Timeline
March 8, 2026 — March 8, 2026
World
Timeline: How the Iran-Israel War Escalated Over 9 Days
This timeline tracks the rapid escalation of conflict in the Middle East following the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, 2026, through the widening regional war involving the United States, Israel, Iran, and neighboring states. The story encompasses military strikes, civilian casualties, regional spillover, and the urgent succession crisis in Tehran.
11 events · 0 days · 30 source articles
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei killed in US-Israeli strikes on Tehran
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in joint US-Israeli strikes targeting his compound in Tehran, marking the beginning of a major military offensive against Iran. This event ended Khamenei's nearly 37-year rule as supreme leader and triggered a succession crisis. The strikes were initially described by the US as preemptive action to protect Israel.
Mon, Mar 2, 2026
Major
Hezbollah enters the conflict with attacks on Israel
Iran-backed Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel in response to Khamenei's assassination, drawing Lebanon into the wider regional war. This marked a significant expansion of the conflict beyond Iran and Israel. Israel responded by launching a new military operation aimed at forcing Hezbollah to disarm and targeting its strongholds in Lebanon.
Fri, Mar 6, 2026
Moderate
Anti-US-Israel demonstrations held in Tehran as casualties mount
Large demonstrations took place in Tehran following Friday prayers, with protestors holding portraits of the slain Ayatollah Khamenei. By this point, the US-Israeli bombardment had killed more than 1,300 people in Iran, with children accounting for around 30% of the deaths. Hospitals in Tehran were treating wounded children, some requiring intensive care.
Sat, Mar 7, 2026
Major
Israel strikes oil facilities in Tehran; regional attacks intensify
Joint US-Israeli strikes targeted five oil storage facilities in and around Tehran, killing four employees and creating a dark haze over the city. Huge fireballs and thick smoke rose over the Iranian capital as fuel depots burned. These were the first direct attacks on Iran's oil infrastructure. Israeli forces also continued heavy bombardment of Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.
Sat, Mar 7, 2026
Major
Iranian attacks spread to Gulf states
Iran launched drone and missile attacks against Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain in retaliation for the US-Israeli offensive. Fuel tanks at Kuwait's international airport were targeted, causing a major fire. Saudi Arabia intercepted drones targeting Riyadh's diplomatic quarter. These attacks marked a dangerous expansion of the conflict across the Persian Gulf region.
Sun, Mar 8, 2026
Major
Assembly of Experts reaches consensus on Khamenei's successor
Iran's Assembly of Experts announced it had reached a majority consensus on selecting a new supreme leader, though the name was not immediately revealed. Member Ayatollah Mohammad-Mahdi Mirbagheri stated that 'some obstacles' still needed to be resolved. Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader's son, was widely speculated to be the choice, though Hassan Khomeini was also mentioned as a possibility.
Sun, Mar 8, 2026
Major
Iran unleashes massive barrage on Israel and Gulf states
Iran launched coordinated missile and drone attacks early Sunday morning against multiple targets including Israel, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. Kuwait's military reported intercepting hostile attacks while a desalination plant in Bahrain was damaged, injuring three people. Israel reported that Iran's Revolutionary Guards fired missiles toward Tel Aviv, Beersheva, and a Jordanian air base.
Sun, Mar 8, 2026
Moderate
Israeli strike on Beirut hotel kills at least four
An Israeli air strike hit the Ramada Plaza hotel in central Beirut, killing at least four people and wounding ten others. Israel claimed it was targeting commanders from Iran's elite Quds Force of the IRGC operating in the Lebanese capital, though it did not name the specific targets. Guests at the busy hotel experienced the blast, which sent smoke rising over the Raouche district.
Sun, Mar 8, 2026
Moderate
Displacement crisis deepens in Lebanon as shelters overflow
More than 454,000 people were displaced in Lebanon as Israeli strikes continued, with many sleeping in cars, on streets, or on beaches. Hundreds of schools, places of worship, and stadiums were converted into emergency shelters, but demand far exceeded capacity. The death toll in Lebanon surpassed 300 since fighting began on February 28, with 12 more killed in overnight strikes.
Sun, Mar 8, 2026
Major
Israeli PM says campaign aims to 'overthrow the regime'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the current military campaign is 'creating the conditions to overthrow the regime' in Iran. The Israeli army expected the current phase to last another two weeks. Meanwhile, Israel threatened to kill whoever succeeds Khamenei and even those involved in selecting the new leader, issuing warnings in Farsi on social media.
Sun, Mar 8, 2026
Major
Iran announces successor chosen but keeps identity secret
Iranian officials confirmed that a new supreme leader has been selected to replace Ali Khamenei, but the name remains undisclosed for security reasons. The announcement came as Israel continued threatening to target the successor and anyone involved in the selection process. President Massoud Pezeshkian declared that Iranians would not allow enemies to seize 'a single centimeter' of national territory, while also apologizing to neighboring countries for Iranian attacks.
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