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February 28, 2026 — February 28, 2026
World
Timeline: How the US-Israel Joint Strike on Iran Unfolded on February 28, 2026
On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes against Iran in what President Trump described as 'major combat operations.' The attacks targeted military sites across Iran including Tehran, marking a dramatic escalation after weeks of failed diplomatic negotiations over Iran's nuclear program. This timeline tracks the rapid sequence of events as the operation began, Iran retaliated, and global tensions mounted.
10 events · 0 days · 30 source articles
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Explosions reported across Tehran as strikes begin
At approximately 9:30 AM Tehran time (6:00 GMT), explosions were heard and smoke was seen rising across multiple areas of Tehran, including University Street, the Jomhouri area, and the northern Seyyed Khandan district. Iranian media reported attacks nationwide, including in the western Ilam province. This marked the beginning of what would become a major joint military operation.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Israel announces 'preventive strike' and declares state of emergency
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Israel had launched a 'preemptive strike' against Iran. A state of emergency was declared across Israel as sirens sounded to warn civilians of possible Iranian missile retaliation. Israeli officials described the operation as intended to 'remove threats to Israel.'
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
US confirms joint military operation with Israel
A US official confirmed to Al Jazeera that the attacks were being carried out as a joint military operation between Israel and the United States. US officials described the strikes as 'not a small strike' and confirmed they were being conducted by air and sea. This marked official US confirmation of direct military involvement.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Trump announces 'major combat operations' in 8-minute video
President Donald Trump posted an 8-minute video to Truth Social confirming that the United States had begun 'major combat operations' in Iran. Trump stated the objective was 'to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.' He vowed to 'destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground' and claimed Iran had continued developing its nuclear program.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Targets include military sites and Khamenei's compound
Reports emerged that the strikes targeted dozens of military sites across Iran, including the compound housing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose whereabouts remained unknown. The Israeli military indicated the operation had been months in the planning. Multiple Iranian cities were hit in what Trump described as a 'massive and ongoing' campaign.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Iran launches retaliatory missile strikes
Tehran responded by launching missiles at Israel and several US military bases in the region. Iranian officials promised a 'crushing' retaliation to the joint US-Israeli attacks. Sirens sounded across Israel as the country braced for incoming missiles, validating earlier Israeli warnings about the possibility of Iranian retaliation.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Moderate
Trump calls for regime overthrow in Iran
In his video message, President Trump directly appealed to the Iranian people to 'take over your government,' calling it 'probably your only chance for generations.' He vowed to 'annihilate' Iran's navy and destroy missile sites, using language of 'elimination' and 'annihilation' throughout his address. Trump made various claims without providing evidence.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Moderate
US military successfully defends against Iranian counterattack
The US military reported it had 'successfully defended against hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks' targeting US bases in the region. US officials stated there were 'no reports' of American casualties from the Iranian retaliation. This indicated that US air defense systems had effectively intercepted Iran's initial response.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Moderate
Concerns rise over Strait of Hormuz closure
Analysts warned that the escalation could lead Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint that carries approximately one-fifth of the world's oil consumption. Iran had repeatedly threatened to close the strait in the past. Such action could cause oil prices to spike sharply and deliver a massive blow to the global economy.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Moderate
Context emerges: weeks of failed negotiations preceded strikes
Multiple sources confirmed the attacks came after weeks of unsuccessful diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran over Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The operation followed mounting threats from Trump and eight months after a previous 12-day US-Israel war against Iran. This military action represented an escalation after diplomacy had failed to produce results.
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