Iran Retaliates With Missile Attacks On U.S. Bases Across The Middle East

Saturday, February 28, 2026, 9:30 A.M. ET. 4 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges, Political Editor & Art Fletcher, Executive Editor: Englebrook Independent News,

WASHINGTON, DC.- Saturday, February 28, 2026 (9:00 A.M. ET). What began as a coordinated military operation by the United States and Israel against strategic Iranian targets has expanded dramatically, with Iranian missile forces launching strikes against U.S. military bases and allied territories across the Middle East in response.

     The situation remains highly fluid. Confirmed strike details from both sides continue to be collected, and official Pentagon documentation is still pending full release. 

Presidential Position: Resolve And Warning;

     President Donald Trump addressed the nation early Saturday from Mar-a-Lago, characterizing the joint U.S.–Israeli operation as a necessary action to counter long-standing Iranian threats.

     Among the President’s statements reported on a Truth Social national broadcast:

“The hour of your freedom is at hand.”
The reported presidential address was directed at the Iranian people.

     President Trump also warned Americans that “there may be American casualties” during the operation, a sobering acknowledgment of the severity of ongoing military engagements. He reiterated that U.S. forces are committed to minimizing risks while pursuing strategic objectives against Iran’s missile and military infrastructure.

     Official written transcripts are expected later this morning.

Initial U.S.–Israel Action;

     Live reporting indicates that coordinated strikes by U.S. and Israeli forces targeted Iranian military infrastructure, missile systems, and command centers, including areas in and around Tehran. Both U.S. and Israeli officials described the operation as a significant step to disrupt Iran’s capability to threaten regional security.

     As the operation unfolded, explosions were widely reported within Iran’s capital, and sirens sounded in Israeli population centers in response to anticipated Iranian retaliation.

Iranian Retaliation: Missiles Across The Middle East;

     In a major escalation, the Iranian military launched ballistic missiles targeting U.S. military bases and allied territories throughout the region. Confirmed reports indicate missiles were directed at facilities and airspace in:

• Bahrain (including U.S. Navy 5th Fleet headquarters)
• United Arab Emirates
• Kuwait
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• Jordan

     International news outlets report that explosions were heard near U.S. military installations, and defense systems were activated as regional air defense forces engaged incoming threats.

     Several Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, condemned the Iranian missile strikes as violations of sovereignty and have affirmed their right to defend their territory.

Regional Security Posture;

     The rapid expansion of hostilities has placed U.S. forces and allied partners on heightened alert throughout the Middle East. Defense officials are reportedly shifting assets and response units to address potential further escalation.

     Allied countries have closed portions of their airspace, and global airlines are rerouting flights to avoid conflict zones. Civil defense measures remain active across affected regions.

Strategic Context;

     The Iranian regime’s decision to broaden its retaliation underscores a longstanding pattern of defiance against external military pressure. Tehran’s leadership has publicly declared Western military assets “legitimate targets” in response to foreign strikes, signaling an escalation with potentially far-reaching consequences.

     U.S. and Israeli officials have framed the original offensive as necessary to neutralize Iranian threats and disrupt its capacity to support proxy forces and develop advanced missile capabilities. The conflict now spans across multiple countries and represents a serious escalation beyond initial airstrikes within Iran.

Confirmed Vs. Developing;

Confirmed (as of 9:00 A.M. ET):

• U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iranian infrastructure and strategic sites.
• Iranian missile retaliation targeting U.S. bases and allied territories across the Gulf.
• Civil defense alerts and defensive interceptions in multiple countries.
• Presidential acknowledgment of potential American casualties and direct appeal to Iranian citizens based on televised reporting.

Developing / Pending Verification:

• Full Pentagon operational briefing and confirmed dossier of strike targets.
• Verified casualty counts among U.S. forces and allied personnel.
• Detailed damage assessments of bases and infrastructure.
• Diplomatic responses from international bodies.

What Comes Next;

     As conflict dynamics intensify, the next several hours will likely determine whether this confrontation remains regionally contained or escalates further into a broader multi-front engagement.

     U.S. defense leadership has scheduled briefings for later today, and international allies are convening emergency consultations.

Editor’s Note:

This 9:00 A.M. ET update confirms developments from multiple verified reports and official broadcast remarks available at the time of publication. In rapidly evolving military conflicts, early information may be subject to revision as formal transcripts, defense briefings, and independently verified data become available. Englebrook Independent News remains committed to factual reporting and will update this story with confirmed details as they emerge.