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 assault on Iran, marking one of the most significant escalations in Middle East tensions in decades. The operation resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and triggered widespread regional conflict, with Iran launching retaliatory strikes across the Middle East. This timeline tracks the critical 72-hour period from the initial strikes to the expanding regional crisis.
16 events · 1 days · 30 source articles
Fri, Feb 27, 2026
Minor
Oil Prices and Precious Metals Rise Amid Pre-Strike Tensions
On February 27, international oil prices, gold, and silver all experienced increases, signaling market anticipation of potential conflict. This preceded the actual military strikes by one day, suggesting intelligence or rumors of the impending operation had reached financial markets.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
U.S. and Israel Launch 'Operation Epic Fury' Against Iran
At approximately 9:50 AM local time (14:20 Beijing time), explosions were heard in Tehran as the U.S. and Israel initiated a massive coordinated military strike codenamed 'Operation Epic Fury' (U.S.) and 'Roaring Lion' (Israel). The operation began with U.S. F-35 stealth fighters and targeted multiple Iranian cities including Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. This marked the largest U.S. military deployment in the Middle East since 2003, with two carrier strike groups positioned around Iran.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Israel Confirms Strike and Declares Nationwide Emergency
Israeli Defense Minister Katz confirmed the 'preemptive strike' against Iran at approximately 8:30 AM Israel time. Israel declared a state of emergency across the entire country, with air raid sirens sounding nationwide and citizens ordered to stay near shelters. The targets included Iran's presidential palace and Supreme Leader Khamenei's residence.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Trump Announces Operation to 'Flatten Iran's Missile Industry'
President Trump announced at approximately 2:30 AM EST that the U.S. was conducting major military operations in Iran, stating the objective was to destroy Iran's missile industry, eliminate Iran's navy, and ensure Iran cannot obtain nuclear weapons. He claimed Iran was developing long-range missiles threatening the United States and stated the operation would last at least one week.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Moderate
Iran Closes Airspace; Multiple Countries Follow Suit
Around 15:00 Beijing time, both Iran and Israel closed their airspace. This was quickly followed by Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and parts of UAE and Syria closing their airspace as well. The closures led to massive flight cancellations and diversions across the Middle East, affecting tens of thousands of passengers.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Supreme Leader Khamenei Killed in Strike
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, was killed during the U.S.-Israel strikes while meeting with senior officials including Ali Shamkhani and Ali Larijani at a secure location. The strike also killed approximately 40 Iranian officials including the Defense Minister, IRGC commanders, and intelligence officials. Khamenei's daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter, and daughter-in-law also perished in the attack. Trump later posted that intelligence agencies had tracked the Supreme Leader's location before killing him.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Iran Launches 'True Promise 4' Retaliatory Operation
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) initiated 'True Promise 4,' a massive retaliatory operation targeting U.S. military bases across the Middle East and Israeli facilities. Iran launched 125 missiles toward Israel in the first wave, with 35 entering Israeli airspace. The IRGC targeted at least 14 U.S. military bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, UAE, and Qatar, including the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Hormuz Strait Oil Transport Halted
Following the strikes and counter-strikes, oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz came to a standstill. Real-time monitoring systems showed tanker speeds dropping to zero throughout the region as major oil companies and trading giants suspended shipments through the strait, which normally carries about one-fifth of global oil transport. This immediately impacted global energy markets.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Moderate
School Strike in Iran Kills 165 Children
A girls' elementary school in Minab, Hormozgan Province, southern Iran, was struck during the U.S.-Israel operation. Search and rescue operations concluded later, confirming 165 deaths. This civilian casualty incident drew international humanitarian concern and became a focal point of criticism against the military operation.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Moderate
UN Security Council Holds Emergency Session
UN Secretary-General Guterres condemned the military escalation in the Middle East, stating that the U.S.-Israel use of force against Iran and Iran's subsequent retaliation undermined international peace and security. Russia and China requested an emergency UN Security Council meeting. Iran's UN representative condemned the strikes as war crimes violating the UN Charter.
Sun, Mar 1, 2026
Major
Iran Confirms Khamenei's Death and Forms Interim Leadership
Iran officially confirmed Khamenei's death and announced 40 days of national mourning with public institutions closed for seven days. President Pezeshkian stated that an interim leadership committee, consisting of the President, Judiciary Chief, and a Guardian Council jurist, began work pending election of a new Supreme Leader. Iran vowed to make enemies 'pay a heavy price.'
Sun, Mar 1, 2026
Major
Iran Intensifies Strikes in Sixth Wave of Retaliation
The IRGC announced the sixth wave of 'True Promise 4,' conducting massive missile and drone attacks against Israeli military headquarters in Hakirya, the large defense industrial complex in Tel Aviv, and 27 U.S. military bases and facilities across the region. Iran claimed its strikes had caused 560 U.S. military casualties. The IRGC stated it was using more advanced missiles than in previous operations.
Sun, Mar 1, 2026
Major
Second Day of Israeli Strikes Targets Tehran
Israel launched a new round of airstrikes against Iran, with over 100 Israeli Air Force fighter jets participating. The strikes targeted IRGC headquarters in Tehran, including intelligence, air force, and internal security departments. Iran's state television headquarters was hit, causing several channels to temporarily lose broadcast signal. Hospitals in Tehran and Ahvaz were also struck.
Sun, Mar 1, 2026
Moderate
Retaliation Spreads to Gulf States; Dubai Airport and Burj Al Arab Hit
Iran's retaliatory strikes expanded to affect Persian Gulf countries. Dubai International Airport sustained minor damage with four employees injured. The iconic Burj Al Arab hotel was hit by drone debris, causing a small fire. Abu Dhabi International Airport, Kuwait International Airport, and facilities in Qatar were also attacked. UAE reported one dead and eight injured from the strikes, which involved 137 missiles and 209 drones launched at UAE alone.
Sun, Mar 1, 2026
Moderate
IRGC Announces Ninth Wave; Claims Attack on U.S. Aircraft Carrier
The IRGC announced it had launched the ninth wave of attacks, describing it as 'the most fierce offensive operation in history.' The IRGC claimed to have attacked a U.S. aircraft carrier, though U.S. Central Command denied any naval vessels were hit. Iran stated the strikes targeted Israeli military facilities and U.S. bases throughout the Middle East, with minimal damage reported to U.S. facilities.
Mon, Mar 2, 2026
Major
Conflict Expands; Israel Strikes Beirut as Regional War Looms
By March 2, the conflict showed signs of expanding beyond Iran. Israel conducted airstrikes on southern Beirut in retaliation for Hezbollah rocket attacks on northern Israel. Iran announced it had shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone over southern Iran. President Trump claimed the U.S. strikes had destroyed Iran's military command capabilities and stated operations could continue for up to four weeks. Analysts assessed that U.S. hegemony was being reasserted in the Middle East while anti-U.S. forces globally were being weakened.
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