In a dramatic escalation of tensions, the United States and Israel launched a coordinated military operation against Iranian targets on February 28, 2026, just 48 hours after a landmark round of nuclear negotiations in Geneva. The strikes occurred as global diplomats were still processing the cautiously optimistic outcome of the February 26 talks mediated by Oman's Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi.
Diplomatic Breakthrough Meets Military Action
The third round of indirect U.S.-Iran negotiations had concluded with Tehran agreeing to halt uranium stockpiling – a concession hailed by al-Busaidi as "unprecedented." The Omani mediator had told reporters that "a peace deal is within our reach" before the sudden military intervention reshaped the geopolitical landscape.
Initial reports indicate strikes targeted multiple Iranian military facilities, though neither Washington nor Jerusalem has issued formal statements. The timing has drawn sharp reactions from European and Asian governments, with several UN Security Council members calling for an emergency session.
