Timeline
March 1, 2026 — March 5, 2026
World
Timeline: How the Iran-Israel War Unfolded Over 5 Days Following Khamenei's Assassination
In late February 2026, joint U.S.-Israeli strikes killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering a major regional conflict. This timeline tracks the escalating military confrontation, Iran's retaliatory strikes, the chaotic succession crisis, and the widening Middle East war from March 1-5, 2026.
11 events · 4 days · 19 source articles
Tue, Feb 17, 2026
Moderate
Nuclear talks between U.S. and Iran end without progress
A second round of nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran concluded on February 17 with no breakthrough, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. This diplomatic failure set the stage for the military confrontation that would follow days later.
Sun, Mar 1, 2026
Major
Joint U.S.-Israeli aerial bombardment kills Supreme Leader Khamenei
Israel and the United States launched a major attack on Iran targeting military and governmental sites. The 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the bombardment. President Trump announced the death hours before Iranian state television confirmed it early Sunday, calling it Iranians' 'greatest chance' to 'take back' their country.
Sun, Mar 1, 2026
Major
U.S.-Israeli strikes continue for second day on Tehran
Explosions rocked Tehran on Sunday as Israel declared it was taking attacks to the 'heart' of Iran's capital. President Trump announced the 'heavy and pinpoint bombing' would continue through the week or longer. Iran selected a 66-year-old cleric to join a three-member leadership council to govern until a successor could be chosen.
Sun, Mar 1, 2026
Major
Iran launches retaliatory strikes across the region
Iran's Revolutionary Guard threatened its 'most intense offensive operation' ever and began firing missiles and drones at Israel, U.S. military installations around the Gulf, the Saudi capital, and Dubai. At least nine people were killed in Israel, while four more died in attacks across UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.
Sun, Mar 1, 2026
Major
Three U.S. troops killed in Iranian retaliation
The Pentagon confirmed three U.S. service members were killed in action, marking the first American combat deaths in President Trump's war with Iran. U.S. Central Command did not specify where the troops were killed. Iran's top national security official Ali Larijani announced an interim committee would govern the country.
Tue, Mar 3, 2026
Major
Israeli strike targets Iranian Supreme Council succession meeting
Israeli forces struck a gathering of Iran's Supreme Council on Tuesday as members were meeting to choose Khamenei's successor, according to senior Israeli officials. The Assembly of Experts had been expecting a swift appointment, but the strike threatened to throw the succession process into chaos at Iran's most vulnerable moment.
Wed, Mar 4, 2026
Moderate
Iranian warship sinks; bodies recovered in Sri Lanka
The IRIS Dena warship sank outside Sri Lanka's territorial waters. Healthcare workers in Galle, Sri Lanka unloaded the bodies of Iranian sailors who died in the incident. Satellite imagery also showed a capsized ship at Iran's Konarak Naval base, indicating significant naval losses.
Wed, Mar 4, 2026
Minor
Iran defends strikes as lawful defensive measures
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan that Iran's retaliatory strikes were defensive in nature and directed only against U.S. and Israeli targets used to launch attacks on Iran. He claimed the actions were consistent with international law.
Wed, Mar 4, 2026
Moderate
Israel launches new strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon
The Israeli military began new strikes against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon late Wednesday. At least eight people were killed according to Lebanon's Health Ministry and state news agency. Israeli tanks were observed maneuvering near the Israel-Lebanon border.
Thu, Mar 5, 2026
Major
Iran launches fresh missile attacks on sixth day of war
Iran launched more missiles at Israel and U.S. bases as the war entered its sixth day. Israel announced multiple incoming attacks early Thursday and said it was intercepting the missiles. Tehran warned of the destruction of the Middle East's military and economic infrastructure, while oil prices resumed their ascent amid market volatility.
Thu, Mar 5, 2026
Moderate
Israel begins reopening airspace as repatriation effort launches
Israel began to open its airspace on Thursday and allowed a handful of flights to land at Ben Gurion International Airport. More than 20,000 Israelis had returned since the war began, with 120,000 still abroad. The Transportation Ministry estimated repatriation would take seven to ten days. The military issued new evacuation orders in Beirut's southern suburbs.
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