Timeline
March 1, 2026 — March 2, 2026
World
Timeline: How the U.S.-Israel Strike on Iran Unfolded Over 72 Hours
In late February 2026, the United States and Israel launched a massive coordinated military operation against Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and triggering the most serious Middle East crisis in decades. This timeline tracks the rapid escalation from the initial strikes through Iran's retaliatory attacks and the broader regional fallout that disrupted global energy markets and aviation.
16 events · 1 days · 30 source articles
Fri, Feb 27, 2026
Minor
Oil Prices Rise Amid Pre-Strike Tensions
International oil prices, gold, and silver all rose on February 27, one day before the U.S.-Israel military action. This market movement suggested investors were anticipating escalation in the Middle East, though the full scope of what was to come remained unknown.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
U.S. and Israel Launch 'Epic Fury' Operation Against Iran
At approximately 9:50 AM Tehran time (14:20 Beijing time), massive explosions were heard in Tehran as U.S. and Israeli forces began coordinated strikes across Iran. The operation, codenamed 'Epic Fury' by the U.S. and 'Roaring Lion' by Israel, targeted multiple Iranian cities including Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. This was the largest U.S. military deployment to the Middle East since 2003, involving two aircraft carrier battle groups and extensive air power.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Israel Declares Emergency and Confirms Joint Attack
Israeli Defense Minister Katz confirmed a 'preemptive strike' against Iran at 8:30 AM Israel time. Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency, with sirens sounding across the country and citizens directed to remain near shelters. Israeli media confirmed this was a joint U.S.-Israel operation targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, military command centers, and leadership.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Supreme Leader Khamenei Killed in Strike
U.S. intelligence located and targeted a meeting of Iran's top leadership. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei was killed while meeting with senior officials including National Security Council Secretary Shamkhani. According to reports, approximately 40 Iranian officials died in the attacks, including the Defense Minister, Revolutionary Guards commanders, and intelligence officials. Khamenei's daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter, and daughter-in-law also perished.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Trump Announces Mission to Destroy Iran's Military Capabilities
President Trump declared that the U.S. had begun major military operations in Iran, stating the mission would 'level Iran's missile industry to the ground,' eliminate Iran's navy, and ensure Iran could not obtain nuclear weapons. He claimed Khamenei was dead and described this as Iran's 'best chance to take back their country.' Israeli sources indicated the first phase would last four days with all Iranian leaders as targets.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Multiple Nations Close Airspace as Crisis Escalates
Israel, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Syria closed their airspace entirely, while UAE, Qatar, and other nations implemented partial closures. Egyptian Air suspended flights to 13 Middle Eastern destinations. Major oil companies suspended tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries one-fifth of global oil shipments, causing international oil prices to spike further.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Iran Launches 'True Promise 4' Retaliatory Operation
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched massive missile and drone counterattacks against Israeli targets and U.S. military bases across the Middle East. Iranian media reported 125 missiles fired at Israel in the first wave, with 35 entering Israeli airspace. The U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain was struck. Iran targeted at least 14 U.S. bases in the region and vowed to attack all American and Israeli military targets without 'red lines.'
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Iranian Missiles Hit Israeli Military Headquarters
According to Iran's Tasnim News Agency, Iranian missiles successfully struck the Israeli military's general staff headquarters (Hakirya) in Tel Aviv. The Revolutionary Guards claimed this precision strike was part of their 'True Promise 4' operation. Prime Minister Netanyahu was forced to relocate to an underground bunker as Israel entered maximum alert status nationwide.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Iran Strikes U.S. Bases and Gulf State Facilities
Iran expanded attacks to U.S. military installations across Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and UAE. Qatar reported intercepting 65 ballistic missiles and 12 drones, though two missiles hit Al Udeid Air Base. Reports emerged of strikes on Dubai International Airport and the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel. A school in Iran's Minab city was hit during the conflict, with search operations eventually confirming 165 deaths.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Moderate
International Community Condemns Escalation
UN Secretary-General Guterres condemned the military escalation, calling for immediate cessation of hostilities. Russia's Foreign Ministry called the strikes 'premeditated armed aggression' and demanded emergency UN Security Council meetings. China urged respect for Iran's sovereignty and called for dialogue. The Arab League declared this marked 'the escalation of the Arab-Israeli conflict into full regional war.' France, Germany, and other nations called for restraint.
Sun, Mar 1, 2026
Major
Iran Confirms Khamenei's Death, Establishes Interim Leadership
Iranian government officially confirmed Supreme Leader Khamenei died 'at his post' and announced 40 days of national mourning with government offices closed for seven days. President Pezeshkian announced formation of a temporary leadership council consisting of himself, the judiciary chief, and a Guardian Council jurist to govern until a new Supreme Leader could be elected. Revolutionary Guards vowed to 'severely punish the perpetrators.'
Sun, Mar 1, 2026
Major
Iran Launches Sixth Wave of Attacks on 27 U.S. Bases
The Revolutionary Guards announced the sixth phase of 'True Promise 4,' confirming strikes on 27 U.S. military bases and facilities across the region, along with Israeli military headquarters in Tel Aviv and defense industrial complexes. Iran claimed its counterattacks had caused 560 U.S. military casualties. The Guards promised 'the most violent offensive operation in history' against American and Israeli targets.
Sun, Mar 1, 2026
Major
Israel Launches Massive Second-Day Assault on Tehran
Israel announced a new wave of airstrikes targeting Tehran's heart with over 100 fighter jets hitting Revolutionary Guards headquarters, intelligence facilities, and air force installations. Iran's state broadcaster IRIB was struck, causing multiple channels to lose signal. Gandhi Hospital in Tehran and a hospital in Ahvaz were also hit. Defense Minister Katz stated Israel would continue operations until regime change occurred.
Sun, Mar 1, 2026
Moderate
Gulf States Report Widespread Damage from Iranian Retaliation
Dubai International Airport sustained damage with four employees injured. The Burj Al Arab hotel was struck by drone debris. UAE reported 137 missiles and 209 drones launched at its territory, causing two deaths. Kuwait International Airport was hit by drones. Qatar reported eight injuries. The Jebel Ali Port in UAE was struck. Major aviation hubs across the Gulf remained closed, stranding tens of thousands of passengers.
Mon, Mar 2, 2026
Moderate
Iran Claims Ninth Round of Strikes; U.S. Confirms Three Troops Killed
By 40 hours into the conflict, Iran announced it had conducted nine rounds of retaliatory attacks. U.S. Central Command confirmed three American service members were killed and five seriously wounded in the 'Epic Fury' operation, though it claimed no naval vessels were hit and facility damage was minimal. Trump warned of 'unprecedented' response if Iran continued attacks and stated operations could last up to four weeks.
Mon, Mar 2, 2026
Moderate
Regional Conflict Expands as Israel Strikes Lebanon
Israel conducted airstrikes on southern Beirut suburbs in retaliation for Hezbollah rocket attacks on northern Israel, marking an expansion of the conflict beyond Iran. Iran's Revolutionary Guards released footage claiming to have shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone over southern Iran. Gulf nations threatened retaliatory action against Iran within a 'common security framework,' further widening the crisis.
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