US-Israel strikes on Iran: February/March 2026 - House of Commons Library
Key Takeaways
- US and Israel conducted strikes on Iran in February and March 2026.
- House of Commons Library produced a briefing analysing those February–March 2026 strikes.
- The briefing is available for download from the House of Commons Library website.
UK Commons Library briefing summary
The Commons Library assesses that Iran is "arguably at its weakest point for some years".
“Our use of cookies We use essential cookies to make our site work”
It says extensive protests in early 2026, motivated by a weakened economy and struggling infrastructure, were put down with extensive use of force.
It says many of Iran’s regional allies have been significantly weakened, primarily by Israeli military action from 2023.
The briefing states Israeli military strikes in 2024 and joint strikes with the US over 12 days in 2025 have undermined Iran’s defences and nuclear programme.
It adds that Iran’s counter-strikes on Arab Gulf states in 2026 may further isolate it.
It records that Iran-backed Hezbollah has attacked Israel in support of Iran.
It records that the Lebanese Government has sought to disarm Hezbollah, but the group retains extensive weaponry and some support in Shia communities.
It records that the UK has called for diplomacy, quoting the Prime Minister on 28 February 2026 saying he did "not believe in regime change from the skies".
It characterises UK military operations as defensive and notes on 1 March 2026 that UK bases on Cyprus are not being used by US bombers.
More on Iran-Israel
Escalation in Iran Pushes Oil Near $120, Sparks Gas Price Surge in Los Angeles
10 sources compared
U.S. Intercepts Iran Message Activating Sleeper Cells After U.S.-Israel Strike Kills Khamenei
14 sources compared
Iran Threatens To Confiscate Property Of Iranians Abroad Who Support US And Israel
14 sources compared
Ukraine Sends Drones, Experts to Shield U.S. Bases in Jordan From Iran
16 sources compared