Iran in 2026

Overview

On 28 February 2026, the US and Israel launched a series of strikes against Iran, saying they were targeting Iranian military infrastructure, its nuclear and ballistic missile programme, and security forces including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Both Israel and the US have called for new leadership within Iran.

The attack follows the joint US-Israel strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025 and the failure of recent indirect talks between the US and Iran on curtailing Iran’s nuclear programme. Iran has responded by attacking US bases across the region as well as Israel and sites in neighbouring Middle Eastern states. In Lebanon, Iran-backed Hezbollah also launched attacks against Israel.

Sea traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for the trade and global energy supplies has largely ended, with both Iran and the US establishing sea blockades.

The UK has deployed the RAF and some additional forces in a defensive capacity. UK bases in Cyprus, Bahrain and Qatar were among those to have been targeted by Iran. The UK Government agreed for the US to use some UK military bases for defensive operations against Iranian missiles and projectiles and is now planning a defensive military mission to secure Hormuz after the conflict.

Following Pakistan’s mediation, a conditional ceasefire and talks were announced. However, armed conflict has since resumed. Iran continues to state it is not developing nuclear weapons.

This page collects the Commons Library’s research on the situation in the region, challenges facing Iran, and the UK response.