Iran will respond to US-Israeli strikes as existential threats to the regime – because they are

The Conversation
by Javed Ali, Associate Professor of Practice of Public Policy, University of Michigan
February 28, 2026
6 views
4 min read

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The Bottom Line

Iran is expected to retaliate with full force against US-Israeli strikes, seeing them as an existential threat to its regime.

How This Affects You

Increased regional instability could lead to higher gas prices, potentially raising your fuel costs by 10-20%.

AI Summary

On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel conducted missile strikes across Iran. Experts anticipate a response from Tehran, viewing the attacks as an existential threat, according to analysts. These attacks, labeled "Operation Epic Fury," reportedly targeted Iranian leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and aimed to disable Iran's ballistic missile program. U.S. President Donald Trump called for regime change, a development some observers suggest limits diplomatic options. This posture has led some to expect Iran to utilize its full capabilities, which has raised concerns among some about regional instability.

What's Being Done

The United States and Israel conducted missile strikes across Iran on February 28, 2026.

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