Timeline
March 23, 2026 — March 31, 2026
World
Timeline: How the US-Israel Military Operations Against Iran Unfolded Over 8 Days
This timeline traces the development of military operations and diplomatic efforts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran in late March 2026. It documents the revelation of secret plans, operational preparations, failed intelligence expectations, and escalating commitments as a conflict that began with airstrikes evolved toward potential ground operations.
8 events · 8 days · 13 source articles
Mon, Mar 23, 2026
Major
US Plans for Ground Operation Against Iranian Island Revealed
The Jerusalem Post reported that senior US officials informed Israel and other countries about plans for a ground military operation to capture the Iranian island of Khark, a major oil export hub. The US confirmed accelerated deployment of thousands of Marines and naval personnel to the Middle East. This marked a significant escalation from air operations to potential ground invasion.
Mon, Mar 23, 2026
Major
Mossad's Failed Plan to Trigger Iranian Uprising Exposed
The New York Times revealed that Mossad chief David Barnea had proposed a plan to Israeli PM Netanyahu and President Trump to trigger an internal uprising in Iran within days of war beginning. The plan anticipated mass protests and potential regime collapse. However, three weeks into the war, it became clear the plan was based on false expectations and had failed to materialize.
Tue, Mar 24, 2026
Major
US Sends 15-Point Peace Plan to Iran Through Pakistan
According to the New York Times and Reuters, the United States transmitted a 15-point plan to end the war to Iran via Pakistan. The proposal reportedly addressed Iran's missile and nuclear programs, as well as maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz. It remained unclear whether Iran accepted it as a basis for negotiations or whether Israel supported the proposal.
Sun, Mar 29, 2026
Moderate
Iranian Intelligence Strikes Secret Facility in Dubai
Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted a strike against a target in Dubai, reportedly involving Ukrainian specialists. This demonstrated Iran's intelligence capabilities and willingness to strike beyond its borders, complicating the timeline for ending the conflict despite US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's optimistic predictions of 2-4 weeks.
Sun, Mar 29, 2026
Major
US Ground Operations Preparation Intensifies After Month of Air Campaign
American officials confirmed to The Washington Post that the US was preparing for ground operations in Iran after a month of air-only attacks. An assault ship with 3,500 soldiers and Marines arrived in the conflict zone. Officials emphasized this would not be a full-scale invasion but rather short-term raids and precision strikes targeting coastal areas near the Strait of Hormuz.
Sun, Mar 29, 2026
Moderate
Iranian Expert Suggests US Testing Ground Before Troop Arrival
Tehran University professor Mohammad Marandi suggested that US strikes on gas facilities were a test to gauge Iran's response, and that President Trump may have temporarily retreated while awaiting additional troops. He speculated Trump might order an assault once reinforcements arrive, indicating Iran's awareness of potential escalation patterns.
Mon, Mar 30, 2026
Major
Trump Considers High-Risk Operation to Extract Enriched Uranium
The Wall Street Journal reported that President Trump was considering a complex and risky military operation to extract nearly 450 kilograms of enriched uranium from Iran. The mission could keep American forces inside Iran for days or longer. Trump had not made a final decision but was weighing the risks against his key objective of preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Tue, Mar 31, 2026
Moderate
Conflict Expands as US Prepares Ground Operations Despite Regime Change Claims
Middle East expert Ruslan Trad noted that Trump's statements about achieving regime change in Iran through airstrikes appeared more like political messaging than military strategy. Despite Washington's expectations of concluding the conflict within two weeks, evidence pointed to deployment of additional forces for ground operations, with the conflict now extending into Central Asia.
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