Why the Attack on Iran Happened Now

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 19:45:06 +1300

The recent military strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel mark one of the most dramatic escalations in Middle East tensions in decades. But why did it happen now?

The operation—reported as a coordinated campaign beginning in late February 2026—targeted Iranian military infrastructure, missile systems, and leadership positions across multiple cities. According to analysts and officials, the main goal was to weaken Iran’s nuclear and ballistic-missile capabilities and reduce its ability to project military power in the region.

Several factors helped trigger the timing of the attack:

1. Nuclear Concerns
Western governments have long accused Iran of advancing toward nuclear weapon capability. The strikes were framed as a preventive action to stop potential weaponization.

2. Regional Security Threats
Iran has supported armed groups across the Middle East and launched or threatened attacks on U.S. forces and regional allies, raising fears of a broader conflict.

3. Political Instability Inside Iran
Large protests and economic turmoil in Iran weakened the government domestically, leading some analysts to believe outside powers saw a strategic window to act.

4. Strategic Military Opportunity
Prior strikes and cyber operations had already degraded Iran’s air defenses and command systems, making a larger operation more feasible.

The result is a rapidly expanding regional conflict involving missile attacks, cyber warfare, and rising global economic risk—particularly around oil supply routes and Middle Eastern security.