US, Israel strike Iran; Iran fires missiles at Gulf states, Israel
United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran on February 28, targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and military infrastructure. Iran retaliated by firing ballistic missiles at multiple countries hosting US troops, including Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Syria, and the UAE. The attacks targeted US military installations and caused casualties in Syria and Abu Dhabi, UAE. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reportedly targeted in the initial strikes. The US maintains significant military presence across the Middle East through its Central Command (CENTCOM), with thousands of troops stationed in Bahrain (home to the US Navy's 5th Fleet), Iraq (Kurdish region), Jordan (Muwaffaq Salti Air Base), Kuwait (Al Dhafra Air Base), Qatar (Al Udeid Air Base), and the UAE (Al Dhafra Air Base). Iran's missile strikes caused material damage to facilities in Kuwait and Abu Dhabi, while Syria reported four civilian deaths. The conflict escalates regional tensions, with potential implications for global oil prices and Nigerian interests in the Gulf region.