | FIR Tehran (OIIX) shuttered to all civilian traffic. |
| Iraq | CLOSED | Nationwide suspension by the Iraqi Transport Ministry. |
| Qatar | CLOSED | Doha airspace closed following reports of incoming threats. |
| Bahrain | CLOSED | Airspace shut; explosions reported near U.S. Navy 5th Fleet HQ. |
| Jordan | RESTRICTED | Partial closures and heavy monitoring of transit corridors. |
In the Gulf, the situation is particularly tense. Doha and Bahrain closed their skies after Iranian retaliation reportedly expanded to target regional U.S. military installations, including the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
UPDATE 10:01 UTC
6 U.S. Air Force tankers have departed Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport.
UDPATE 10:03 UTC
Some commercial flights are leaving Ben Gurion Airport.
No operations at Doha Hamad International Airport.
Dubai International Airport is open to flights form Asia.
