Timeline
February 23, 2026 — February 27, 2026
World
Timeline: How the US-Iran Crisis Escalated Over 5 Days in February 2026
This timeline tracks the rapid deterioration of US-Iran relations from diplomatic negotiations to the brink of military conflict. Over five days, talks in Geneva failed to resolve nuclear tensions, leading to mass evacuations, emergency shelter openings in Israel, and preparations for potential military strikes. The timeline shows how quickly diplomatic efforts can unravel into crisis.
7 events · 4 days · 11 source articles
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
Major
US and Israel Intensify Military Preparations Against Iran
The US and Israel escalate military preparations for potential strikes against Iran amid ongoing tense negotiations. Oman announces that a new round of talks will take place in Geneva, Switzerland on Thursday, involving Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff. The Trump administration expects to receive Iran's proposal on its nuclear program by Tuesday, according to Article 1.
Thu, Feb 26, 2026
Major
Geneva Talks Conclude with Mixed Signals
Negotiations between the US and Iran in Geneva end with conflicting assessments. Oman's Foreign Minister, acting as mediator, describes 'significant progress,' while American sources express 'disappointment' with Tehran's position. Delegations return to their capitals for further consultations, with technical discussions planned to continue in Vienna the following week. Israel begins preparing for the worst-case scenario of diplomatic collapse, according to Article 2.
Fri, Feb 27, 2026
Major
Public Shelters Opened in Beer Sheva as Tensions Mount
The mayor of Beer Sheva in southern Israel orders all public shelters opened following an urgent message from the US Ambassador. The US State Department approves departure of non-essential personnel and family members of those stationed in Israel due to 'security risks.' China's embassy in Israel also issues warnings to its citizens, signaling widespread international concern about imminent conflict, as reported in Articles 3, 4, and 5.
Fri, Feb 27, 2026
Major
US Ambassador Issues Urgent Evacuation Warning
US Ambassador Mike Huckabee reportedly tells embassy staff that if they want to leave Israel, they must do so 'TODAY.' The urgent tone marks a significant escalation in warnings. Britain begins evacuating diplomatic personnel from Iran. The presence of US F-22 stealth fighters and KC-135 tankers in Israel increases fears that Tehran would respond to any US strike by targeting Israeli territory, according to Articles 5, 6, and 7.
Fri, Feb 27, 2026
Moderate
Additional Israeli Cities Open Emergency Shelters
Beyond Beer Sheva, shelters are ordered open in Tel Aviv, Raanana, and other Israeli cities as precautionary measures. China's embassy reinforces its warning to Chinese citizens in Israel to strengthen security measures and emergency preparedness, citing 'increasing security risks in the Middle East.' The civil protection system activated during previous conflicts with Hezbollah and Gaza is now being mobilized again, as noted in Article 8.
Fri, Feb 27, 2026
Major
Global Anxiety Peaks as Trump Has Not Made Final Strike Decision
Tension reaches critical levels across the Middle East as reports indicate President Trump has not yet made a final decision on military strikes against Iran. Multiple countries follow the US example and advise their citizens to leave the Middle East region for security reasons. The international community remains on high alert as the situation could escalate within hours, according to Articles 9, 10, and 11.
Fri, Feb 27, 2026
Major
World on Alert for Potential Strike Within 24 Hours
The entire world enters a state of heightened vigilance amid expectations of a possible US strike on Iran within the next 24 hours. The American embassy in Israel restricts employee travel to certain areas including the Old City of Jerusalem and the West Bank. Multiple nations urge their citizens to consider leaving Israel and the broader Middle East region immediately. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi calls on the US to avoid 'any excessive demands,' as reported in Article 11.
Share this story