Timeline
February 19, 2026 — February 24, 2026
World
Timeline: How the US-Iran Military Crisis Escalated Over 6 Days (February 19-24, 2026)
This timeline tracks the rapid escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran during a critical six-day period in February 2026. As diplomatic negotiations stalled over Iran's nuclear program, the US assembled its largest military force in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq invasion, bringing the two nations to the brink of direct military conflict. The timeline reveals how military preparations, ultimatums, and warnings of catastrophic consequences unfolded day by day.
11 events · 5 days · 17 source articles
Wed, Feb 18, 2026
Moderate
Russian Foreign Minister Warns of Nuclear Incident Risk
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned in an interview with Al Arabiya that new US strikes on Iran could have negative consequences for the entire region and Russia. He noted that previous strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities under IAEA control created real risks of a nuclear incident, undermining international authority.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Major
US Deploys Largest Air Force Buildup Since 2003 Iraq Invasion
The Wall Street Journal reported that the United States was sending a significant number of fighter jets and support aircraft to the Middle East, creating the largest air force buildup in the region since the 2003 Iraq invasion. Advanced F-35 and F-22 fighters were being transferred, along with a second aircraft carrier group, command and control aircraft, and critical air defense systems.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Major
Pentagon Confirms Military Readiness for Weekend Strike
CNN and other US media reported that the Pentagon had informed the White House that American military forces would be ready to conduct a military operation against Iran by the weekend if ordered by the president. However, President Trump had not yet made a final decision on whether to proceed with military action, as diplomatic negotiations continued.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Moderate
US Begins Evacuating Personnel from Middle East Bases
The US Department of Defense began withdrawing military personnel from bases in the Middle East, primarily to Europe and the US, as a precautionary measure in case of a possible attack on Iran or potential Iranian retaliation. Pentagon sources indicated these movements were standard procedure when the probability of using force is being considered.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Major
Axios Reports 90% Probability of Military Operation
The news portal Axios reported, citing an unnamed Trump advisor, that there was a 90% probability that the US would begin a military operation in Iran in the coming weeks. The operation was expected to be large-scale and last several weeks, potentially targeting Iran's nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and launch sites.
Fri, Feb 20, 2026
Major
Trump Issues 10-15 Day Ultimatum to Iran
President Donald Trump gave Iran's leadership 10-15 days to conclude an agreement on de-escalation in the Middle East. Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the 'Peace Council' in Washington, Trump warned that if Tehran did not agree to a deal, 'bad things' would happen. He indicated the administration was considering both limited strikes and full-scale operations aimed at regime change.
Sat, Feb 21, 2026
Major
US Considers Assassination of Supreme Leader Khamenei
Axios reported that the United States was examining options including the elimination of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and his son Mojtaba. An unnamed advisor to President Trump stated that the US had scenarios for every possibility, and that this option had been presented to the president several weeks earlier.
Sat, Feb 21, 2026
Major
Reuters: Iran and US 'Rapidly Sliding' Toward Military Conflict
Reuters reported, citing officials from both sides and diplomats from Gulf states and Europe, that Iran and the US were rapidly sliding toward military conflict as hopes for diplomatic settlement over Tehran's nuclear program faded. Sources indicated that Iran's neighbors in the Persian Gulf and Israel now considered conflict more likely than settlement.
Sat, Feb 21, 2026
Moderate
Experts Warn of Catastrophic Consequences of US Attack
The New York Times published warnings from international analysts that a possible US military operation against Iran promised to be a more protracted and dangerous campaign compared to recent US actions in Venezuela. Experts called on US authorities to exercise caution, pointing to Tehran's powerful defensive potential and its wide network of influence in the region.
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
Moderate
Intelligence Detects Increased Iranian Proxy Activity in Europe
The Telegraph reported that US officials warned Iranian proxy groups could receive orders to strike American targets in Europe and the Middle East if the United States attacked Iran. Intelligence detected increased 'chatter' and heightened activity in communications of pro-Iranian movements, potentially indicating preparation and coordination of possible attacks.
Tue, Feb 24, 2026
Major
Israeli Media: US Army Completes Preparation for Iran Operation
Israeli television channel Channel 14 reported, citing its source, that the US Army had completed preparations for a possible military operation in Iran. The source noted that 'the feeling is that the United States is moving toward an attack,' despite the White House continuing to speak about dialogue. The largest aviation grouping since the 2003 Iraq invasion remained assembled in the region.
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