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February 28, 2026 — February 28, 2026
World
Timeline: US-Israel Joint Military Strike on Iran - February 28, 2026
On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched a coordinated military attack on Iran, marking a major escalation in tensions over Iran's nuclear program. What began as a 'preemptive strike' quickly evolved into what President Trump called 'major combat operations,' with Iran retaliating by launching missiles at US bases and Israel. This timeline tracks the rapid development of events throughout this single critical day.
10 events · 0 days · 30 source articles
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Israel and US Launch Coordinated Strike on Iran
At approximately 09:30 Tehran time (06:00 GMT), explosions were reported across Iran, including in Tehran, as the US and Israel launched a coordinated military attack. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described it as a 'preemptive strike' against Iran, while a US official confirmed to Al Jazeera that this was a joint military operation. Explosions were heard in multiple locations including University Street, Jomhouri area, and northern Seyyed Khandan in Tehran, as well as in western Ilam province.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Israel Declares State of Emergency
As the strikes commenced, Israel declared a state of emergency across the country. Sirens sounded throughout Israel to warn the public to prepare for the possibility of Iranian missile retaliation. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) warned citizens of the 'possibility of missiles' incoming from Iran.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Trump Announces 'Major Combat Operations' in Iran
US President Donald Trump confirmed the military action in an eight-minute video posted to Truth Social, declaring that the US had begun 'major combat operations' in Iran. Trump stated the objective was to 'defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.' He vowed to 'destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground' and claimed Iran had continued developing its nuclear program. A US official described the strikes as 'not a small strike,' confirming they were carried out by air and sea.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Trump Calls for Regime Change in Iran
In his video statement, Trump went beyond military objectives and urged Iranian citizens to overthrow their government, saying 'this will be probably your only chance for generations.' He appealed directly to the Iranian people to 'take over your government' and called for Iranian forces to lay down their arms. Trump accused the Iranian regime of waging an 'unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder targeting the United States.'
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Strikes Described as 'Massive and Ongoing'
As the operation continued, Trump described the strikes as 'massive and ongoing.' Reports indicated that Israel targeted dozens of military sites across Iran, including the compound housing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose whereabouts remained unknown. The Israeli military later stated that the attack had been months in the making, contradicting the 'preemptive' framing initially provided.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Iran Retaliates with Missile Strikes
Tehran responded by launching missiles at Israel and several US military bases in the region. Iran promised a 'crushing' retaliation of its own. The US military reported it had 'successfully defended against hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks.' Explosions were reported in Israel and Gulf Arab states as Iran's counterattack unfolded.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Moderate
US Reports No American Casualties
The US military announced there were 'no reports' of American casualties from Iran's retaliatory strikes. The Pentagon stated it had successfully defended US bases and personnel in the region against the Iranian missile and drone attacks. However, concerns mounted about the vulnerability of American military assets in the region and potential threats to Gulf oil supplies.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Moderate
Fears Rise Over Strait of Hormuz Closure
As the conflict escalated, analysts and media outlets raised concerns about Iran potentially closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime artery that carries a fifth of the world's oil consumption. Iran had repeatedly threatened to close the strait in previous tensions. Experts warned that such action could cause oil prices to rise sharply and deal a massive blow to the global economy.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Moderate
Context Emerges: Weeks of Failed Negotiations
As international media provided context, it became clear the strikes followed weeks of unsuccessful diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran over Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The attack came amid mounting threats from Trump and heightened US military presence in the region. Analysts noted this was the culmination of weeks of anticipated military action, coming eight months after the US and Israel had waged a previous 12-day war against Iran.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
International Community Reacts as Crisis Continues
By mid-morning, the international community was assessing the escalating crisis between the US-Israel alliance and Iran. Media outlets worldwide provided live coverage of the ongoing military operations, with analysts examining the key actors involved, including Trump, Netanyahu, and Iranian leadership. The situation remained fluid with both sides engaged in active military operations and Iran pledging further retaliation.
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