Timeline
March 22, 2026 — March 25, 2026
World
Timeline: How the US-Israeli War with Iran Escalated and Disrupted Global Energy Markets Over 3 Weeks
This timeline tracks the US-Israeli military conflict with Iran from its outbreak on February 28, 2026, through late March, chronicling the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, escalating strikes on infrastructure, and the resulting global energy crisis. The conflict created worldwide economic ripples affecting everything from oil prices to consumer goods manufacturing.
15 events · 3 days · 25 source articles
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
US and Israel Launch Strikes on Iran, Killing Supreme Leader
The United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes against Iran on February 28, killing the Islamic republic's supreme leader and triggering a war that would spread across the Middle East. This marked the beginning of an escalating conflict that would have far-reaching global consequences.
Sun, Mar 1, 2026
Major
Strait of Hormuz Effectively Closes, Halting 20% of Global Oil and Gas
Following the outbreak of hostilities, the Strait of Hormuz—a narrow channel along the Iranian coast—effectively closed to shipping traffic, stopping the passage of 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas. This critical chokepoint's closure would become the primary driver of a global energy crisis affecting markets worldwide.
Thu, Mar 12, 2026
Moderate
Airstrikes Hit Residential Areas and Civilian Infrastructure in Tehran
US and Israeli strikes damaged residential buildings in Tehran, with a woman photographed outside her destroyed apartment after being inside during an airstrike. The strikes increasingly targeted civilian infrastructure including hospitals and residential blocks across thousands of locations in Iran.
Sun, Mar 22, 2026
Moderate
Public Divisions Emerge Between US and Israeli War Objectives
Media reports highlighted increasingly public differences between US and Israeli strategic objectives in the war. US Secretary of War Peter Hegseth commented on Israel's targeting of oil storage facilities near Tehran that unleashed a dense pall of smoke over the capital, revealing friction within the coalition despite their military cooperation.
Sun, Mar 22, 2026
Major
Oil Prices Approach $100 Per Barrel as Global Energy Crisis Intensifies
Crude oil prices approached and exceeded $100 per barrel for Brent crude, with US gas prices averaging $3.91 nationwide. The energy crisis triggered by the war forced consumers worldwide to both pay higher prices and reduce consumption, affecting everything from transportation to plastics and fertilizers.
Sun, Mar 22, 2026
Major
Iran Reports Heavy Damage to Water and Energy Infrastructure
Iran's energy minister announced that the country's critical water and electricity infrastructure had suffered extensive damage from US and Israeli strikes and cyber attacks. The attacks targeted thousands of locations including vital utilities, escalating concerns about humanitarian impacts.
Sun, Mar 22, 2026
Major
Iran Threatens Regional Energy Facilities if Power Grid Attacked
Iran's Armed Forces command unit warned it would target energy facilities across the region, particularly those belonging to the US and Israel, if its own power plants were struck. The statement said preparations for 'great jihad' were complete and aimed at destroying US economic interests in the Middle East.
Sun, Mar 22, 2026
Major
Netanyahu Pledges Support for US Strikes on Iran's Power Grid
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to back US strikes on Iran's power grid if Tehran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at the site of an Iranian strike in Arad, he stated 'whatever we do, we do together' and urged world leaders to join the war effort as casualties exceeded 1,500 killed.
Mon, Mar 23, 2026
Moderate
Asian Economies Hit Hardest by Energy Crisis; Shift to Renewables Urged
Asia, the destination for most oil passing through Hormuz, experienced the worst economic impacts of the energy disruption. The crisis sparked calls for accelerating the shift to renewable energy, with experts noting that unlike previous oil shocks, renewable power was now competitive with fossil fuels in many places.
Mon, Mar 23, 2026
Moderate
Hong Kong Business Leaders Warn of Price Increases and Order Cuts
Hong Kong business leaders reported that US importers were cutting orders and shifting to short-term contracts due to the oil crisis. They warned that rising fuel costs would drive up prices for plastic products, construction materials, and household goods like toilet paper, while eroding profit margins and straining liquidity.
Mon, Mar 23, 2026
Minor
Trump Energy Chief Downplays Price Shock Impact
US Energy Secretary downplayed the war's impact on energy markets, stating that prices hadn't risen enough to trigger 'meaningful demand destruction.' This assessment came as oil prices remained near $100 per barrel and global supply chains faced mounting pressures.
Tue, Mar 24, 2026
Moderate
Chinese Exporters Raise Prices as Production Costs Soar
Chinese manufacturers began raising prices on goods ranging from toys to yoga pants and medical catheters as fuel shortages from the Iran war pushed up raw material and production costs. Some factories suspended operations entirely, with aluminium costs rising 30% and logistics costs up 15%.
Tue, Mar 24, 2026
Major
Trump Claims 'Productive' Talks with Iran; Tehran Denies Negotiations
President Trump announced he was postponing military strikes on Iran's power plants for five days following what he described as 'very good and productive talks' with Iranian counterparts. However, Tehran denied any negotiations were taking place, while Netanyahu insisted attacks would continue, creating conflicting narratives about diplomatic progress.
Tue, Mar 24, 2026
Moderate
Gulf Energy Infrastructure Faces Years-Long Recovery Timeline
Energy analysts assessed that while the Iran war hobbled oil fields, refineries, and gas plants across the Persian Gulf in just days, restoring their full potential could take years as the conflict continued. The region's dense infrastructure and fragile ecosystems faced major environmental risks from ongoing attacks.
Tue, Mar 24, 2026
Major
IAEA Raises Alarm Over Strike Near Bushehr Nuclear Plant
International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi called for 'maximum restraint to avoid nuclear safety risks during conflict' after Iran reported a strike near its Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. The incident raised concerns about potential nuclear safety disasters amid the ongoing military operations.
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