Timeline
March 9, 2026 — March 10, 2026
World
Timeline: How Trump's Iran War Evolved from 'Epic Fury' to Signals of Imminent End
This timeline tracks the rapid developments in the U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran, known as Operation Epic Fury, from its launch through President Trump's March 9, 2026 statements suggesting the war could end soon. The story involves dramatic oil price swings, the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, appointment of his successor, and conflicting signals about the war's duration that roiled global markets.
12 events · 1 days · 30 source articles
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
U.S. and Israel Launch Operation Epic Fury Against Iran
The United States and Israel began large-scale air and missile strikes on Iranian military infrastructure, including air-defense systems, missile launchers, and naval assets. The first day of the operation killed Iran's then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump initially estimated the campaign would last four to five weeks.
Sun, Mar 8, 2026
Major
Iran Appoints Hardline Mojtaba Khamenei as New Supreme Leader
Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, second son of the slain Supreme Leader, was chosen as his successor. He immediately signaled defiance by signing a missile with the words 'At your service, Sayyid Mojtaba' and launching fresh strikes against Israeli and U.S. targets. The appointment was seen as Iran digging in for a longer fight.
Mon, Mar 9, 2026
Major
Oil Prices Surge to $119, Highest Since 2022
Oil prices shot to their highest level since 2022, reaching approximately $119 per barrel for WTI crude, as investors reacted to Iran's new hardline leadership and concerns about the war's duration. Stock markets slumped globally amid fears of prolonged conflict and disrupted oil supplies from the Middle East.
Mon, Mar 9, 2026
Moderate
Iranian Attack on Bahrain Kills One Civilian
One person was killed in an Iranian attack on a residential building in Bahrain's capital, Manama. Although Bahrain was not directly involved in combat operations, it and other Gulf countries had been targeted since the war started. This followed Iranian President Pezeshkian's apology to neighboring countries for regional attacks.
Mon, Mar 9, 2026
Major
Trump Tells CBS News War Is 'Very Complete'
President Trump told CBS News that the war was 'very complete, pretty much,' claiming Iran had lost its navy, communications, air force, and most of its missiles and drone manufacturing capabilities. He said the U.S. was 'very far' ahead of his initial four-to-five-week timeframe for the conflict.
Mon, Mar 9, 2026
Major
Trump Addresses House Republicans, Calls Iran War a 'Little Excursion'
At the House GOP retreat at his Doral golf club near Miami, Trump characterized the Iran conflict as a 'little excursion' to 'get rid of some evil' and predicted it would be a 'short-term excursion.' He told lawmakers the operation would end 'very soon' and that 'everything they have is gone, including their leadership.'
Mon, Mar 9, 2026
Major
Oil Prices Plummet to Below $90 After Trump's Comments
Crude oil prices tumbled dramatically from their highs of $119 to below $90 per barrel following Trump's reassurances about the war ending soon. WTI experienced its second-biggest daily move ever, swinging from approximately $119 to $81 per barrel. The volatile trading reflected market uncertainty about the conflict's duration.
Mon, Mar 9, 2026
Moderate
U.S. Stock Markets Rally and Close Higher
After opening lower, U.S. stock markets reversed course and closed higher following Trump's comments suggesting a quick end to the war. Asian markets were also set to climb in response to the drop in oil prices and eased concerns about prolonged conflict. All sectors except Financials and Energy closed in positive territory.
Mon, Mar 9, 2026
Minor
Australia Grants Asylum to Iranian Female Footballers
Five members of the Iranian women's football team were granted asylum by Australia after they stood silent during the national anthem at a match. Iranian state media accused them of being traitors. The team had arrived in Australia before the war began for the Women's Asian Cup and faced the prospect of returning to Iran after being eliminated from the tournament.
Mon, Mar 9, 2026
Moderate
Pentagon and Trump Offer Conflicting Signals on War Duration
Despite Trump's optimistic statements about the war ending soon, the Pentagon offered conflicting signals about how long the conflict would actually last. Officials in Tehran prepared to dig in for a longer fight, creating confusion about U.S. strategy and timeline as the economic fallout continued to hurt the U.S. and global economy.
Tue, Mar 10, 2026
Moderate
Trump Reveals Plans for Potential Control of Strait of Hormuz
Trump indicated the U.S. was evaluating the possibility of assuming military control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz and threatened escalation if global oil supplies were disrupted. He also mentioned waiving certain sanctions and deploying the U.S. Navy to protect tankers, though he left open the possibility of increased fighting.
Tue, Mar 10, 2026
Minor
Senator Kaine Criticizes Trump's 'Excursion' Characterization
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) slammed President Trump for referring to the Iran war as an 'excursion,' calling it 'deeply disrespectful' to service members. At least seven U.S. soldiers had been killed in the conflict, along with hundreds of Iranians, including 175 who died in an attack on a girls' school.
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