In the current conflict (as of March 4, 2026), the
United States and Israel are the only two countries that have launched direct offensive strikes on Iranian territory.While others are involved, their roles are strictly categorized:
1. Direct Aggressors (Attacked Iran)
- United States: Initiated "Operation Epic Fury" on February 28, 2026, targeting military infrastructure, nuclear sites, and leadership across Iran.
- Israel: Simultaneously launched "Operation Roaring Lion" (or "Rising Lion"), conducting massive airstrikes and decapitation strikes, including the reported assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
2. Defensive & Logistical Support
Several nations have engaged in the conflict without attacking Iranian soil directly:
- United Kingdom: Allowed the use of its RAF Akrotiribase in Cyprus for defensive operations and intercepted Iranian missiles.
- Regional Partners (Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE): Have actively intercepted Iranian missiles and drones that were launched in retaliation against U.S. bases or their own territories.
- France and Germany: Indicated support for "proportionate military defensive measures" to neutralize incoming Iranian threats.
- Greece: Announced it would deploy assets to defend Cyprus from further Iranian retaliatory strikes.
3. Indirect Conflicts (Outside Iran)
- Israel vs. Hezbollah: Intense combat has broken out in Lebanon, with Israel striking Hezbollahtargets in response to their entry into the war on March 2.
- U.S./Israel vs. Militias: Coordinated strikes have been carried out against Iranian-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Iraq to degrade their retaliatory capabilities.
The conflict has also had a significant economic impact, with global oil and gas prices surging by over 40% following the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz
