Global reaction to the joint US-Israel offensive against Iran

The joint military campaign, designated “Operation Epic Fury” by the US and “Operation Roaring Lion” by Israel, commenced on February 28, 2026.

The intervention aims to dismantle Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, neutralize its ballistic missile capabilities, and effect political transformation by overthrowing the regime in Tehran.

This act of aggression was executed citing the civil unrest that erupted in Iran on December 28, 2025, alongside the collapse of nuclear negotiations in early February.

Concurrently with a 02:00 statement from President Donald Trump on February 28, strikes targeted strategic nuclear facilities, missile manufacturing plants, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command centers in Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, and Kermanshah. The “decapitation” strikes resulted in the destruction of the residence of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed alongside more than 40 senior civilian and military officials.

Constitutional authority crisis deepens in Washington

The Trump administration has characterized the operation as an exercise of national self-defense, asserting that Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weaponry constitutes an existential threat to the US homeland. President Trump has explicitly declared the goal of regime change, calling upon the Iranian populace to seize control of their government.

Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson have defended the operation, maintaining that the authority to execute such actions rests squarely with the commander-in-chief.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham emphasized the necessity of carrying the operation to its conclusion, alleging that Arab allies would also participate in the effort. Senator Markwayne Mullin criticized Congressional oversight, arguing that the President must be the sole decision-maker during times of war.

Conversely, Democrats have challenged the legal basis for the operation. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer noted that the administration lacks an exit strategy and warned of the dangers of mission creep.

Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia and Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky introduced a War Powers Resolution that would mandate the withdrawal of US forces absent Congressional approval. However, the probability of the bill’s passage has diminished due to support for the operation from Democrats such as Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Representative Ro Khanna characterized the situation as a “manufactured crisis.”

American public opinion remains deeply divided

Surveys conducted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and Ipsos have illuminated the profound anxieties within American society.

While 49% of respondents support air strikes against nuclear facilities, 40% approved the deployment of ground troops. The proportion of the public asserting that Congressional approval is mandatory reached 56%.

Concerns regarding the risk of the intervention precipitating a regional war have risen to 71%. Furthermore, 79% of the public indicated a preference for continued diplomatic efforts.

Spain bans use of military bases

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez adopted the most stringent stance against the operation, declaring “No to war.” Sanchez described the campaign as playing Russian roulette with the fate of millions and prohibited the US from utilizing the Rota and Moron military bases.

President Trump labeled Spain a “terrible partner” and announced that he had instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to suspend trade relations with the nation. Secretary Bessent confirmed that this embargo would be implemented as a unified effort.

European Union (EU) Internal Market Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné noted that a threat against one member state would be considered a threat against the entire bloc. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz informed the US administration that EU trade policies are managed centrally and that no separate agreement excluding Spain could be negotiated.

European allies pivot to defensive measures

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that British forces are not directly participating in offensive operations, noting that Royal Air Force aircraft are engaged exclusively in coordinated regional defensive duties.

The London government authorized the use of the Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford bases for limited defensive purposes. In the UK Parliament, Conservative members expressed full support for the operation, while the Liberal Democrats demanded a parliamentary vote regarding the use of the bases.

Chancellor Merz explained that while Germany shares Israel’s security concerns, the nation would not provide active participation.

Merz emphasized that his priority is ensuring the safety of German military personnel stationed in Jordan and Iraq. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul noted that German personnel would exercise their right to self-defense should they come under attack.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned of the risk of a chain reaction and condemned the actions of all parties involved. During an emergency session of the UN Security Council, US representative Mike Waltz stated that the attacks were legal, while Iranian representative Saeid Iravani questioned the legitimacy of forced political appointment.

Russia and China condemned the intervention as a premeditated act. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed support for the degradation of nuclear capabilities but clarified that the alliance would not collectively enter the war. EU official Kaja Kallas has intensified diplomatic engagement with Gulf nations.

Energy supplies jeopardized in Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz has destabilized the global economy. Maritime traffic has decreased by 70%, with vessels rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope. Natural gas prices increased by 50% following drone strikes on facilities in Qatar.

Gulf nations have closed their airspace; thousands of flights originating from Dubai, Doha, and Kuwait have been canceled. The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security has warned that Iranian entities, including Unit 42, APT42, and MuddyWater, are preparing cyberattacks against critical Western infrastructure.

International human rights organizations have highlighted the humanitarian dimension of the operation. According to data from HRANA, approximately 1,100 Iranian civilians had lost their lives as of March 4. Reports of a missile strike hitting a school in Tehran, resulting in the deaths of 150 children, have received extensive international coverage.