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March 8, 2026 — March 18, 2026
World
Timeline: How the U.S.-Israel Conflict with Iran Escalated Over Three Weeks in March 2026
This timeline tracks a major military conflict that erupted in late February 2026 when the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The conflict rapidly escalated into a full-scale war involving missile strikes, naval blockades, and a global energy crisis, with Iran appointing a new leader and refusing ceasefire negotiations while the U.S. continued military operations.
15 events · 10 days · 30 source articles
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
U.S. and Israel Launch Large-Scale Attack on Iran, Kill Supreme Leader
The U.S. and Israel initiated a massive military operation against Iran, resulting in the death of longtime Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and multiple senior Iranian military officials in airstrikes. This marked the beginning of what would become a major regional conflict.
Sun, Mar 1, 2026
Major
Iran Launches Retaliatory Strikes Against U.S. Bases and Israel
Iran responded with multi-wave missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. military installations across the Middle East and Israeli territory. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps began what they termed 'Operation True Promise 4,' launching sustained counterattacks.
Sat, Mar 7, 2026
Major
Iran Claims Destruction of U.S. Radar Systems and Air Defense Networks
Revolutionary Guard spokesman announced that Iranian forces had destroyed seven advanced radars forming the regional air defense network, including strategic FPS radar at Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base and THAAD system radars in Jordan and UAE. Iran claimed this 'radar blindness' would facilitate larger future strikes.
Sun, Mar 8, 2026
Moderate
Iran Reports Over 200 Targets Hit in First Week of Conflict
Iranian forces announced details of their 26th wave of attacks, using Kheibar Shekan, Emad, and Ghadr missiles with cluster warheads against targets throughout Israel. Iran also struck the U.S. base in Bahrain's Juffair in response to attacks on Iran's Qeshm Island desalination plant and targeted the Haifa refinery.
Mon, Mar 9, 2026
Major
Mojtaba Khamenei Named New Supreme Leader Amid Ongoing War
Iran appointed Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the slain leader, as the new Supreme Leader. Hardline factions held mass rallies across Iran pledging allegiance to the new leader, signaling Iran's determination to continue the conflict. President Trump called this appointment a 'major mistake.'
Mon, Mar 9, 2026
Major
Oil Prices Surge Above $100 Per Barrel
Global oil prices exceeded $100 per barrel for the first time since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, as the conflict disrupted Middle East energy supplies. Qatar reported intercepting 17 Iranian ballistic missiles, while Turkey warned Tehran after a missile crossed its airspace.
Mon, Mar 9, 2026
Moderate
Putin and Trump Discuss Iran Crisis; Russia Offers to Mediate
Russian President Putin spoke with President Trump about the Iran situation, proposing to transfer Iranian enriched uranium to Russia to facilitate ending the war. Trump rejected the proposal. Putin called for an immediate cessation of military action and return to diplomatic solutions.
Thu, Mar 12, 2026
Major
Iran and Hezbollah Conduct First Joint Strike on Israel
Iran and Lebanese Hezbollah coordinated their first joint attack on Israeli targets, demonstrating enhanced cooperation within the regional 'Axis of Resistance.' The Iraqi Islamic Resistance Organization had by this point launched over 300 attacks. New Supreme Leader Khamenei vowed to continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz.
Fri, Mar 13, 2026
Major
U.S. Claims Massive Damage to Iranian Military; Casualty Toll Rises
The U.S. claimed to have struck over 15,000 Iranian targets and reduced Iran's missile arsenal by 90%. Iran countered that it had destroyed 70% of U.S. bases in the Middle East and nearly 10 radars. Iranian statistics showed over 1,300 civilian deaths, while U.S. media reported at least 13 American military deaths and 200 wounded.
Sat, Mar 14, 2026
Major
Trump Vows to Bombard Iranian Coastline and Reopen Strait of Hormuz
President Trump posted on social media that the U.S. would heavily bombard Iran's coastline and 'soon make the Strait of Hormuz open,' claiming other nations would join in sending warships. Trump admitted Iran could still pose threats with drones, mines, or short-range missiles despite claiming 100% destruction of Iran's military.
Sat, Mar 14, 2026
Major
Trump Rejects Middle East Nations' Ceasefire Proposals
Reuters exclusively reported that President Trump rejected mediation efforts by Oman and Egypt to start ceasefire negotiations with Iran. A White House official stated Trump was 'not interested' and the U.S. would 'continue the mission,' prioritizing further degradation of Iranian military capabilities over diplomatic talks.
Sun, Mar 15, 2026
Major
Strait of Hormuz Becomes Central Battleground
The Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of global oil supplies transit, emerged as the focal point of the conflict. Iran's blockade of the strategic waterway became its 'biggest trump card,' causing economic pain globally. Trump demanded South Korea send naval vessels to help reopen the strait.
Sun, Mar 15, 2026
Moderate
Iran Launches 53rd Wave of Attacks Using Hypersonic Missiles
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard confirmed its 53rd wave of attacks, using hypersonic missiles and drones to strike U.S. bases in the UAE. Iran emphasized its shift to 'asymmetric warfare' tactics targeting key U.S. military facilities and economic institutions linked to the U.S. and Israel in the region.
Mon, Mar 16, 2026
Moderate
Russia Formally Offers to Mediate; Calls for Immediate Ceasefire
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov announced that Russia advocates for an immediate cessation of military operations in the Middle East and is willing to serve as a mediator if needed. Lavrov suggested the U.S. and Israel may have realized their 'quick action' strategy was a mistake.
Tue, Mar 17, 2026
Major
Conflict Enters Third Week with No End in Sight
As the war entered its third week, international media assessed that the conflict had reached a 'new phase' with risks of prolonged warfare increasing. The U.S. was described as approaching 'the next war quagmire.' Civilian casualties continued mounting, regional spillover intensified, and the global economic impact deepened.
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