2026 Iran War: Timeline of Operations and Diplomacy

Operation Epic Fury began at 1:15 a.m. on February 28, 2026, when U.S. forces struck targets inside Iran.[1] President Donald Trump announced major combat operations in an approximately eight-minute video address at about 2:30 a.m., saying the operation was intended to eliminate imminent threats from Iran, including its missile and nuclear programs and support for terrorist groups.[1] Trump's final authorization to U.S. Central Command reportedly read: "Operation Epic Fury is approved. No aborts. Good luck!"[1]

Israel's parallel campaign, Operation Roaring Lion, struck Iranian leadership and military targets in the opening hours.[1] Israeli strikes targeted ballistic-missile arrays, air-defense sites, senior command centers, military leadership, and strategic infrastructure, with the IDF saying the campaign was intended to "degrade the Iranian missile array and minimize launches" toward Israel.[7] The strikes reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and other senior officials.[1][8] Israel said approximately 40 senior Iranian commanders were killed in the first minute of its operation.[1] Seven missiles reportedly struck the presidential palace or areas around the Supreme Leader's compound.[9]

The U.S. Department of State characterized Epic Fury as an exercise of collective self-defense of Israel and the United States' own inherent right of self-defense. It described the operation as the latest round of an ongoing international armed conflict rather than an entirely new conflict.[2] The State Department listed four principal objectives: destroying Iranian offensive missiles, missile production, the navy and other security infrastructure, and ensuring that Iran would never possess nuclear weapons.[2] Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel acted to remove "the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran."[3]

Strikes on the opening day were reported near Tehran, Isfahan, Karaj, Kermanshah, and Mehrabad Airport.[9] The U.S. military said it struck more than 1,200 targets during the first 48 hours.[10] By March 10, CENTCOM reportedly said more than 5,000 Iranian targets had been struck, including command centers, IRGC and intelligence sites, air defenses, missile sites, naval vessels, communications infrastructure, and missile- and drone-manufacturing facilities.[4]

Following the reported deaths of Ali Khamenei and other senior officials, Iran moved to reconstitute its leadership.[1][8] On March 8, Mojtaba Khamenei, Ali Khamenei's son, was announced as supreme leader, while Ahmad Vahidi was appointed head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.[1] A temporary leadership council was also reported to include Alireza Arafi, Masoud Pezeshkian, and Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei.[3][8]

These events were reported contemporaneously rather than independently established in the cited material. The reported deaths and succession are therefore presented as attributed developments rather than uncontested facts.[3][8]

CENTCOM said more than 50,000 troops were engaged in the operation during its opening days, while the U.S. Navy destroyed more than 20 Iranian ships, including a submarine.[1] Iran reportedly launched more than 500 ballistic missiles and more than 2,000 drones during the first three days.[1] Approximately 650 ballistic missiles were ultimately fired at Israel during the initial phase, including roughly 80 on the first day, 60 on the second, and 30 on the third, followed by approximately 10–20 per day.[3]

During the opening days, Iran-backed Hezbollah fired rockets and explosive drones into northern Israel, and Israel responded with major operations in Lebanon.[1][4] Iranian attacks also targeted U.S. facilities in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, while strikes or explosions were reported in Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Jordan, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.[1][9] The UAE said it destroyed 814 of 871 incoming drones and missiles; Qatar reported downing two Iranian Su-24 aircraft and more than 120 missiles and drones.[1] One death was reported in the UAE on the opening day.[9]

On March 1, Iranian retaliation reportedly killed at least ten people in Israel, including eight in Beit Shemesh, while three U.S. service members were killed and five seriously wounded.[8] Israel declared a special emergency status: hospitals moved patients underground, schools and universities closed, airspace was shut, and more than 100,000 reservists were called up.[7] An AJC analysis reported that 12 Israeli civilians had been killed as of March 6 and that a few hundred civilian buildings had been destroyed.[7] In a March 10 letter to the U.N. Security Council, Israel's foreign minister reported 13 Israeli civilians killed directly by Iranian missile attacks and hundreds wounded.[11]

On March 4, an Israeli F-35I shot down an Iranian Yak-130 over Tehran, described as the first time an F-35 had destroyed a crewed aircraft in air-to-air combat.[1] U.S. officials described the campaign objectives as destroying Iran's ballistic-missile capabilities, degrading its navy, dismantling support for regional proxies, and preventing the regime from obtaining a nuclear weapon.[7]

Throughout March, Israeli and U.S. strikes expanded across Iranian command structures, air defenses, missile and nuclear-related facilities, energy infrastructure, naval sites, and senior officials.[1] Israeli strikes were recorded against Kharg Island, Bandar Anzali, the South Pars gas field, and other strategic locations.[1] By March 25, the United States said it had struck more than 10,000 targets and achieved air superiority over large areas of Iran, while claiming to have destroyed much of Iran's naval surface fleet and missile-manufacturing capability.[4]

Iran's retaliation spread across the region. More than 40% of Iranian missiles and drones were reportedly aimed at the United Arab Emirates.[4] Attacks and threats largely halted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, and the International Energy Agency described the disruption as the largest supply interruption in the history of the global oil market.[4] The conflict also affected Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Cyprus, Iraqi Kurdistan, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the UAE.[12]

On March 21, Trump threatened to destroy Iranian power plants within 48 hours unless Iran fully reopened the Strait of Hormuz, then postponed the strikes after referring to productive conversations.[4] On March 23, he paused planned attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure for ten days, citing "VERY GOOD AND PRODUCTIVE CONVERSATIONS." Iran's foreign minister denied that such talks had occurred, and the pause was not treated as a verified ceasefire in the cited account.[4] The United States also reported that Iran had laid at least a dozen mines in the strait and that 17 ships had been struck.[1]

By the end of March, CENTCOM said U.S. forces had struck more than 11,000 targets and damaged or destroyed 150 Iranian vessels.[1] JNS later reported that Israel dropped approximately 19,000 munitions and the United States approximately 17,000 during the six-week campaign, with the combined strikes estimated to have caused about $100 billion in damage.[5]

On April 7, Trump announced a two-week ceasefire conditioned on Iran opening the Strait of Hormuz and stopping attacks.[5] The ceasefire was in effect on April 8, after 40 days of sustained combat; the United States and its allies agreed to halt strikes, while Iran agreed to reopen the strait but said it would retain control over it.[3][6] Vice President JD Vance described the arrangement as a fragile truce.[6]

At the ceasefire, Israel claimed to have conducted more than 10,800 strikes against over 4,000 targets, dropped more than 18,000 bombs in over 1,000 waves, disabled approximately 60% of Iran's estimated 470 ballistic-missile launchers, and destroyed about 85% of its air-defense and detection systems.[1] The United States reportedly carried out approximately 13,000 strikes against Iranian military targets.[3] Approximately 650 Iranian ballistic missiles had been fired at Israel, killing 20 Israeli civilians and foreign nationals and four Palestinians and injuring more than 7,000 people.[1]

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies chronology recorded more than 1,400 Iranian ballistic missiles launched between February 28 and April 8 against Israel, U.S. facilities, and targets in Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Jordan, and Turkey.[13] The ceasefire's geographic scope was disputed: Israel said Lebanon was excluded and that its operations there would continue, whereas Iran and Pakistan said Lebanon was included.[6]

Israel was not a party to the U.S.-Iran ceasefire. Iran's conflict with Israel continued on a separate track, and Israel and the United States considered Israeli operations against Hezbollah to fall outside the arrangement.[14]

Maritime traffic did not immediately return to normal. A shipping expert told the BBC that approximately 800 vessels remained stuck or attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, with individual arrangements required for transit.[6] Commercial traffic gradually began to normalize but remained below typical levels amid heightened naval patrols.[3]

Pakistan mediated direct U.S.-Iran negotiations. On April 8, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had confirmed Iran's participation in talks in Islamabad on April 10.[6] By April 12, the talks had ended without an agreement; the Iranian side attributed the failure to excessive U.S. demands, while Vance also confirmed that the talks had failed.[15]

On April 13, CENTCOM announced a blockade of vessels entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas while saying it would not impede passage through the Strait of Hormuz to non-Iranian ports.[1] On April 16, Trump announced a separate ten-day pause between Israel and Lebanon. The pause was nominally extended, but Israel and Hezbollah continued exchanging fire.[16]

On May 3, the United States announced Project Freedom to escort commercial shipping through restricted waters.[1] The operation began on May 4 but was suspended after approximately 48 hours at Pakistan's request while Islamabad mediated talks with Tehran.[1][5]

On May 5, Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared Operation Epic Fury concluded.[1] The declaration did not end all U.S.-Iran military activity: the blockade remained, U.S. forces continued self-defense and retaliatory strikes, and further maritime confrontations were recorded during May.[1] The Iranian missile chronology records additional launches against the UAE on April 8, May 4, and May 8.[13]

By May 23, negotiations centered on a proposed 14-clause memorandum of understanding. Reports said it could extend the ceasefire for 30–60 days, lift the blockade of Iranian ports, release frozen Iranian assets, and address the Strait of Hormuz.[17] The United States insisted on unrestricted passage without tolls, while an analyst warned that renewed military action was highly likely without a 60-day extension.[17]

On June 3, the United States, Israel, and Lebanon announced a ceasefire proposal conditioned on a complete end to Hezbollah fire and the evacuation of Hezbollah operatives from south of the Litani River. Hezbollah and Iran reportedly rejected the terms unless Israel fully withdrew from Lebanon.[16][13] Iranian attacks against Kuwait and Bahrain were recorded on June 3 and June 5.[13]

On June 7, Iran launched four barrages comprising approximately 30 ballistic missiles at Israel following an escalation involving Hezbollah.[5][13] Israel conducted large-scale strikes against Iranian strategic defense systems and infrastructure at the Mahshahr petrochemical complex on June 8.[5] The United States subsequently struck Iranian air defenses, ground-control stations, surveillance radars, and other military targets.[5]

Trump announced an interim accord on June 14, Pakistan announced the following day that a U.S.-Iran MOU had been reached, and an official 14-point framework was published on June 17.[1] JNS reported that Trump signed the MOU on June 17.[5] Its provisions included a cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon; steps to facilitate commerce through the Strait of Hormuz; possible financial relief; a commitment not to develop nuclear weapons; respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity; noninterference in internal affairs; and a 60-day negotiating period.[1][18]

The reported financial terms included the release of approximately $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets without restrictions on use, broad sanctions waivers for oil exports and petroleum products, and a proposed $300 billion reconstruction and development fund.[18] The United States was to end its naval blockade, while Iran undertook only "best efforts" to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Toll-free passage was limited to 60 days.[18]

Important issues remained unresolved. Missile production, proxy support, and internal repression were not addressed, while enrichment and the disposition of Iran's enriched-uranium stockpile were deferred.[1][5] Iran did not plan to allow IAEA inspectors to visit nuclear sites targeted during the war.[5] Israel was not a party to the MOU, which did not incorporate its demands concerning Iran's missile program and proxy forces.[5]

On July 7, U.S. forces resumed strikes against Iran after attacks on commercial shipping, and Trump declared the ceasefire and MOU effectively over on July 8.[5] Beginning July 10, CENTCOM conducted 13 consecutive nights of strikes against command centers, drone-storage facilities, communications networks, coastal surveillance sites, and maritime capabilities.[5]

During July 18–19, Iranian forces reportedly struck an American base in Jordan, killing two U.S. service members and leaving another missing. A third service member died in Iraq after a drone-related attack.[3] Trump ordered retaliatory strikes and increased the U.S. fighter-jet presence in the region.[3]

On July 20, the Houthis in Yemen, acting at Iran's direction according to AJC, announced a blockade targeting Saudi shipping through the waterway between the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. AJC estimated that it could reduce global energy supplies by 7%.[3] U.S. and Iranian officials simultaneously signaled openness to talks, while Iran's president described the situation as a "full-scale war."[3]

After the MOU's breakdown, Trump notified Congress that hostilities had resumed, reimposed the naval blockade, and said cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz would require a 20% reimbursement.[3] On August 19, he announced an economic-pressure campaign called "Economic D-Day." On August 24, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Operation Economic Outcast, targeting Iranian revenue, procurement networks, digital assets, gold, aviation, and entities trading with Iran.[5]

The MOU's 60-day negotiating period expired on August 17 without an extension.[5] Iran's Foreign Ministry said the substantive negotiations envisioned by the agreement had never begun, while Trump reiterated that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remained the central U.S. objective.[5] Iran said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until the United States lifted its blockade, removed oil sanctions, released frozen assets, and ended military operations.[5]

After a weeks-long lull, CENTCOM conducted what it called limited, precise action against IRGC minelaying forces near the strait.[5] A U.S. strike against Iranian rocket launchers and suspected minelaying units near Larak Island was recorded on August 30, after which Iran launched missiles at U.S. bases in Jordan.[1] Iran also attacked Jordan and the UAE during this period.[5]

Israel maintained priorities distinct from the U.S.-Iran diplomatic framework. JNS reported that Israeli officials remained focused on Iran's nuclear and ballistic-missile programs and its support for terrorist proxies, while preparing for possible follow-up military action if economic pressure failed to produce an agreement.[5]

By September 1, JNS characterized the United States and Iran as engaged in a test of endurance rather than a settled peace. Washington was applying economic pressure and maintaining its posture around the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran was rebuilding damaged command-and-control structures, expanding military and proxy options, and confronting a deepening economic crisis.[5] Israel continued to maintain readiness for renewed action.[5] An INSS overview likewise stated that a ceasefire and negotiations had been announced but that fighting continued across multiple arenas.[19]

The Tel Aviv University Peace Index conducted its March 2026 survey from March 23–28 during Operation Roaring Lion, alongside an evolving front with Hezbollah and a continuing Gaza ceasefire.[20] It found that 59% of Israeli respondents supported a ground incursion aimed at disarming Hezbollah, 67% favored direct negotiations with Lebanon to end the war and disarm Hezbollah, and 71% supported negotiations toward a peace agreement within the Abraham Accords framework.[20]

The Hebrew Union College Jerusalem campus was physically closed under Home Front Command instructions.[21] Its Year-in-Israel program moved to Zoom learning and held special online activities and Megillah readings during Purim. One student's home was struck by a missile, and the student was evacuated.[21] U.S. strikes began during Shabbat Zachor and continued through Purim.[22]

Internet disruption made contact with people inside Iran sporadic.[22] The Berman Archive relayed online statements from Iran saying: "Don't speak on our behalf. We don't want Trump to stop. We love Bibi. And we don't care where help comes from." The page presented these as reported posts, not representative public opinion.[22] Iranian authorities also attributed at least 24 deaths to an Israeli strike on a school in Minab County, although the figure was described as difficult to verify.[9]

A JPR archive entry stated that Europe witnessed another wave of antisemitic attacks following the war.[23] It cited 6,236 antisemitic crimes in Germany in 2024, 5,729 preliminary crimes in 2025, and 867 registered antisemitic crimes in the Netherlands in 2025. These figures describe background monitoring trends rather than direct consequences of the 2026 conflict.[23]

A definitive timeline is complicated by differences among sources over dates, scope, and characterization. JNS and Pew identify April 7 as the first ceasefire's announcement or start date.[5][24] AJC and a BBC broadcast identify April 8 as the date it took effect.[3][6] The Jewish Virtual Library published an official MOU text on June 17, and JNS described Trump as signing the memorandum that day.[1][5] AJC issued its statement about the MOU on June 18.[18]

The Israeli campaign is called Operation Roaring Lion in government and several research sources, while one AJC analysis uses Operation Lion's Roar.[1][7] Sources also differ on continuity: some emphasize the February 28–April 8 campaign, while JNS and INSS describe intermittent military, diplomatic, and economic phases continuing afterward.[5][19] Rubio's May 5 declaration that Operation Epic Fury had concluded sits alongside subsequent blockade enforcement and renewed U.S. strikes.[1]

Strike totals, missile counts, casualty figures, and damage estimates frequently originated with governments, military commands, or advocacy researchers and were not uniformly independently verified. The State Department's description of the conflict as a continuation of earlier hostilities represents the U.S. government's legal position.[2] The deaths of Ali Khamenei and other officials and the succession of Mojtaba Khamenei are likewise presented as reported developments rather than uncontested facts.[1][3]