Timeline
March 28, 2026 — March 30, 2026
World
Timeline: How Yemen's Houthis Entered the US-Israeli War on Iran
This timeline tracks the escalation of the US-Israeli war against Iran from its inception on February 28, 2026, through the critical development of Houthi involvement one month later. The story reveals how a regional conflict expanded to threaten two vital global shipping routes—the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab—with severe implications for energy markets and the world economy.
11 events · 3 days · 30 source articles
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
US and Israel Launch Strikes on Iran, Killing Supreme Leader
The United States and Israel launched coordinated air strikes across Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and sending shock waves across the globe. This marked the beginning of what would become a month-long war with devastating regional and economic consequences. The strikes represented an unprecedented military action against Iran's leadership.
Fri, Mar 27, 2026
Major
US-Israeli Strikes Hit Iranian Nuclear Facilities
As the war entered its second month, US and Israeli forces conducted strikes on two Iranian nuclear facilities on Friday, March 27. An AFP journalist in Tehran reported around 10 intense blasts and a plume of black smoke. The Israeli military stated they were 'striking Iranian terror regime targets across Tehran,' marking a significant escalation in targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure.
Sat, Mar 28, 2026
Moderate
US Envoy Predicts Iran Talks Within the Week
US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff announced on Friday that he believed Iran would hold talks with Washington 'this week,' offering the first diplomatic opening since the war began. This came despite continued military operations and the near-closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which had already disrupted global oil supplies.
Sat, Mar 28, 2026
Major
Houthis Launch First Attack on Israel, Opening New Front
Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels entered the month-long war by launching ballistic missiles at Israel on Saturday morning. The Israeli military intercepted the projectiles, but the attack marked a significant escalation as it brought Iran's Yemeni proxy into the conflict. The Houthis had held their fire for the first four weeks despite their affiliation with Iran.
Sat, Mar 28, 2026
Moderate
Pro-Iranian Militias Attack Iraqi Kurdistan President's Residence
Pro-Iranian militias in Iraq launched a drone attack on the residence of Nechirvan Barzani, president of the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan. The US State Department condemned the attack as 'a direct assault on Iraq's sovereignty, stability, and unity.' This demonstrated how the conflict was expanding beyond the primary combatants to involve Iranian proxy groups across the region.
Sat, Mar 28, 2026
Major
Houthis Launch Second Attack on Israel Within 24 Hours
The Houthis claimed a second missile and drone attack on Israel in less than 24 hours, pledging to continue their attacks in support of 'resistance fronts in Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, and Iran.' The group stated the attacks were meant 'as a warning' and targeted 'sensitive Israeli military sites.' This rapid escalation raised immediate concerns about potential threats to Red Sea shipping.
Sun, Mar 29, 2026
Moderate
2,500 US Marines Arrive in Region as War Casualties Exceed 3,000
Approximately 2,500 US Marines arrived in the Middle East region as the conflict continued to escalate. By this point, more than 3,000 people had been killed in the month-long war. The deployment signaled US preparation for potential ground operations while Pakistan announced that regional powers planned to meet on Sunday to discuss ending the fighting.
Sun, Mar 29, 2026
Moderate
Powerful Explosions Rock Northern Tehran
Two powerful explosions shook northern Tehran early Sunday morning as military operations continued. The blasts occurred as Yemen's Houthis claimed their second missile attack on Israel and the Israeli army announced the death of a fifth soldier in south Lebanon. The strikes demonstrated that despite diplomatic overtures, military operations were intensifying on multiple fronts.
Sun, Mar 29, 2026
Moderate
Iran Accuses US of Seeking Talks While Preparing Invasion
Iran accused the United States of hypocrisy, claiming Washington was seeking diplomatic talks while simultaneously preparing to invade. This came as Iranian-backed Houthis continued their attacks and fears mounted about the potential blockade of both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which would have catastrophic effects on global energy supplies.
Sun, Mar 29, 2026
Major
Houthis Threaten Continued Attacks, Raising Bab al-Mandab Blockade Fears
Houthi military spokesperson Brigadier-General Yahya Saree announced the group would continue carrying out military operations 'in the coming days' until Israel ceases its attacks. Analysts warned that a Houthi blockade of the Bab al-Mandab Strait—one of the world's busiest maritime routes—would prove disastrous for the global economy, especially with the Strait of Hormuz already effectively closed by Iran.
Mon, Mar 30, 2026
Major
Experts Warn Houthi Involvement Could Make Energy Crisis Catastrophic
Security experts warned that greater Houthi involvement could upend already edgy energy markets and further strain US military resources. With the Strait of Hormuz blocked, the Red Sea had become the only safety valve for trapped oil flows. If Houthis choked off the Bab al-Mandab exit point, it would have a 'dramatic impact on oil supply,' affecting both European energy supplies and Asian imports.
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