What dangers do the US and Israeli attacks on Iran pose?

In February 2026, the United States and Israel attacked Iran, prompting Iranian retaliation with missile strikes against Israeli targets and US military assets in the Middle East. These attacks followed weeks of increased US military presence in the region and indirect negotiations between the US and Iran regarding Iran's nuclear program. The situation's potential dangers are being analyzed by experts such as Daniel Levy, Mehran Kamrava, and Richard Weitz. The conflict raises concerns about escalating tensions and wider regional instability. The experts are discussing the implications of these recent events.

In February 2026, the US and Israel launched military strikes on Iran, escalating tensions despite recent US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva. Israel targeted Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure, prompting Iran to respond with missile and air strikes across the region, including Israel and several Gulf states. President Trump declared a "major combat operation" aimed at eliminating threats from Iran. This escalation follows a period of heightened conflict that began in June 2025 with Israeli air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which led to retaliatory attacks by Iran and subsequent US strikes. A US-brokered ceasefire had previously ended 12 days of fighting in June 2025.

Following Israeli and US airstrikes on Iran, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs (Dfat) has warned Australians of potential "reprisal attacks and further escalation" across the Middle East. Dfat updated its Smartraveller website, advising against travel to Iran and urging those in the country to leave if safe, citing the risk of military conflict and potential airspace closures impacting global flights. Australians remaining in Iran are advised to prepare to shelter in place with adequate supplies. The Australian embassy's operations in Iran are suspended. Prior to the attacks, Australia had already advised citizens in Israel and Lebanon to consider leaving and withdrew dependents of officials from Israel and Lebanon due to the deteriorating security situation.