The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced the launch of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel, describing the operation as retaliation for what it termed aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
In an official statement, the IRGC confirmed that the first wave of attacks had begun, aimed at what it called territory controlled by a “hostile and criminal enemy.” The announcement comes amid ongoing Israeli and United States military operations reportedly conducted inside Iran.
Since the morning of February 28, 2026, Israeli and U.S. forces are said to have carried out coordinated strikes in several Iranian cities. According to reports, the operations were intended to disrupt Iran’s alleged efforts to advance a nuclear weapons program. Neither Israel nor the United States immediately provided detailed assessments of the impact of the strikes.
Earlier, the Israeli military had warned its citizens of a possible Iranian retaliation, urging the public to move to designated shelters and secure areas as a precautionary measure.
As Iran’s retaliatory operation unfolded, several neighboring countries temporarily shut down their airspace, citing security concerns.
Among them were Qatar, Kuwait, Syria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Officials indicated that Iranian missiles and drones en route to Israel were passing through regional air corridors, raising fears of accidental impacts.
The UAE Ministry of Defense confirmed that a missile entered its airspace and was intercepted over Abu Dhabi. Debris from the interception reportedly killed one person. Authorities stated that the UAE reserves the right to respond if its sovereignty continues to be violated and pledged to take all necessary measures to safeguard national security.
The rapidly intensifying exchange has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict, with military activity escalating and multiple countries becoming directly or indirectly affected. Analysts warn that without swift diplomatic intervention, the confrontation risks destabilizing an already volatile region.
Arsene Byiringiro/The kaminuza star