Timeline
March 1, 2026 — March 8, 2026
World
Timeline: How the US-Israeli War on Iran Unfolded Over Nine Days
In late February 2026, the United States and Israel launched a joint military operation against Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and sparked a regional conflict. Over nine days, the campaign evolved from initial strikes to attacks on critical infrastructure, while Iran retaliated with missile strikes across the region. This timeline tracks the escalation from the death of Iran's leader to oil facility destruction and the selection of his successor.
10 events · 7 days · 29 source articles
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
US and Israel Begin Strikes on Iran, Kill Supreme Leader Khamenei
The United States and Israel launched coordinated air strikes against Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the opening attack. The joint operation marked a dramatic escalation in regional tensions. Iran immediately began retaliatory strikes against Israel and US targets across the Gulf region, Iraq, and Jordan.
Sun, Mar 1, 2026
Major
Strikes Continue Into Second Day; School Attack Reported
Israel launched attacks on targets in the heart of Tehran as the operation entered its second day. Iranian state media reported that 108 female pupils were killed in a strike on a girls' school in Minab, though Israel stated it was 'not aware' of any Israeli or US attacks on the location. Explosions were heard throughout the Iranian capital as both sides continued military operations.
Mon, Mar 2, 2026
Moderate
Netanyahu Vows Escalating Strikes With US Support
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that strikes on Tehran would increase in the coming days with US support, stating he had 'hoped to do this for 40 years.' Loud explosions were heard day and night across Iran as the Israeli military began new broad strikes. Iranians described their houses shaking from the impact of attacks as the internet was blocked by authorities, making communication difficult.
Tue, Mar 3, 2026
Major
Israeli Military Hits Presidential Office and Security Council Headquarters
The Israeli army carried out airstrikes against the Iranian presidency offices and the Supreme National Security Council headquarters in Tehran. Terrified residents described the capital as a ghost town with largely empty streets apart from security checkpoints and Revolutionary Guards patrols. Many Iranians expressed conflicting emotions—joy at the possibility of regime change but fear of civilian casualties.
Wed, Mar 4, 2026
Moderate
Iranian Strikes Decrease as US Touts 'Severely Degraded' Defenses
Israel reported a decline in launches from Iran as the campaign entered its fifth day, though reasons remained unclear. US military officials stated Tehran's defenses had been 'severely degraded.' Iran postponed public mourning rituals for the slain Supreme Leader as Israel launched a new broad wave of strikes targeting internal security command centers and missile launchers in Tehran.
Thu, Mar 5, 2026
Major
War Widens as Iran Strikes Azerbaijan; US Oil Tanker Hit
The conflict expanded beyond Iran's borders as Iranian drones hit an airport in Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan region, injuring two civilians. Iran claimed it struck a US oil tanker in the northern Persian Gulf. Turkey and Iran mutually suspended day-trip crossings at their border as the war continued to impact neighboring countries.
Sat, Mar 7, 2026
Moderate
One Week In: Ordinary Iranians Reflect on Transformation
After seven days of war, Iranians expressed mixed feelings about the conflict. Some celebrated in the streets, hopeful for regime change, with one resident noting 'we now have hope that the regime will end.' Political instability spread across the Middle East as governments dealt with violence within their borders and tested loyalties. The death toll exceeded 1,300 in Iran and 300 in Lebanon, with about a dozen killed in Israel.
Sun, Mar 8, 2026
Major
US and Israel Strike Oil Infrastructure for First Time
For the first time since the war began, the US and Israel targeted Iran's oil facilities, hitting four storage depots and a petroleum products transfer center in Tehran and Alborz province. The attacks killed four people, including two oil tanker drivers, and sparked huge fires that cast thick smoke and a dark haze across Tehran. Fuel distribution in the capital was temporarily interrupted.
Sun, Mar 8, 2026
Major
Clerics Reach Consensus on Khamenei Successor
Iranian state media reported that officials were close to announcing a successor for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with consensus reached on his son Mojtaba Khamenei. The Israeli Defense Force vowed it would 'pursue every successor and every person who seeks to appoint a successor.' Iran's Revolutionary Guards stated the country could sustain an 'intense war' with the US and Israel for at least six months.
Sun, Mar 8, 2026
Major
Iran Retaliates Against Regional Infrastructure; Attacks Widen
As the conflict entered its ninth day, Iran responded to attacks on its infrastructure by targeting regional neighbors, hitting a desalination plant in Bahrain. Iran also launched missiles toward Tel Aviv and Beersheva, with Israeli air defenses activating to intercept the threats. The Strait of Hormuz remained at a standstill, with only Iran-linked vessels able to make the crucial crossing as Gulf states began cutting oil production.
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