Iran has vowed retaliation against the United States and Israel as the conflict between the two sides intensifies following a wave of coordinated air and missile strikes across Iranian territory. Senior Iranian official Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, warned that Tehran would respond decisively, signalling a widening confrontation that is rapidly drawing in multiple countries across the Middle East.
Iran warns of ‘unforgettable lesson’
In remarks carried by the official Islamic Republic News Agency, Larijani said Iran’s armed forces and citizens would deliver what he described as “an unforgettable lesson” to the United States and Israel, accusing them of aggression and destabilising the region.
“The brave soldiers and the great nation of Iran will give an unforgettable lesson to the international oppressive hellish ones,” he was quoted as saying.
His statement comes as US and Israeli forces continue to target military installations and strategic sites in Iran in what Washington has described as major combat operations.
As the President stated, our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 28, 2026
The President ordered bold action. CENTCOM forces are delivering an overwhelming and unrelenting blow. pic.twitter.com/B0k5gV4YnU
Retaliatory strikes across the region
Iran has already launched retaliatory strikes, targeting Israeli positions and US-linked military assets across the region. Missiles and drones have reportedly been directed towards sites in Israel and American facilities in several Middle Eastern countries, heightening fears of a broader regional war.
The escalation has prompted heightened security alerts across Gulf states, with governments adopting precautionary measures amid concerns that further attacks could spill across borders.
Also Read | Iran fires ballistic missiles at Israel, nationwide red alert triggered amid escalation
🛩️THE LARGEST MILITARY FLYOVER IN IDF HISTORY:
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) February 28, 2026
~200 IAF jets completed a broad strike against the missile array and the aerial defense systems of the IRGC in western and central Iran.
500+ targets hit, including aerial defense systems & missile launchers in several locations… pic.twitter.com/PVOuzlOekj
Diplomatic efforts intensify
As hostilities deepen, diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis are also gaining momentum. Turkey has indicated it is prepared to mediate a ceasefire between the parties, warning that the rapidly escalating violence threatens regional stability and global economic security.
The conflict now appears significantly more expansive than previous confrontations, with multiple fronts emerging simultaneously.
Also Read | Houthi leader condemns US-Israel strikes, backs Iran’s right to target American bases
Continued hostilities between Iran and Israel, with direct US involvement, could reshape the strategic balance of the Middle East. With all sides signalling determination to continue military operations, the situation remains volatile, raising concerns that the confrontation could evolve into a prolonged and wider regional conflict.
