The conflict in U.S. and Israel against Iran on 28 February 2026 quickly escalated into a broader West‑Asian war. Analysts initially warned that the war would persist as long as Iran retained its missile stockpiles or the Gulf states exhausted their air‑defence interceptors . Key Developments U.S. and Israel launched a coordinated strike on Iranian strategic sites on 28 Feb 2026 . The strike triggered retaliatory missile launches by Iran, drawing in Gulf nations into the conflict. U.S. defence agencies initiated emergency military sales to allies, inflating defence outlays. Escalating monetary costs and a strained supply chain are raising concerns about the sustainability of U.S. involvement. Important Facts • Iran’s missile arsenal remains a decisive factor; depletion would likely curtail its offensive capacity. • Gulf states possess limited numbers of high‑end interceptors; once exhausted, their air‑defence shield weakens. • "Emergency" sales bypass standard congressional oversight, accelerating delivery but increasing fiscal exposure. • Global defence supply chains are already under pressure from pandemic‑era disruptions and heightened demand, leading to longer lead times and higher prices. UPSC Relevance The episode illustrates several core UPSC themes: Geopolitics and security – Understanding the strategic calculus of the U.S. , Israel and Iran in the Middle East (GS2). Defence procurement – The role of emergency sales in bypassing normal procedures, relevant to public‑policy and fiscal management (GS3). Economic implications – How soaring defence spending and supply‑chain bottlenecks affect a nation’s fiscal health and broader economy (GS3). Regional stability – The inter‑dependence of Gulf nations’ air‑defence capabilities and the risk of wider escalation (GS2). Way Forward For policymakers, the immediate challenge is to balance strategic objectives with fiscal prudence. Options include: Negotiating limited‑time cease‑fire or de‑escalation to prevent further depletion of missile and interceptor stocks. Strengthening regional defence cooperation, possibly through joint procurement to pool interceptor resources. Enhancing supply‑chain resilience by diversifying sources and increasing domestic production of critical components. Subjecting emergency sales to post‑operation audits to gauge cost‑effectiveness and inform future policy. Monitoring these dynamics will be essential for aspirants preparing for questions on international security, defence economics, and India’s own strategic posture in a volatile neighbourhood.