The United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes against Iran on February 28, 2026, triggering a major regional crisis with significant implications for Japanese nationals living abroad and Japan's energy security. The Japanese government has convened emergency meetings and issued urgent travel advisories as the situation rapidly evolves. According to NHK reports, explosions were confirmed in Tehran and multiple locations across Iran, with Iranian media reporting over 200 casualties. Israeli media outlets and Reuters cited Israeli officials claiming that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei was killed in the strikes targeting his residence, though Iranian state media has denied these reports. Satellite imagery distributed by Reuters shows significant damage to Khamenei's compound, with visible smoke and destroyed structures. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced in a statement that the military operations would continue for several days, while the U.S. President posted a video declaring intentions to thoroughly attack Iran to prevent future nuclear weapons development. The strikes have already expanded beyond Iran, with explosions reported at U.S. military bases in Gulf Arab nations, suggesting Iranian retaliation has begun. The Japanese government responded swiftly to protect its citizens. According to NHK, Prime Minister convened a National Security Council (NSC) cabinet meeting on February 28 to address the crisis. The government has committed to ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals in Iran and surrounding countries while urging Iran to abandon nuclear weapons development. Reports indicate that Japan has initiated plans to evacuate Japanese citizens from Iran. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel warning advising Japanese citizens to avoid all travel to Israel and urging those in the Middle East region to exercise extreme caution. For expats in Japan with family or business connections in the affected region, these advisories represent critical guidance that should be heeded immediately. The conflict's impact extends far beyond the immediate war zone. Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport—major hubs connecting Japan to the Middle East and beyond—have suspended all flight operations as of February 28 at 9:00 PM Japan time. This disruption affects Japanese travelers and could complicate evacuation efforts for Japanese nationals in the region. Perhaps most concerning for Japan's economy is the reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Tasnim News Agency, connected to Iran's Revolutionary Guard, reported early March 1 that the strait is "effectively closed" as ship traffic has halted. This waterway is crucial for global oil transport, and Japan depends heavily on Middle Eastern energy imports. Expats should anticipate potential fuel price increases and possible economic ripple effects in Japan. Middle East expert Sho Sakanashi from the Japan Institute of Energy Economics provided analysis to NHK on the developing situation, though the full implications remain uncertain as events continue to unfold rapidly. The attack on a school in southern Iran, which Iranian state television reported killed 51 people, demonstrates the human cost and potential for further escalation. For foreign residents in Japan, this crisis serves as a reminder to stay informed about global events that can affect daily life. While Japan remains far from the conflict zone, the interconnected nature of modern economies means that disruptions in the Middle East can impact everything from fuel prices to flight schedules. Expats should monitor official communications from their embassies, follow Japanese government advisories, and avoid non-essential travel to the Middle East region. Those with family members in affected areas should maintain regular contact and be prepared for communication disruptions. As the situation develops, the Japanese government's response will likely include further measures to protect both its citizens abroad and domestic economic interests.