Timeline
February 28, 2026 — March 4, 2026
World
Timeline: How the Israel-US War with Iran Unfolded Over Five Days
This timeline tracks the rapid escalation of military conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran from February 28 to March 4, 2026. Beginning with a joint Israel-US 'preemptive' strike that killed Iran's Supreme Leader, the conflict quickly expanded into sustained air campaigns across the region, Iranian retaliatory strikes, and a humanitarian crisis. A timeline is essential for understanding how this complex, multi-front war developed hour by hour.
12 events · 4 days · 18 source articles
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Israel and US launch 'preemptive' strikes on Iran
Israel announced a 'preemptive' strike against Iran to 'remove threats,' with explosions reported in Tehran. NPR confirmed the operation was conducted jointly with the US, though there was no immediate US comment. The attacks came amid soaring tensions over Iran's nuclear and missile programs and a major US military deployment to the region.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Air raid sirens sound across Israel as state of emergency declared
Approximately 8:15 a.m. local time, sirens blared across Israel warning of possible Iranian retaliatory missile attacks. Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency as officials warned that further missile and drone attacks could be imminent.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Iran retaliates with strikes causing scattered damage across Israel
Iranian projectiles struck multiple areas across Israel, starting fires and causing scattered damage. Israelis rushed into bomb shelters as interceptors were seen detonating in the skies over Tel Aviv and other cities attempting to block incoming fire.
Sun, Mar 1, 2026
Major
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei killed in strikes
It was confirmed that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the US-Israeli air strikes. Iranian President Pezeshkian stated Iran was duty-bound to avenge the killing. The death shocked both supporters and opponents, leaving Iran without its spiritual leader though military command appeared intact.
Sun, Mar 1, 2026
Major
Strikes continue into second day as girls' school reportedly hit
Israel launched new attacks striking 'the heart of Tehran' as the conflict spread across the Gulf region. Iranian state media reported that as many as 108 female pupils were killed when a girls' school in Minab was hit, though Israel stated it was 'not aware' of any strike on the school. Iran continued strikes on Israel and US targets in Gulf states, Iraq, and Jordan.
Mon, Mar 2, 2026
Moderate
Netanyahu vows to increase strikes on Tehran with US support
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that strikes on Tehran would increase in the coming days with US support, stating he would do what he had 'hoped to do for 40 years.' This signaled a sustained campaign rather than a limited operation.
Mon, Mar 2, 2026
Moderate
Third day of strikes as Israeli city hit by debris
The Israeli military announced a new 'broad strike' on Tehran with loud explosions heard across central and eastern parts of the Iranian capital. Meanwhile, a city in southern Israel was hit by debris from a countered strike. Iranians described hearing explosions day and night, with one resident saying impacts were so hard 'the house was shaking.'
Mon, Mar 2, 2026
Moderate
Iran blocks internet as attacks continue across the country
Iranian authorities blocked internet access, making it extremely difficult for people to communicate with the outside world. Despite restrictions, residents reported continuous bombing of military and strategic sites. The BBC managed to reach some individuals who described the ongoing impact of the strikes.
Tue, Mar 3, 2026
Moderate
War widens as strikes enter fourth day
The crisis in the Middle East continued to widen as the US-Israel military campaign against Iran stretched into its fourth day. Major strikes continued across Iran with no signs of de-escalation, while Iranian retaliatory strikes persisted.
Tue, Mar 3, 2026
Major
Israeli military strikes Iran's presidential office and security council
The Israeli army announced it had carried out airstrikes against the Iranian presidency and the offices of the Supreme National Security Council in Tehran. This represented an escalation targeting the political leadership infrastructure of Iran.
Tue, Mar 3, 2026
Moderate
Tehran becomes 'ghost town' under sustained missile barrage
Terrified residents described Iran's capital as a ghost town with streets largely emptied by the US-Israeli missile barrage. Only security checkpoints and Revolutionary Guards patrols remained visible throughout the city. Iranians expressed conflicting emotions between hope for regime change and fear of civilian casualties.
Wed, Mar 4, 2026
Major
Iranian strikes on Israel decrease as campaign enters fifth day
Israel reported a decline in missile launches from Iran as the campaign entered its fifth day, though reasons remained unclear. The Israeli military continued to intercept incoming Iranian missiles with explosions heard around Jerusalem. US officials stated Tehran's defenses were 'severely degraded,' while funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Khamenei were postponed.
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