2026 Iran war
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Since 28 February 2026, the United States and Israel have been at war with Iran and its regional allies. Hostilities broke out after US–Israeli airstrikes killed several Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The strikes were launched amid ongoing US–Iran negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program.
The war is part of a Middle Eastern crisis sparked by the Gaza war. It follows the Twelve-Day War and was preceded by the largest US military buildup in the region since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. US justifications for initiating the war included a response to the crackdown on anti-government protests in Iran, preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, regime change, and taking Iran's oil and gas resources. Critics have rejected these justifications, maintaining that the attack initiated a war of aggression, in violation of international law.
Following a decentralized strategy, Iranian units responded with a series of missile and drone attacks against Israel, US-aligned Arab countries, and US military bases across the region, and by blocking the Strait of Hormuz and subsequently claiming sovereignty over it in late March. Following the strikes on their territory, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait also attacked Iran and skirmished with its Iraqi non-state allies. Two days after Khamenei's assassination, fighting resumed between Hezbollah and Israel. Israel began occupying southern Lebanon in March. The war has resulted in thousands of civilian and military casualties. The economic impact of the war included the largest ever supply disruption of the global oil market, disruptions of the natural gas, fertilizer, aviation, and tourism industries, and volatility in financial markets. As of June 2026[update], the cost of the war to the US was estimated at $113.3 billion,[85][86] while the Trump administration asked for $1.5 trillion for the Pentagon over the next fiscal year, setting a record in modern US military spending.[87]
The secretary-general of the United Nations and several countries condemned the US–Israeli strikes, while the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution condemning Iran's retaliatory strikes on Gulf states. A two-week ceasefire beginning on 8 April came under strain after Iran responded to Israeli attacks on Lebanon by resuming its blockade.[88] After the failure of the Islamabad Talks on 12–13 April, the US imposed its own naval blockade. A memorandum to end the war was signed on 17 June by the presidents of the US and Iran, lifting the dual blockade. Tensions again escalated, but on 28 June, the US and Iran agreed to cease their exchange of attacks. On 8 July, the ceasefire deal between the US and Iran collapsed after Iran initiated attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz to assert Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, surprising U.S. officials and interrupting a brief diplomatic lull.
Names
Western media generally refer to this conflict as the Iran war. The initial strikes on Iran were codenamed Operation Epic Fury by the United States government,[89][90][91] and Operation Roaring Lion[z] by the Israeli government,[92][93] in line with their codename of Operation Rising Lion for their strikes on Iran during the Twelve-Day War in June 2025. Iran codenamed its response Operation True Promise IV.[aa][ab]
The war has also been referred to by some outlets as the "Third Gulf War" (Gulf War III), following the Gulf War (1990–1991), and the Iraq War (2003–2011), which has also been referred to as the "Second Gulf War" (Gulf War II).[ac] Iranian state media has referred to the conflict as the "Third Imposed War",[101][102] with the Iran–Iraq War (1980–1988) and the Twelve-Day War respectively as the "First" and "Second".[103][104] Due to the war starting during the month of Ramadan, it has sometimes been called the "Ramadan War".[ad][ae]
Background
Iran's relations with the United States and Israel
A US- and UK-backed coup d'état in 1953 deposed the democratically-elected Iranian prime minister Mohammad Mosaddegh due to his nationalization of the oil industry, strengthening the rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Israel maintained ties with Iran as part of its alliance of the periphery strategy. Resentment of the Shah's autocratic rule led to the 1979 revolution in which Pahlavi was overthrown and replaced by an Islamic republic.[110][111] Iran severed diplomatic ties with the US and Israel and held the American embassy staff hostage,[112] releasing them after signing the Algiers Accords (1981), in which, among other things, the US agreed not to intervene in Iranian affairs anymore.[113]
During the Iran–Iraq War, the US supported Iraq. In 1988, a US warship struck an Iranian mine, and the US responded by attacking Iran's navy. A few months later, the US mistakenly shot down a civilian Iranian flight.[114][115] Iran started a ballistic missile program to deter Iraqi missile attacks on Iranian cities during the 1980–88 Iran–Iraq War and to compensate for its lack of a modern air force due to sanctions.[116]
Starting in 1985, Iran began engaging in proxy conflicts throughout the Middle East.[117] These proxy groups became part of the informal 'Axis of Resistance' committed primarily to countering American, Israeli, Saudi, Emirati, and sometimes Turkish influence in the region.[118][119][120][121][122]
In 2002, Iran's covert nuclear program was first revealed, and Iran denied seeking a weapon. In 2003, Iran's AMAD Project was suspended following Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's fatwa against nuclear weapons.[123][124] In 2005, the US began imposing sanctions targeting Iran's nuclear program, and in 2006 the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) imposed a series of sanctions against Iran. The US and Israel conducted a campaign of cyberwarfare against Iranian nuclear facilities to disrupt their operations, while Israel assassinated several top Iranian nuclear scientists.[115][125] The UNSC concerns about Iran's nuclear program from 2006[af] led to the multilateral Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and the P5+1 and the EU in 2015.[129]
In January 2020, US president Donald Trump ordered the assassination of Qasem Soleimani, the commander of the Iranian Quds Force.[112][114] Following the October 7 attacks on Israel and the start of the Gaza war, tensions further escalated with Israel fighting Iran-backed militias across the Middle East, including Hamas,[ag] Hezbollah, and the Houthis. Israeli strikes on the Iranian consulate in Damascus and the assassinations of Ismail Haniyeh and Hassan Nasrallah in 2024 were met with Iranian strikes on Israel in April and October.[132] In June 2025, Israel launched the Twelve-Day War by attacking Iranian military and nuclear facilities, provoking Iranian counter-strikes. The United States also joined in support by striking Iranian nuclear facilities during the Twelve-Day War, which ended in a ceasefire.[133]
In early 2026, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu lobbied President Donald Trump for a joint military strike on Iran, specifically targeting its leadership.[134] Following high-level meetings in February, Trump authorized "Operation Epic Fury", with reports citing Israeli intelligence provided by Netanyahu as a decisive factor in the decision.[135]
Nuclear activity in the Middle East
Iranian nuclear program
Nuclear enrichment has been considered a component of Iranian national development plans since the Shah's regime, when the first nuclear program was developed.[136] Iran retained its nuclear program after the 1979 revolution, and has long denied seeking nuclear weapons, saying its enrichment efforts were to generate nuclear power for civilian use.[137] Despite Iran's compliance with the JCPOA, Trump withdrew the US from the deal in 2018,[138] re-imposed sanctions, and adopted a "maximum pressure" strategy.[139] The Biden administration kept most of these sanctions, further damaging Iran's economy.[140] Trump continued the "maximum pressure" approach in his second term.[141] In September 2025, the UN reimposed sanctions on Iran using the "snapback" mechanism, causing the currency to weaken, resulting in price increases for food supplies such as meat, rice, and other staples, freezing Iranian assets abroad, suspending arms transactions, and imposing penalties related to the country's ballistic-missile programme.[142][143] Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent labelled the collapse of the Iranian currency in December 2025 as the strategy's "grand culmination".[144][145] At his State of the Union Address in February 2026, Trump claimed Iran had restarted its nuclear program and was developing missiles capable of striking the US.[146] Trump's claims contradicted his previous claims that Iran's nuclear program was "obliterated" and US intelligence reports that Iran did not pose any threat towards the US, and needed until 2035 to build such missiles to do so.[147]
On 12 June 2025, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) found Iran non-compliant with its NPT safeguards agreement for the first time since 2005.[148][149] A few days later, it was reported that Iran had stored highly enriched uranium in an underground facility that was undamaged by US bombings in 2025.[150] Subsequently, Iran denied the IAEA access to nuclear facilities that had been bombed, but did provide access to all unaffected facilities.[151] Mohammad Eslami, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, said Iran would not permit inspections of facilities struck by the US until the IAEA established rules for the post-war situation, insisting on codified protocols for internationally protected facilities subjected to military attacks, and that the IAEA condemn the attacks.[152]
In February 2026, Iran informed the IAEA that normal safeguards were "legally untenable and materially impracticable" as a result of threats and "acts of aggression", leaving the IAEA unable to verify that Iran had suspended enrichment or confirm the status of its stockpile,[151] though it found no evidence Iran was weaponizing.[153] Analysts in the UK and US characterized Iran's strategy as nuclear hedging.[154] The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists said that Iran was using its enrichment program and uranium stockpiles for leverage in international negotiations, and was willing to dilute or export its higher-level enriched uranium in exchange for sanctions relief and prevention of attacks.[155]
Israel and nuclear weapons
Israel is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, with an estimated stockpile of between 90 and 400 nuclear warheads.[166] Israel is the only nuclear-armed country that does not officially acknowledge its nuclear weapons capability.[167] Some scholars have argued that Israel's nuclear weapons have incentivized Iran to develop its own nuclear program, seen as maintaining a balance of nuclear deterrence, or causing a regional nuclear arms race.[168][169][170][171] Citing security threats, Israel rejects international calls to accede to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons or to participate in negotiations of a Middle East nuclear weapon free zone.[172][173][174] This has frustrated both US[167] and UK[175] diplomatic efforts towards such a zone. Scholars also suggest US tacit acceptance of the Israeli nuclear weapons capability is seen as a double standard that undermines its diplomatic credibility in Middle East nonproliferation negotiations.[176][167]
Prelude
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Tension between Iran and the United States during negotiations over Iran's nuclear program intensified in January 2026 when Iranian security forces massacred anti-government protesters.
The US began its greatest buildup of military assets in the region since the Iraq War in 2003. The US accused Iran of building up its nuclear and missile programs to threaten the United States and its allies. Iran accused the US of disinformation. Gulf states like Qatar predicted that escalations could severely harm the region. Negotiations regarding the Iranian nuclear program were held in February until the US and Israel commenced military strikes in Iran on 28 February 2026.
Hostilities
First 3 days of war (27 February – 1 March)
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On 27 February at 3:38 p.m. EST (11:08 p.m. IRST), Trump, traveling on Air Force One to Texas, authorized Operation Epic Fury.[89][90] US missiles, drones, and Israeli fighter jets began striking Iran the next day, around 9:45 a.m. IRST (1:15 a.m. EST).[177][178] The strikes took place during negotiations over Iran's nuclear program,[179][180] and coincided with the holy month of Ramadan.[181] The operation was codenamed Operation Roaring Lion[ah] by Israel.[92][93] The Israeli Air Force (IAF) said it struck 500 military targets in Iran in the largest combat sortie in its history.[182] Iranian naval vessels were also targeted.[183] Israel said it used over 1,200 bombs in 24 hours.[184] US strikes were carried out by planes based around the Middle East and from aircraft carriers.[185]
Initial strikes killed Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei and other top Iranian officials,[186] and hundreds of Iranians were killed or injured. The Iranian Red Crescent said 24 provinces were affected.[187] The strikes were coupled with cyberattacks on Iranian infrastructure, media, and phone apps, with messages calling on Iranians to rise up against their government.[188][189][190] The cyberattacks resulted in a near-total internet blackout in Iran, lasting over 60 hours with connectivity dropping to as low as 1% of normal levels, disrupting government communications, state media, and public services.[191][189] Iran restricted internet access, allowing access only to government-approved users until 26 May.[192] On 28 February, Trump released a statement saying the purpose of the strikes was regime change, citing Iran's support for non-state actors such as Hamas and Hezbollah, killings of protesters, chants of "Death to America", and alleged history of attacking US civilians and soldiers, as well as the Iran hostage crisis.[193] Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu warned of the potential threat of nuclear weapons in Iran and called on Iranians to overthrow their government.[193][194] Israeli defense minister Israel Katz labeled the strikes a "pre-emptive attack" intended to "remove threats to...Israel".[195] Iran denied that it intended to attack the US.[196]
Iranian units reacted within hours by launching missiles and drones. Iran codenamed its response Operation True Promise IV,[ai][aj] and state media dubbed the events the Ramadan War.[ak][107] Among the first targets were American radars in the Middle East[197] which degraded missile-warning capability in the region.[198][199] Iran struck Israeli targets in Tel Aviv and Haifa[200] as well as countries throughout the Persian Gulf.[201] Targets included Bahrain's capital Manama,[202][203] Kuwait International Airport, the United Arab Emirates' capital Abu Dhabi,[204][205] Riyadh and Eastern Province in Saudi Arabia,[206] and Erbil International Airport and the US Consulate General in Erbil in Iraq.[207] Multiple American strategic sites were locally targeted and attacked by Iran.[198][208][209] On 1 or 2 March, Iran struck the radar bases for US THAAD missile defense systems in Jordan, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, destroying at least one.[199] On 1 March, Iran launched more strikes,[210] including missiles and drones on Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.[211][212] The UK reported "missiles fired in the direction of Cyprus", but "don't believe they were targeted at Cyprus". The presidents of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus denied any missiles were fired at Cyprus.[213][214][215] The Palau-flagged Skylight and Marshall Islands-flagged MKD VYOM tankers were targeted off Oman's coast.[216][217][218] Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz slowed to a standstill,[219] with 150 freight ships, including oil tankers, stalled.[220] British prime minister Keir Starmer said the US could use British bases for "defensive" strikes on Iran[221] and disclosed that Ukrainian and other specialists would aid Gulf efforts to foil Iranian drone strikes.[222] Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, with US backing, vowed to employ military force against Iranian incursions, calling Iranian strikes "cowardly" due to Saudi airspace being closed to US and Israeli attackers.[223] Trump announced that the US had accepted an Iranian proposal to negotiations.[224] However, Ali Larijani ruled out talks.[225]
End of first week (2 March – 6 March)
On 2 March, the US embassy in Kuwait was struck and closed indefinitely.[226][227] The US-flagged tanker Stena Imperative and the Honduras-flagged tanker Athe Nova were struck.[228] An advisor to an IRGC commander said he would set fire to any ship coming through the Strait of Hormuz, and added that no oil would leave the area.[229] Qatari air defences shot down two Iranian Su-24 bombers.[al] The Qatari Ministry of Defense announced that Ras Laffan Industrial City, the main Qatari gas facility, and Mesaieed Industrial Area were struck by Iranian drones.[233] According to satellite imagery analysis by the Energy Economics and Society Research Institute, Ras Laffan appeared to not have been damaged before the "unprecedented shutdown" which sent fuel prices higher.[234] The US and Israel attacked the Natanz Nuclear Facility[235] and the Iranian media reported damage to the Khatam-al-Anbia and Gandhi hospitals.[236] In a friendly fire incident, the pilot of an F/A-18 of the Kuwait Air Force shot down three US F-15E fighters.[237][238][239][227] Israel and Hezbollah exchanged strikes.[240] Hezbollah began firing rockets and missiles on Israel in retaliation for the killing of Khamenei.[241] Hezbollah claimed that the attack was a "defensive act" after more than a year of Israeli attacks despite a 2024 truce.[242] It added that it restarted fighting to force Israel to stop its aggression and evacuate from seized Lebanese territories, emphasizing that the move was unrelated to the war.[243]
Lebanon banned military activities by Hezbollah after the attacks.[244] An IDF spokesperson stated the attack was "an official declaration of war by Hezbollah" and vowed to "neutralize" the threat.[240] Israel struck southern Lebanon,[245][246][247] Beirut, and the Beqaa Valley,[240] with the IDF saying it had killed the head of Hezbollah's intelligence Hussein Makled[248][249] and Adham Adnan al-Othman, the head of Palestinian Islamic Jihad's armed wing, the Al-Quds Brigades.[34] The Royal Air Force station at Akrotiri, Cyprus, was targeted by a drone strike causing damage to a runway.[250][251][252][253] Another strike on Cyprus led to Greece announcing that it would deploy frigates and F-16s to defend Cyprus from strikes by Iran.[254] The pro-Iran militant group Iraqi Guardians of Blood Brigades claimed responsibility for attacks on the US Victory Base near Baghdad International Airport and Erbil in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.[255][256][257] The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for 23 drone strikes on US assets in Erbil.[258]
On 3 March, US and Israeli strikes destroyed the SNSC headquarters,[259] the Expediency Discernment Council building in Tehran,[260] and what Israeli officials described as an alleged underground nuclear weapons facility called Min Zadai.[261] The proximity of these strikes to the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant (about 12 km (7.5 mi) away) prompted the Russian agency Rosatom to suspend construction on new units and evacuate non-essential staff.[262] A CIA site in the US embassy in Riyadh was hit by Iranian drones.[263] US officials said its forces had severely damaged Iran's naval capabilities, mainly in the Gulf of Oman, where several Iranian warships were destroyed and key bases hit.[264][265] Debris from an airstrike damaged Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,[266] causing UNESCO to issue a statement that damaging UNESCO sites is against international law.[267] Israel Katz authorized a ground invasion of Lebanon on 3 March with forces from the 91st Division, with the stated goal to establish a "security layer" against Hezbollah. The Lebanese government reported that Israeli attacks reached Kfarkela and Qouzah, leading the Lebanese army to redeploy from newly established border posts.[268] Israel reported that it killed Daoud Alizadeh, the commander of the Quds Force's Lebanon branch, in Tehran.[269]
Western diplomats said Qatar had struck Iran after Iran had attempted to strike Doha's airport and Qatar shot down two Iranian Su-24 bombers.[270][271] Qatar denied the accusation that it had joined the "campaign targeting Iran".[272] Iran warned it would hit all economic hubs in the Middle East,[273][274] and any defensive European military involvement would be considered an act of war.[275][276] On 4 March, US secretary of state Marco Rubio announced that the US-Israeli attacks on Iran would increase in intensity.[277] Israel attacks hit the Basij headquarters.[278] The IDF announced that an F-35I "Adir" shot down a Russian-made Iranian Yak-130 fighter jet over Tehran, the first time that an F-35 shot down a crewed fighter jet in air-to-air combat, and the first time the IAF shot down an aircraft since 1985.[279] Iran launched strikes against the Al Udeid Air Base,[280] and Aramco's Ras Tanura oil refining facility.[281] The US ordered the evacuation of non-essential workers in Cyprus in anticipation of Iranian strikes.[282][283] A ballistic missile launched from Iran was intercepted by NATO air defense systems as it entered Turkish airspace, marking an escalation in the conflict.[284] Turkey asserted its right to self-defense after the missile landed in Dörtyol, Hatay Province,[285] and NATO secretary general Mark Rutte stated that the alliance was committed to defending Turkey.[286]
An Iranian frigate, IRIS Dena, was sunk in the Indian Ocean by United States Navy submarine USS Charlotte, about 40 nautical miles (74 km; 46 mi) south of Galle, Sri Lanka. The vessel was returning to Iran following its participation in the International Fleet Review 2026 and the multilateral Exercise MILAN at Visakhapatnam, India.[287][288] The exercise required ships not to carry ammunition, and the US likely knew the Dena was defenseless, since it sent a maritime patrol aircraft to participate.[289] It was the first ship sunk by a submarine in active combat since the Falklands War, and the first by an American submarine since World War II.[am][292] 104 Iranians were killed.[293] The government of Azerbaijan said on 5 March that drones from Iran struck Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan exclave[294] damaging an airport and injuring two civilians.[295] Keir Starmer confirmed UK's bases on Cyprus would be used to defend the airspace of Jordan from Iranian drones,[296][297] while Italy, the Netherlands and Spain confirmed they would send warships to defend Cyprus.[298][299][300] Ireland stated it was willing to protect Cyprus and join the European defense coalition mobilized around the island if requested.[301] The IDF killed Hamas official Wassim Attallah al-Ali in Beddawi, Lebanon.[33] Trump said on 6 March that there were "no time limits" for how long the war could continue.[302][303] The Iranian tanker IRIS Bushehr was interned by the Sri Lanka Navy, marking the first instance of a warship being interned in a neutral country since World War II.[304]
Second week (7–13 March)
On 7 March, the US sent a third aircraft carrier, USS George H. W. Bush, to the Middle East.[305][306][307] The British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales was placed on advanced readiness to defend British interests in the region.[308] On 7 March, Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian apologized for strikes on neighboring countries, citing miscommunication in the ranks. He stated those countries would not be targeted unless the US launched attacks from them;[309][310] however, Iranian attacks continued, highlighting limited control over the IRGC chief Ahmad Vahidi.[311][312][310] On 8 March, Khamenei's second son, Mojtaba, was designated as Iran's new supreme leader.[186] US Central Command posted a message on X which urged "civilians in Iran to stay at home" and alleged that "[t]he Iranian regime is knowingly endangering innocent lives".[313]
Israeli airstrikes hit Iranian oil storage facilities, killing four people.[314] Strikes on fuel depots near Tehran caused a "river of fire" to pour out along the streets,[315] and the city became engulfed in thick black smoke, causing toxic acidic rain to fall in the surrounding area.[316][317][318][319][320] US Central Command announced the death of a seventh US service member from an Iranian attack.[321] The UK confirmed its forces had intercepted an Iranian drone headed towards Iraq, and declared its intention to send a Merlin helicopter to the region to detect aerial threats.[293] According to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, 65 schools and 32 medical facilities had been targeted, and more than 10,000 civilian sites damaged.[322] On 9 March, NATO confirmed the interception of a second ballistic missile in Turkish airspace.[323][324] Turkey deployed six F-16s and air defence systems to Northern Cyprus.[325] Trump claimed that "the war is very complete, pretty much", after speaking with Russian president Putin,[326] and said "we already won the war in many ways."[327][328][329] Following Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa's support for Lebanon's objective to disarm Hezbollah,[330] the group targeted the city of Inkhil in Syria.[331] About a dozen B-1B bombers arrived at bases in Europe.[332]
GPS jamming of uncertain origin disrupted navigation of ships near the Strait of Hormuz.[334] The United States Department of State[335] designated the Muslim Brotherhood branch in Sudan as a terrorist organization.[336][337] On 10 March, an IRGC commander stated that Iran was only firing missiles with payloads of 1,000 kg or more.[338] AFP reported that Iran's attacks were the "most intense and heaviest" since the start of the war.[339] This showed a shift in tactics from saturating air defences to high-impact penetration strikes.[338] American general Dan Caine acknowledged that Iran was fighting back, but not harder than the US expected.[340] Following the Syrian president's support for the disarmament of Hezbollah and a campaign of mobilization by the Syrian army on the Lebanese border,[330][341] shells from Lebanon landed in Serghaya, 20 km (12 mi) from Damascus where the Syrian Armed Forces forces presided.[342] Israel issued an urgent evacuation notice to southern suburbs of Beirut.[343]
Defense analyst AJ Jaff reported that Iran's ballistic missile launch rate fell 92% from day one of the war (480 to 40) and the drone launch rate fell 92% (720 to 60).[344] On 11 March 14 US bombers were deployed to RAF Fairford in the UK, where bombs were being prepared for loading. This followed US war secretary Hegseth's statement that it was the "most intense day of strikes inside Iran".[345] Israel reportedly struck the Parchin military complex.[346][347][348] A branch of Bank Sepah in Tehran was hit by a strike, prompting the IRGC to warn that they could retaliate by striking US or Israeli banks in the region.[349] Iran hit Stryker, a US-based medical supply company with a cyberattack.[350] On 12 March, UNICEF reported that 300 children had been killed, thousands injured, hundreds of thousands displaced, and millions unable to attend schools due to the war.[351]
Iranian deputy intelligence minister Akbar Ghaffari was killed in an airstrike.[352] An Iranian attack set two tankers on fire off the Iraqi coast, killing one person.[353] The historical Safavid-era building of Rashk-e Jenan, was destroyed by US-Israeli strikes.[354] Other buildings damaged included the Chehel Sotoun pavilion, Rakib Khaneh Mansion, Timurid Hall, Ashraf Hall and the Ali Qapu palace.[355] Many affected buildings and monuments were legally protected by the Blue Shield International,[356] which called damaging them a war crime.[357] French soldiers were injured in a drone strike at a base in Iraqi Kurdistan. French president Emmanuel Macron announced on 13 March that a soldier was killed in the attack.[358] On 13 March, to alleviate the economic costs of the war, the US temporarily lifted restrictions on the sale of Russian oil.[359] Iran announced a coordinated offensive by its navy, army, and Hezbollah against Israel and US bases.[360] Israel reported that 58 people have been hospitalized due to injuries following a missile strike.[359] Kuwait authorities stated that defense equipment and the country's main airport were attacked, and power lines gone out of service.[361] Missiles entered Turkish air space and were intercepted, with explosions heard near Adana.[362] Israel struck IRGC checkpoints after receiving tip-offs by informants on the ground. Reuters reported Israel had struck positions of the Basij used to suppress Iranian protests.[363]
Third week (14–20 March)
During the third week, analysts found little evidence of significant defections in the Iranian military,[an] which have been considered a necessary condition for regime change.[373] The US conducted an attack on Kharg Island, a key oil export hub home to 90 percent of Iran's oil exports. Over 90 military sites were targeted; oil infrastructure was not targeted "for reasons of decency", according to Trump.[374][375] On 14 March, Kata'ib Hezbollah security commander Abu Ali al-Askari was killed in an airstrike in Baghdad.[376] The Royal Tulip Al Rasheed Hotel in Baghdad's Green Zone was hit by a drone whilst hosting an EU and Saudi Arabian delegation. The attack was not claimed by anyone; however, due to the proximity of a similar attack 48 hours earlier on the US embassy in Baghdad, there were suspicions it was an Iranian attack.[377]
On 16 March, China and US-aligned NATO nations in Europe rejected Trump's call to provide military support to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.[378][379] Trump rebuked his NATO allies, calling their decision a "very foolish mistake".[380] On the same day, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the Trump administration will not rule out a military draft. She clarified that a draft was not "part of the current plan" but that the president was open to any suggestions.[381] On 17 March, Trump made a statement on Truth Social renouncing NATO's assistance, and unexpectedly, criticizing US allies in the Indo-Pacific (namely Japan, South Korea, and Australia) for refusing to join US-led attacks on Iran.[382][383][384][385] Trump declared that the United States "[does] not need the help of anyone" regarding the war.[386] In the morning of 17 March, senior Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani and Basij chief Gholamreza Soleimani were targeted by Israeli airstrikes.[387][388] Both their deaths were later confirmed by Iranian state media.[389] In response, Iran launched a missile barrage that killed two Israeli civilians in Ramat Gan.[390] The same day, Israel launched a ground invasion of southern Lebanon.[391]
On 18 March,[392] Israel struck the South Pars natural gas field in the Persian Gulf and its neighboring refineries in Iran with US coordination.[393] In retaliation, Iran attacked the world's largest LNG production facility in Qatar, while Trump claimed he had no knowledge of the South Pars attack.[392][394] Israel said it had killed Iranian intelligence minister Esmaeil Khatib in an overnight airstrike.[395] Pezeshkian confirmed Khatib's killing.[396] A hair salon in Beit Awwa was struck by a projectile, killing four women,[397] with Israeli authorities stating that it was most likely cluster munitions and Palestinian authorities saying it was an errant Israeli interceptor.[398][399] On 19 March, a US F-35 made an emergency landing after a suspected hit by Iranian forces.[400][401] A BAZAN Group refinery in Haifa was hit during a broader Iranian missile attack on the area as a retaliation for Israeli attacks on South Pars gas facilities.[402][403] Netanyahu insisted that "You can't make a revolution from the air" and that "there must be a ground component—I won't share with you all the options", implying that there was a potential for limited assault operations involving soldiers on the ground in Iran.[404] The US began an aerial campaign against Iranian vessels and drones in the Strait of Hormuz in an effort to reopen it to international shipping.[405]
Fourth week (21–27 March)
Admiral Brad Cooper said that the US military had struck more than 8,000 Iranian military targets, including 130 vessels.[406] On 21 March, the US conducted strikes on the Natanz Nuclear Facility using bunker buster bombs to target the site.[407] Russia condemned the strikes on Natanz as a "blatant violation of international law" while the IAEA urged military restraint "to avoid any risk of a nuclear accident".[408] In response, Iran struck the southern Israeli town of Dimona, injuring at least 78 people.[409] Iran said that it targeted the Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Center.[410][411] Citing unnamed US officials, CNN and The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran unsuccessfully attempted to strike the joint US–UK military base at Diego Garcia on the Chagos Islands in the British Indian Ocean Territory.[412] The report said one of the missiles broke apart mid-flight, while another was intercepted by a SM-3 air defence missile launched by a US warship.[413] Israel said that Iran used a two-stage intercontinental ballistic missile to target the island.[414][415] Iran denied launching missiles towards Diego Garcia, saying that it was an Israeli false flag attack.[416] In response the UK Foreign Secretary confirmed and denounced the Iranian attack on their end, and additionally expanded permission for the United States to bomb certain targets using their bases.[417][418] No evidence has been presented that the alleged Iranian missiles neared Diego Garcia or that one was intercepted.[419]
The Houthi movement in Yemen warned that it would respond to any escalation against Iran, including efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. It specifically warned the two Arab countries offering to join the Strait of Hormuz campaign—Bahrain and the UAE—that they "will be the first to lose in this battle".[420] The Houthis further threatened to join the war in the event that US allies joined the attack on Iran or if the US and Israel used the Red Sea to carry out operations.[421] Lebanon's government expelled the Iranian ambassador.[422] Trump issued an ultimatum to Iran, threatening to strike its power plants unless it opened the strait within 48 hours.[423] Iran doubled down, threatening to "completely" close the strait and strike vital infrastructure across the region such as energy and desalination facilities critical for drinking water.[424] Iranian opposition figure and former crown prince Reza Pahlavi called on Trump and Netanyahu to target the military while sparing civilian infrastructure which "Iranians will need to rebuild our country."[425] Halfway through the deadline, Trump announced that he was postponing strikes against Iranian power plants for five days,[426] and said the US was negotiating with Iran to end the war.[427] Iran denied the talks ever took place or were taking place, calling him "deceitful".[428] Iran rejected the 15-point peace plan presented by the US.[429][430] Iran asserted that Lebanon must be included as part of a ceasefire deal, thereby making a ceasefire conditional on an end to the 2026 Lebanon war against Hezbollah.[431]
On 24 March, Israel or its allies shot down an Iranian missile crossing above Lebanon at high altitude, according to the Lebanese army, which also confirmed that the missile was not targeting Lebanon. This was the first time during the current conflict when a shootdown of an Iranian missile took place over Lebanese territory.[432][433] A US strike on the Habbaniya military base—which hosts units from the Popular Mobilization Forces—in Al Anbar Governorate killed seven members of the Iraqi Armed Forces and injured 13 others. In response, Iraqi prime minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani summoned the US embassy's chargé d'affaires in Baghdad.[434] Iranian state media threatened that Iran could seize Bahraini and Emirati territory if the US "makes any mistakes", while signaling its readiness to open a new front in Yemen by closing the Bab al-Mandab Strait together with the Houthis.[435][436] Israel said it killed Iran's top naval commander, Alireza Tangsiri, purportedly as part of an effort to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Katz said Tangsiri was "directly responsible" for the closure of.[437][438][439]
On 27 March, a day after Trump and Hegseth announced the "neutralization" of Iran's military, an Iranian missile and drone strike on Prince Sultan Air Base damaged several US refueling aircraft and injured at least 15 US soldiers. An E-3 Sentry was also damaged by the strike.[440][441][442] Military analyst Cedric Leighton described the attack as a "a serious blow to [US] surveillance capabilities".[443] The same day, Iran blocked two Chinese ships from entering the strait and sought to formalize fees for ships passing through it.[444][445] Despite pushes for talks, Israeli defense minister Israel Katz publicly vowed to "intensify and expand" Israeli attacks in Iran.[446] The same day, the Shahid Khondab Heavy Water Complex in Arak—which has in the past been used to test uranium enrichment—and the Ardakan yellowcake production plant in Yazd Province were confirmed to have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes.[447][448]
Fifth week (28 March – 3 April)
The Houthis joined the war on 28 March launching a ballistic missile towards Israel[449] while stating that they had launched ballistic missiles targeting "sensitive" military sites in Israel; the missile was intercepted and no casualties were reported.[450] The Houthis subsequently launched a second missile at Eilat.[451] In response, the internationally recognized Yemeni government condemned Iran's "frequent attempts to drag Yemen" into conflict "through its terrorist militias".[452] On the same day, 2,500 US marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived in the Middle East, expected to be part of US efforts to open the Strait of Hormuz.[453] US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that it had struck over 11,000 targets in Iran since the beginning of the war. On 28 March, joint US–Israeli airstrikes severely damaged several residential and civilian facilities, including the Iran University of Science and Technology.[454] In response, Iran threatened to attack Israeli and American colleges across the Middle East.[455] Airstrikes also struck a 10,000-cubic-metre (350,000 cu ft) water reservoir in Haftkel, in Khuzestan province.[456] An Iranian missile struck a chemical plant in the Ne'ot Hovav industrial zone, injuring one person and causing fears of a hazardous leak.[457] A convoy of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces was seen entering Khorramshahr in southwestern Iran.[458] Eleven-year-old child soldier Alireza Jafari was killed in an Israeli drone strike "while serving" at a checkpoint on a Tehran highway;[459][460] Amnesty International called the organized Iranian recruitment of children as young as Jafari a war crime.[461] On 29 March, Trump stated that he would prefer to "take the oil in Iran". He proposed taking Iran's oil export center, Kharg Island, claiming that the United States could capture the territory "very easily", and implying that the US could occupy it for some time.[462]
On 30 March, Trump said that if a deal were not reached soon and the Strait of Hormuz reopened, the US would strike all of Iran's power plants, oil wells, Kharg Island, and possibly all its desalinization plants,[463] although the feasibility and strategic value of some of Trump's threats were contested.[464] On the same day Turkey and NATO intercepted the fourth missile directed towards Turkish territory. Iran denied firing a missile at Turkey, claiming that it was a false flag attack.[465][466] The US began flying B-52 bombers over Iranian territory for the first time, indicating its confidence of air supremacy over Iran.[467] The US used bombers to target an ammunition depot and air base in Isfahan, causing large explosions.[468] U.S-allied Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain reportedly pushed Trump to continue the war until there are significant changes in Iran's leadership.[469] American journalist Shelly Kittleson was kidnapped in Baghdad by Kata'ib Hezbollah—the strongest faction within the PMF—who demanded that the Iraqi government release several detained members of the group.[470] On 1 April, Mehr News Agency, a semi-official Iranian government news outlet, reported that policy expert and former foreign minister Kamal Kharazi was seriously injured and his wife was killed in an airstrike which hit his home.[471] Iranian officials described the attack as an attempt to derail diplomacy, noting that Kharazi was overseeing a possible meeting between Iranian officials and US vice president JD Vance.[472] Airstrikes on the strategically important Hengam Island in the Strait of Hormuz caused seven injuries.[473] Netanyahu asserted that the US–Israeli strikes have eliminated Iran's ability to produce nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, thereby removing "two existential threats" to Israel.[474]
Late in the day on 1 April, Trump made a speech addressing the nation, in which he said that the strikes have "dramatically curtailed" Iranian missile and drone systems, and added that the attacks on Iran will escalate over the next two to three weeks to "bring them back to the Stone Ages, where they belong".[475] On 2 April, two US strikes on the B1 bridge between Tehran and Karaj, which was described as the highest bridge in the Middle East, reportedly killed eight people and wounded 95 others, causing it to collapse.[476] Experts assessed the attack as a possible war crime; it was celebrated by Trump.[477] At the time of the attack, many Iranian families had been gathered in the parks below the bridge to celebrate Sizdah Be-dar.[478] Iran revealed major damage to the century-old medical center Pasteur Institute of Iran. US defense secretary Hegseth boasted of "death and destruction from the sky all day long".[477] The IDF also announced that one of its strikes in the Kermanshah area of Iran killed Iranian ballistics missile chief Makram Atimi and several battalion commanders from Atimi's central Iranian ballistic missile unit.[479][480] An Iranian ballistic missile strike damaged an Israeli drone factory in Petah Tikva.[481][482][483] On the same day, Iran's army chief, Amir Hatami, stated that if US forces invade the country, "not a single person" among the invaders will survive.[484]
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On 3 April, Iranian forces shot down a US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet over the country, with the wreckage falling in the Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province of Iran,[485] the first incident of its kind in more than 20 years.[486] The pilot was rescued that same day, but the WSO remained missing and was rescued alive 48 hours later[487] in a "high-stake" operation involving US special forces supported by 155 aircraft.[486] A US A-10 "Warthog" aircraft was downed and its single crew member ejected near the Strait of Hormuz and was rescued.[488] Iran released a video showing shooting down the aircraft using surface-to-air missile.[489] On the same day, Tehran's Shahid Beheshti University was hit by airstrikes, making the total number of universities hit to more than 30, according to the Iranian Minister of Science.[490]
Sixth week (4–7 April)
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On 4 April, explosions were reported at an auxiliary building of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant as well as the Mahshahr Special Petrochemical Zone in Mahshahr, Iran.[491] The airstrikes in Mahshahr killed at least five and injured 170 others.[492] An Iranian missile strike hit in the vicinity of the IDF's HaKirya headquarters in Tel Aviv.[493] On 5 April, after heavy fighting, the second stranded crew member from the F-15E downed on 3 April was recovered by US forces in a rescue operation, which resulted in damage to helicopters, the shooting down of an A-10 Thunderbolt II,[494] and the destruction of two C-130 Hercules, three IRGC members killed, and several American service members injured.[487]
On 6 April, the IRGC announced that the head of the IRGC's intelligence organisation, Major General Majid Khademi, had been killed in a joint US-Israeli airstrike. Their statement claimed that Khademi had "played a major role in Iran's intelligence and security apparatus over nearly five decades".[495] Israel said that Yazdan Mir, a high-ranking commander of the IRGC Quds Force, had also been killed in the attacks.[496] On the same day, before Trump's deadline for targeting Iranian infrastructure,[497] Israel carried out strikes on the South Pars Petrochemical facility in Asaluyeh, Iran.[498] The IAF said that "85% of Iran's petrochemical exports" had been taken offline by now.[499] At least 34 people, including six children, were killed in US-Israeli airstrikes across Iran, including against Sharif University of Technology and residential areas. Iranian vice president and reformist politician Mohammad Reza Aref, who is also an alumnus of the university, described the alleged use of a bunker-buster bomb as a "symbol of Trump's madness and ignorance".[500]
On 7 April, The Rafi'-Nia synagogue in central Tehran was destroyed in an airstrike.[501] Israel said that the building was destroyed due to collateral damage and that it was never meant to be the direct target of the airstrike.[502] The same day, US forces began strikes on Kharg Island.[503] In response, Iran said its restraint in targeting oil infrastructure in the region would no longer apply.[504] Trump posted to Truth Social that "a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again",[505] causing international concern that Trump would use nuclear weapons. The Secretary General of Amnesty International said that Trump's statement "may constitute a threat to commit genocide".[506] Multiple right-wing commentators and many Democrats condemned the post, and some called for him to be removed through the 25th Amendment.[507][508] The White House denied considering using nuclear weapons.[509] The White House later said that "only the president knows" what he would do on Iran.[510] A leaked US intelligence report concluded that Iran retained 70% of missiles and launchers at this point, despite Trump claims regarding "destruction" of Iran's military.[511]
Ceasefire, dual blockade and Islamabad Memorandum (8 April – 19 June)
On 7 April, Trump announced that the US and Iran had reached an agreement based on the 10-point proposal mediated by Pakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir.[512] The US, Israel, and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, under which Iran would re-open the Strait of Hormuz.[513] After the announcement, Iran's Lavan Island oil refinery and Sirri Island crude export facilities were struck; no party claimed responsibility.[514] In response, Iran continued missile and drone strikes on Gulf Arab states.[515] The refinery attack was later revealed to have been done secretly by the UAE.[6][516][517]
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Israel and the US asserted that the ceasefire did not include Lebanon,[518][519] contradicting the Pakistani mediators and Iran.[520] Hezbollah said it had halted attacks on Israel and on Israeli soldiers in Lebanon.[521] Despite the ceasefire, Israel launched "Operation Eternal Darkness", which, according to Israeli forces, included targeting all Hezbollah's command and control centers in southern Lebanon, Beirut and the Beqaa Valley.[522] Local observers disputed this, saying the attacks were not targeted.[523] These were the largest attacks since the start of the war,[524] killing at least 357 people and injuring more than 1,200.[525][526] In Beirut alone, 92 people were killed and at least 740 injured.[527] In response, Iran threatened to attack Israel "if the aggressions against dear Lebanon are not brought to an immediate end".[528] Iran paused Hormuz traffic over Israeli attacks in Lebanon.[529] Hezbollah claimed responsibility for launching rockets towards northern Israel as a response to "ceasefire violations".[530]
On 11 April, Trump said that American forces had started "clearing" the Strait of Hormuz.[531] Iran claimed that an American ship on its way to the strait turned back after being warned.[532] The Wall Street Journal reported US Navy destroyers entered the strait for the first time since the war began. The Iranian government reportedly threatened to attack the ships, accusing the US of a ceasefire violation.[533][534] US Central Command said the ships were minesweeping.[535] On the same day, the talks between the US and Iran—the highest-level discussions between the two since the 1979 Islamic Revolution—were held in Islamabad, Pakistan, lasting 21 hours. JD Vance announced no agreement was reached and Iran had refused "to accept our terms".[536] Trump stated he no longer cared about negotiations.[537] Trump declared that the US Navy would begin its blockade of "all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz" from 13 April. He said the US Navy would stop any ships that paid tolls to Iran.[538] However, United States Central Command clarified that the blockade would only be enforced on ships travelling to or from Iranian ports.[539] The IRGC Navy said any military vessel approaching the strait would be considered a ceasefire violation and meet a "severe response."[540] Trump threatened to strike fast-attack ships of the IRGC Navy, similar to US strikes on drug traffickers during Operation Southern Spear.[541] Iran had 13 days of oil storage capacity, forcing it to shut down its oil fields and potentially damaging them.[542] An analyst estimated loss of import and export capacity would be US$435 million per day.[542]
On 16 April, Trump announced that Israel and Lebanon agreed to a ten-day truce.[543] Iran announced that passage of commercial vessels through the strait would be allowed during the truce,[544] however, Trump said that the blockade would continue,[545] with Iran reimposing restrictions on the strait.[546][547][548] The US stated that its blockade had intercepted 23 ships.[549] Despite Iran's seizure of two cargo ships,[550] Trump claimed total control over the strait.[551] The Guardian described the situation as a "dual blockade", saying that while the US Navy could blockade Iranian ports, it had been unable to stop Iran's blockade and open the strait to allies.[550] Israel and Lebanon agreed a three-week extension of their ceasefire.[552] On 8 June, the IDF announced that it struck military sites in Iran, with explosions reported in Tehran, Isfahan, and Tabriz.[553] This triggered an exchange between the two countries.[554] Two Iranian soldiers were killed in an Israeli attack.[555] Iran afterwards said it had ceased military actions against Israel.[556] Israel stopped strikes at Trump's request.[557] On 9 June, The New York Times reported that American crew was rescued after a helicopter went down near the strait. CENTCOM said they were rescued by a US Navy drone boat for the first time.[558][559][560] Trump said Iranians had shot down the helicopter and pledged to respond.[561] A US official said a Shahed one-way attack drone downed the helicopter.[562] Iran said it did not deliberately target the helicopter.[563] CENTCOM later said that it launched "self-defense" strikes in retaliation.[560] One attack damaged water reservoir tanks in Sirik; Iran stated that 20,000 people had lost access to drinking water.[564][565]
On 14 June, Iran said that the draft US deal included Tehran agreeing not to produce or acquire nuclear weapons, and the US agreeing to allow Tehran to dilute its highly enriched uranium stockpile in Iran.[566] Trump and Iran announced they had reached an agreement to end the war and reopen the strait. Trump said he had authorized the lifting of the US blockade.[567] On 15 June, US vice president JD Vance announced that the memorandum was digitally signed by both countries the previous day.[568] On 17 June, Trump and Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian signed the Islamabad Memorandum to end the war, with Trump signing it during dinner with French president Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles after the G7 summit.[569] On 18 June, Pakistan stated that the signing of the memorandum implies Tehran will reopen the Hormuz "instantly" and the American blockade will end "immediately."[570] CENTCOM announced that it had removed the naval blockade.[571] On 19 June, Trump announced a renewed ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in the 2026 Lebanon war, facilitated by the US, Qatar, and Iran.[572][573] However, on June 20, Hezbollah announced an attack on Israeli forces trying to capture Ali al-Taher in Nabatieh,[574] while Israel continued to strike southern Lebanon.[575]
Renewed hostilities: July (8 July – 31 July)
On 8 July, Trump declared the MOU was "over", adding that he lacked further desire to deal with Iran's leadership, after Iran launched attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz to assert Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, startling US officials and shattering a brief diplomatic calm.[576][577] On the same day, Trump secretly left Air Force One for a military jet via a catering container due to a threat from Iran.[ao][579] Trump later stated that US negotiators could continue negotiations, although he expressed pessimism about the outcome.[580] Iranian state media announced that eight soldiers were killed in American attacks in Bandar Abbas and Bushehr.[581] Trump added that the war would not resume, but if it did, it would be short, that he might be assassinated by Iran, and he was the top target on Iran's hit list.[582][583] Mehr News Agency reported that the US attacks killed two Iranian fishermen.[584] CENTCOM announced that it hit roughly 90 Iranian military targets, including air defense systems, coastal surveillance assets, missile and drone storage facilities, naval capabilities, and military logistics infrastructure along the country's coastline.[585] IRNA reported that a US attack hit an airport in southeastern Iran, killing a fireman.[586] On 10 July, The Wall Street Journal reported that Israel provided intelligence with the US on a new conspiracy by the Iranian regime to assassinate Donald Trump.[587] Trump refuted the claim and said he has left instructions for retaliatory bombing in such case.[588]
The administrative council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) agreed that member states should reject Iranian efforts to impose sovereignty over the Hormuz and Tehran's "unilateral decision" to form a body to control traffic on the waterway.[591] The IRGC's navy said it closed the strait until further notice after firing a warning shot at a vessel trying to transit through an unapproved route.[592] On 13 July, Trump announced that the US will reinstate the "Iranian blockade in the Strait" and impose a 20% toll on cargo shipping through it.[593] The Yemeni government and Saudi Arabia struck the Sanaa International Airport controlled by the Houthis,[594][595] allegedly to prevent an Iranian plane from landing.[596] The Houthis retaliated by launching missiles and drones against Saudi Arabia's Abha International Airport.[597][598] The Combined Maritime Forces' Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC), led by America, announced that the US blockade on Iran would start the following day.[599] The US announced that it hit military targets throughout Iran including Bushehr, Chabahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa, and Bandar Abbas.[ap][602] Two Emirati tankers were reportedly struck by Iranian cruise missiles in the strait in Oman's territorial waters, killing one Indian crew member and injuring two critically.[603][604] On 14 July, Trump cancelled plans to impose fees in the strait.[605] The IMO said that the death toll from Hormuz ship attacks on that day increased to two.[606]
On 20 July, the Houthis declared a blockade of Saudi Arabian ports and ships in the Bab-el-Mandeb,[607] a strait connecting the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean. On 1 August, The New York Times reported, citing state and local officials, that evidence leads to Iran in a series of cyberattacks against water systems in at least seven US states, with Michigan being the second state to report the attacks publicly.[608] BBC Verify found new damages to nine American military bases between 12 July and 1 August, according to satellite images. Targets with verified damages include Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Tower 22 base (the site of a deadly attack in 2024), Isa Air Base, Erbil Air Base, and Mina Abdullah Refinery. According to Farzin Nadimi, a Senior Fellow with The Washington Institute, the Iranian attacks in the renewed conflict since 12 July have been "more extensive and more effective", with support from Russia and China in the form of satellite imagery to target American forces and assess damage.[609]
Renewed hostilities: August (1 August – present)
On 2 August, after Qatari efforts to head off the attacks and open the Hormuz and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed concern about Trump's plans for massive strikes on Iran,[610] Trump stated that he and Israel had called off the attack after the Iranian regime requested more time for a deal, and that a plan was in place for US forces to carry out the largest US operation since World War II.[611][612][613] The Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces denied requesting the US to halt strikes, calling Trump's claim a "lie".[614]
On 3 August, Iran stated that there were not currently negotiating with the Americans, denying Trump's claims that negotiations with Iran would start that day.[615][616] Iran is in talks with Oman, but the agreement is not enough to open the Strait of Hormuz, according to Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei.[617]
On 8 August, the IRGC stated that reopening the Hormuz is not dependent on talks with Oman but rather on the US accepting Iran's conditions.[618] The UAE stated that Iran attacked an Abu Dhabi National Oil Company tanker in the Hormuz.[619] Iran's Supreme National Security Council outlined conditions for the US to fulfill before reopening the Hormuz including a commitment from the US to cease threats against Iran, end wars involving non-state allies like Hezbollah, Hamas and Houthis, lift the naval blockade of Iranian ports, withdraw US troops, compensate for losses from the Twelve-Day War and the current war, remove all sanctions, and release all Iranian frozen assets.[620][621]
On 11 August, US forces fired at the rudder of a Panama-flagged vessel that attempted to overcome its naval blockade of Iran while passing via the Gulf of Oman, without causing casualties.[622]
On 13 August, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the US can maintain a naval blockade on Iranian ports "indefinitely" if necessary.[623] Abu Dhabi National Oil Company stated that two of its vessels were attacked while passing through the Hormuz.[624]
On 14 August, Iran stated that it downed an American UAV above Hormozgan province.[625] Two vessels, including one belonging to the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company were attacked while passing through the Hormuz.[626][627]
On 16 August, Iran Army Chief Amir Hatami declared that the army is offering a bounty of $30,000 for killing or capturing invading US soldiers, with the reward doubled if carried out by a female citizen.[628]
On 17 August, the office of the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region was reportedly targeted by Iranian drones.[629] Iran called the incident a "false flag" attack.[630] Iran stated that it reached an agreement with Oman over the Hormuz.[631]
On 18 August, the UAE stated that Iran fired two missiles towards it, adding that one landed inside its territorial waters.[632] The UAE then halted all trade, exchange, and financial transactions with Iran until further notice.[633] Iran denied that it launched missiles towards the UAE, citing a "false flag" operation.[634] Analysts from maritime intelligence firm Kpler told CNN on that Iran looks to have lost control of the strait partially and is unable to impose tolls due to increased usage of the U.N.-authorized Omani transit route.[aq][635]
On 20 August, declaring "economic d-day," Trump announced that any nation trading with the Iranian regime would be sanctioned.[636] Mohsen Rezaee, the Secretary of Iran’s National Security Council, stated that any regional country that participates in the US sanctions against Iran will be regarded as an enemy.[637] The Asia-based USS George Washington replaced Abraham Lincoln, resulting in the lack of a US aircraft carrier in the Indo-Pacific.[ar][640]
On 22 August, Iraq secured Iranian authorization for a number of its oil tankers to transit through the Hormuz.[641]
On 24 August, Iran announced that it blacklisted 45 tankers which have violated its rules for passing through the Hormuz, and would take action against any vessels transferring loads with them.[642] That same day, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a new US sanctions campaign dubbed Operation Economic Outcast, warning that every country has a set deadline to halt economic activities with Iran or risk Treasury action that includes the removal of the US dollar financial system.[643][644]
On 25 August, US officials with firsthand knowledge corroborated Trump's assertion that the US Navy had cleared mines from the Hormuz Traffic Separation Scheme, Oman's primary maritime corridor with Iran, adding that over the last few months, underwater drones carried out a systematic scanning of the area, identifying over 100 objects suspected of having mines, which were then removed or detonated by private contractors.[645] Trump added that the US will destroy Iranian vessels laying more mines in the Hormuz.[646] US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told allies around the globe that "for the time being," the US is not expected to resume major combat operations against the Iranian regime, with a second US official adding that this is expected to be the policy at least until after the midterm election, when a new military campaign could be considered.[647]
On 26 August, the IRGC announced that Iran and Oman reached deals on the Hormuz share and its revenue.[648] The Iranian regime declared that several Persian-language media outlets operating outside Iran including BBC Persian, Iran International and Radio Farda are incorporated in its “military target bank".[649]
Casualties and damages
Iranian losses
The US and Israel killed many Iranian commanders and leaders on the war's first day by causing Iran to believe that strikes were not imminent. Thus, groups of senior Iranian officials continued gathering in person. These gatherings were targeted in initial strikes. One part of the deception was information about a US F-22 deployment leaked to hide that preparations were more advanced at other bases.[650][651] Calls between Trump and Netanyahu before the war were not publicised to diminish the possibility of an Iranian first strike.[651]
IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin stated that months of joint US and Israeli "strategic and operational deception" of satellite imagery led up to the war. This encompassed planes and other facilities. The night of the initial strike he and IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir took their official cars home from IDF Headquarters.[650] They came back without them so that satellite imagery would show that their base did not appear full nor warplanes appear armed and ready.[652][653] Three separate gatherings of Iranian officials were hit within half a minute of each other in the opening strike.[651] War sources revealed that the American-Israeli strikes targeted IRGC bases, border guard posts, and other security facilities to attempt to allow for potential ground incursions from both Kurdish separatists to the northwest and Baloch separatists to the southeast. There were no reports of cross-border operations from either of the ethnic militant groups, although Iran had engaged in attacks against both of them, reportedly killing both Kurdish fighters of the Coalition of Political Forces of Iranian Kurdistan and Baloch fighters of the People's Fighters Front originating from outside Iran.[654][655][19][656]
Assassination of Ali Khamenei
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On 28 February 2026, Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, was assassinated in an Israeli air attack.[657][651] On 1 March, Iranian state media announced Khamenei's death.[658] The IRGC-controlled Fars News Agency announced that Khamenei's daughter, son-in-law, grandchild, and daughter-in-law Zahra Haddad-Adel had also been killed.[659][660][661] The Iranian government declared 40 days of mourning.[662]
Military and officials
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The initial dead included Iranian defense minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, and four top Ministry of Intelligence officials.[663]
Additional senior officials included Salah Asadi, head of intelligence for Iran's emergency command, Mohammad Shirazi, head of Khamenei's military office, head of the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND) Hossein Jabal Amelian, former SPND head Reza Mozaffari Nia,[664][665] and chief of staff Abdolrahim Mousavi, among 40 official as reported by intelligence and military sources.[666]
On 13 March, IDF estimated that between 3,000 and 4,000 Iranian soldiers and commanders had been killed.[667]
On 17 March, Israel assassinated Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's SNSC.[389] IRGC commander Mohammad Pakpour and Defence Council secretary Ali Shamkhani were reported dead in late March.[668]
On 18 March, the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights estimated that 5,300+ members of the Iranian military had been killed.[669]
On 31 March, Iran International reported that at least 4,700 security forces had been killed.[670]
On 6 April, the head of IRGC intelligence, Major General Majid Khademi, was assassinated in a joint US-Israeli airstrike.[495]
As of 7 April, Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRANA), a US-based non-governmental organization, reported 3,636 documented war deaths, including 1,701 civilians, 1,221 military personnel, and 714 unclassified. According to HRANA, "[i]t is believed that military casualties are significantly higher than the figures reported in [its] reports" as confirmations depend largely on government data. Its count largely reflects reports of military personnel present in urban areas.[77]
Civilians
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On the first day of the war, Iran reported that the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' elementary school in Minab had been hit by an American attack.[671] The school was located near[as] the Sayyid al-Shuhada military complex,[675] of which it had once been a part.[674][676] While the number killed was not independently confirmed,[677] Iranian state media reported that more than 175 people, mostly children, were killed while 95 were wounded.[678] Video showed a Tomahawk missile hitting a building adjacent to the school;[679] preliminary findings from an American military investigation indicated that the strike resulted from outdated targeting data.[680]
At least 20 civilians, mostly families who gathered after breaking their fast at Ramadan,[681] were killed in Tehran's Niloofar Square on 1 or 2 March, according to Iranian-state media.[682] On 3 March, the Iranian Red Crescent Society said that over 600 civilians had been killed[683] while HRANA reported 1,097 civilian deaths.[684] On 7 March, the Red Crescent reported that over 6,668 civilian "units" had been targeted by US-Israeli strikes, including 5,535 residential units, 1,041 commercial units, 14 medical centers, 65 schools, and 13 centers affiliated with the Red Crescent.[685] The Middle East Eye, an anti-Israel news outlet, reported that the US used double tap airstrikes,[686][687] although the US denies this. As of 23 March, HRANA estimated that at least 15% of the casualties were under age 18.[688]
An Israeli airstrike on 9 March in Resalat neighbourhood of Tehran destroyed a Basij-affiliated building as well as three residential buildings, killing 40 to 50. According to a BBC analysis, Israel used Mark 82 bombs in the attack.[681]
As of 27 March, Iran has reported damage to at least 120 historical sites.[689]
The deadly attack on residential buildings and a sports hall in the town of Lamerd killed 21 including 4 children and injured 100.[690]
Institutions
The initial attack targeted Leadership House. On 2 March, video footage released by Iran International showed the destroyed IRGC Malek-Ashtar building in Tehran following a joint US-Israel missile strike.[691] On 3 March, the complex of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the state broadcaster's headquarters, was hit in an Israeli air operation.[692][693]
Iranian state-linked media indicated that Iran's parliament building was targeted.[694] On 3 March, Israeli forces bombed the Assembly of Experts office building in Qom.[695][696]
Infrastructure
By 5 March, the World Health Organization had identified 13 Iranian health sites hit, as well as one in Lebanon.[697] The Iranian Foreign Minister said that the US had struck a desalination plant on Qeshm Island, disrupting water supply to 30 villages, but both the US and Israel denied an attack.[698][316] The Russian consulate in Isfahan was damaged.[699] After US strikes on 9 June, Iran said that damage to water storage units in Hormozgan province had left 20,000 people without water.[564]
On 18 July, Iranian media reported that U.S. strikes hit power facilities and desalination pumps at the Bonji desalination plant in Jask, Hormozgan Province. Reuters reported that several missiles struck the facilities, citing a local official, and said the attack disrupted water supplies to 20 villages, affecting around 10,000 people.[700][701]
American losses
Analysis of satellite images by The Washington Post revealed damage to at least 228 structures or pieces of equipment at US bases across the Persian Gulf, far more than the Trump administration has admitted to.[45]
On 1 March, six US soldiers were killed amid more than 30 injured in an Iranian drone attack near Camp Arifjan in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait. Those killed were soldiers of the United States Army Reserve assigned to the 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa.[702] On 8 March, CENTCOM reported that a National Guard soldier died during a medical emergency.[703] A soldier of the 1st Space Brigade was wounded in an attack against Prince Sultan Air Base on 1 March and died from his injuries on 9 March.[704]
Six American airmen were killed on 12 March when their KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq. CENTCOM said that the crash was not the result of hostile action, but had resulted during an incident involving another US aircraft. By 13 March, the US military publicly announced that about 140 American servicemen had been injured.[705] A 27 March attack on Prince Sultan Air Base damaged "multiple" refueling aircraft and destroyed a Boeing E-3 Sentry, as well as wounding at least 15 US soldiers.[706][707][442]
On 17 July, three US soldiers were killed in an Iranian missile and drone attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, two from the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command and one from the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command. Another soldier of the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command was killed in a controlled detonation of a downed Iranian drone at an airbase in Iraqi Kurdistan on 19 July.[708][709][710][711]
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest aircraft carrier in theatre, was damaged by a fire that broke out 12 March. The US Navy said the fire had injured multiple sailors,[at] started in a laundry area and was not combat-related.[716] The carrier had been dealing with other mechanical issues, including a malfunctioning sewage treatment system, since before it arrived in the Middle East.[717] According to multiple reports on 17–18 March, Gerald R. Ford paused launching airstrikes and sailed toward the Crete Naval Base for repairs.[713]
Many US military bases near Iran were rendered "all but uninhabitable" due to Iranian strikes. Within the first two weeks, Iran's attacks had caused $800 million in damage. Affected bases include Al-Sader and Al-Ruwais in the UAE, the naval base in Bahrain, Ali Al-Salem in Kuwait, Al-Udeid in Qatar, and Prince Sultan in Saudi Arabia. According to unnamed officials, the damage degraded the US's military ability in the war. Many US servicemembers relocated to "hotels and office spaces", which raised concerns of the US using civilians as human shields. An attack on a hotel in Bahrain injured two Pentagon employees.[718]
Based on numbers given by members of the United States Congress, by May 2026 the United States military had lost 39 aircraft in "Operation Epic Fury".[719] The US lost around one/fourth of its fleet of MQ-9 Reapers, according to the reports from three anonymous US officials.[720]
On 20–21 July 2026, The New York Times reported that the Pentagon had not publicly disclosed three Iranian strikes against U.S. forces in Jordan that occurred before the 17 July attack, nor the casualties and damage resulting from them. According to the newspaper, the earlier attacks injured dozens of U.S. service members and damaged several helicopters. The Pentagon said it was not required to publicly release information about U.S. military injuries and denied concealing casualty figures, with Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stating that casualty information was publicly available through the Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS). On 21 July, The Intercept reported that the Pentagon acknowledged that nearly 100 U.S. service members had been injured in Iranian attacks since 7 July. According to the report, Parnell said that the vast majority of the injuries were minor concussions, that 96 percent of affected personnel had returned to duty, and that casualty information would be updated through the DCAS.[721]
Israeli losses
Magen David Adom reported that Iran's initial attacks had left 89 injured, with three directly wounded and the rest indirectly, most of them civilians.[722][723] On 28 February, a direct hit in Tel Aviv killed a woman and injured 22 others, one seriously.[724] On 1 March, a strike hit a synagogue and residential buildings in Beit Shemesh, killing nine civilians in a shelter and injuring 49 others.[725] On 9 March, two workers were killed in Yehud, outside of Tel Aviv, after they were struck by submunitions from an Iranian missile equipped with a cluster bomb warhead.[726][727]
On 17 March, a cluster munition from an Iranian warhead hit an apartment building in Ramat Gan and killed two residents. A statement from the IRGC called the missile barrage "revenge for the blood of martyr Dr. Ali Larijani and his companions", who had been killed the day before in a targeted attack.[728] According to CNN, the use of cluster munitions violates international law. N.R. Jenzen-Jones of Armament Research Services stated that this type of warhead is being used "primarily to sow terror amongst a civilian population".[729]
The executive director of the Arms Control Association called the use of cluster munitions against residential sections of Israel deliberate, saying "Iran appears to be launching them into relatively populated areas, probably with the goal of producing potential civilian harm."[730] Neither Iran nor Israel is party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions,[731] and both are among 17 countries that either produce cluster munitions, or reserve the right to do so.[732]
On 4 April, an Iranian missile strike hit in the vicinity of the IDF's Kirya headquarters in Tel Aviv.[493]
Lebanese losses
Since 2 March 2026, there has been an ongoing war in Lebanon between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah, with Israel invading parts of Lebanon. It is a resumption of major fighting in the Hezbollah–Israel conflict, and part of the wider conflict in the Middle East. The war has precipitated a humanitarian crisis, resulted in the deaths of more than 4,000 people from Israeli strikes in Lebanon, and seen the forced displacement of over 1 million.
Iraq
In Iraq, two members of the Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) were killed and three injured in a US-Israeli attack on 28 February.[733] A later report estimated three dead.[734] On 1 and 2 March, the United States and Israel conducted several attacks on Iranian-backed Iraqi militias to degrade their military capabilities.[735] 20 former PMF members were killed, and 32 others wounded in the joint US-Saudi Arabia 28 July strike.[736]
Iranian attacks on US-allied Arab countries
In addition to Israel, Iran launched strikes against multiple US-allied Arab countries. Iranian strikes against Bahrain killed three.[738] Strikes against Kuwait killed four soldiers and four civilians.[739] Strikes against Oman killed nine.[740][741][742] Strikes against Saudi Arabia killed two.[743] Strikes against the United Arab Emirates killed two soldiers and six civilians.[744] Installations in the UAE were disproportionately often targeted by Iranian missile and drone strikes during the conflict, partially because the UAE has the closest ties to Israel of all Gulf states and the UAE launched secret attacks on targets in Iran in addition to the Israeli-American campaign itself.[745]
Iran also struck Qatar,[746] Azerbaijan,[294] and the Akrotiri and Dhekelia British Overseas Territory on Cyprus.[747]
The Iranian attacks affected military infrastructure from NATO countries in the region, "including an Italian installation in Iraq and Kuwait, and a French naval facility in the United Arab Emirates".[748]
Casualties by citizenship
Attacks by missiles and drones/UAVs
| Country / Territory | Missiles | Drones/UAVs | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 1,770+ | 3,955+ | |
| United Arab Emirates | 563 | 2,256 | [749] |
| Saudi Arabia | 3+ | 83 | [750] |
| Qatar | 101 | 63 | [750] |
| Bahrain | 191 | 515 | [751] |
| Oman | 0 | 14 | [752] |
| Kuwait | 178 | 154 | [753] |
| Jordan | 60 | 59 | [344] |
| Iraq | 20 | 40 | [344] |
| Azerbaijan | 0 | 3 | [344] |
| Turkey | 4 | 0 | [344] |
| Akrotiri and Dhekelia | 0 | 3 | [344] |
| Israel | 650 | 765 | [754] |
Direct impacts
United States
The war exposed shortages in the US' weapons stockpiles, calling into question years of defense investment after the September 11 attacks. After less than five months of the war, US was already running out of ammunition against a middle-tier adversary.[755]
The United States consumed more than half of its Patriot missiles used to intercept Iranian missiles and drones. The stockpiles limitation has reportedly turned into a key determinant for continuation or expansion of the conflict.[au][756] In July 2026, the US awarded Lockheed Martin a record $58.6 billion contract to manufacture Patriot missile interceptors, as the Middle Eastern crisis and the Russo-Ukrainian war reduced global US military armaments stocks.[757][758] As of August 5, 2026, the US had reportedly used roughly 80% of its THAAD missiles in the war.[759]
The United States burned through "virtually all" of its PrSM and ATACMS munitions, and "a little less than half" of its global Tomahawk supply, according to a Reuters report on 4 August. This could limit US ability to deter other adversaries, including Russia and China.[760] As of August 14, the US had reportedly lost around 25% of their Reaper drones in the war.[761]
On 6 August, Trump and Hegseth clashed at Camp David over "extreme missile shortages", according to Washington Post. Trump claimed he felt misled, while Hegseth put the blame on his deputy, Stephen Feinberg.[762] Trump denied the aforementioned report, and threatened long prison sentences for anyone leaking information about military supplies.[763]
On 7 August, US opened test ranges for small companies to receive munitions faster.[764]
On 8 August, the United States Department of Defense asked the US defence sector to accelerate the manufacturing and delivery of armaments, including ammunition that are in short supply because of the war.[765]
Early attacks on US bases caused logistics issues in US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.[56]
Iran
Leadership
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The death of Ali Khamenei triggered an election for a new supreme leader. Under the terms of Iran's constitution, the Interim Leadership Council was established on 1 March to exercise the functions of Iran's head of state until a new supreme leader is elected.[210]
Mojtaba Khamenei was elected on 8 March 2026 to replace his father as supreme leader,[766] and the IRGC, as well as Iran's top leaders, including Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Ali Larijani, and Masoud Pezeshkian,[767] pledged their allegiance to him.[768]
In late March, the NYT described Iran's leadership as paralyzed with severely disrupted decision-making process. It also reported that the damage to communications infrastructure caused paranoia and internal power struggles.[769]
As of 21 May, Khamenei remains in hiding and the de facto ruler is uncertain. The IRGC is currently under command of the hardliner general Ahmad Vahidi,[770] who is cited as the formulator of Iran's military and negotiation stance.[771][772][773][774][775] The Telegraph has revealed a shadowy partnership with the retired IRGC commander-in-chief Mohammad Ali Jafari.[776]
Civilian life
According to UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk, the "reckless" war is disproportionately impacting civilians in the Middle East and beyond.[777]
138,000 civilian sites in Iran were damaged during the conflict, with estimated time of reconstruction being 2-5 years.[778]
As the US and Israel executed joint strikes targeting Iranian military and institutional targets, Iran's capital reportedly became a ghost town, as civilians feared going outside or to their daily jobs.[779] Reports have emerged that prisoners in Evin Prison have been receiving limited bread and water since the onset of the war.[780] After the strikes, schools were ordered closed while banks and government offices remained in operation at reduced capacity. Local media reported that subway and bus services would remain operational.[781]
During the "near total" internet blackout in Iran, NetBlocks reported that internet connectivity dropped to 4% of ordinary levels.[677][782][783] As the internet blackout exceeded 240 hours, making it the second longest ever, the government started handing out "white sim cards", which bypass filters, to government supporters, in order to allow them to promote its messaging.[784] As news of Khamenei's death broke, security forces were deployed to prevent an uprising, with footage showing them opening fire on celebrants in the streets[785][786][787] and shooting at people chanting behind the windows of their homes.[788]
During the first two weeks of March 2026, over 70,000 Afghan refugees returned to Afghanistan, frequently under forced circumstances, exacerbating the country's severe humanitarian crisis.[789] Arafat Jamal, the UNHCR Representative in Afghanistan, noted that they faced limited options amid the military confrontations between Afghanistan and Pakistan.[790]
According to The Guardian, the war has overshadowed the executions of political prisoners in Iran, including those involved in the mass protests of January 2026, allowing Iran to continue carrying out death sentences and other severe punishments with little international scrutiny.[791] According to several Iran-focused human rights groups, the rate of sentencing and executions by hanging surged amidst the war. The groups state that in most of these cases, executed prisoners did not receive due process.[792]
Military
On 26 March, it was reported that children as young as 12 years of age may join Iran's war support, leading to concerns of the use of child soldiers.[793][794][795] Days later, rights groups stated an 11-year-old was killed while on duty at a Tehran checkpoint.[796]
On 29 March, footage showed Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces deployed in Iran.[797][798][458]
A leaked US intelligence report concluded in May that Iran retained 70% of missile and launchers relative to pre-war status.[511]
Iran has become more skilled as the war progressed, learning how to evade American air defenses.[799] Iran managed to extend the conflict to include most of the Middle East and enlisted allied militia in Iraq and Yemen.[799]
Cultural heritage sites
Multiple historic and cultural sites, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, were damaged. The most affected was Chehel Sotoun and its rich ayeneh-kari.[801] On 2 March, a strike on Arg Square damaged nearby Golestan Palace, prompting UNESCO to issue a statement of concern.[802][803] On 5 March, the Azadi Sport Complex was bombed.[804] An 8 March strike on Falak-ol-Aflak, which was marked with a blue shield emblem, damaged several sections of the site.[805] Strikes on Isfahan on 9 March damaged Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Chehel Sotoun, Ali Qapu, the Shah Mosque, Jameh Mosque, and Teymouri Hall.[806][805]
On 11 March, UNESCO urged protection for Iran's heritage sites and World Heritage Sites that have been damaged or are under high risk due to the war, alongside other historic sites in Israel, Lebanon, and the rest of West Asia.[807] On 17 March, blast waves and shrapnel damaged multiple palaces at Sa'dabad Complex in northern Tehran.[808] Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that strikes in Tehran on 1 April damaged the St. Nicholas Orthodox Church and its auxiliary buildings.[809][810] On 7 April, the Rafi'-Nia synagogue was fully destroyed by the IAF.[502]
Israel
Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency, saying that the strikes on Iran were the largest that it had ever launched.[195][811] Israeli schools and workspaces were closed and public gatherings were canceled.[812]
In the 40 days from the start of the war through the 8 April ceasefire, there were a total of 650 missile attacks from Iran to Israel, the majority of which carried cluster munitions. About 16 of the missiles that made it past Israeli missile defenses carried conventional warheads, while 50 had cluster munitions. The attacks killed a total of 24 people, all of them civilians, and resulted in more than 7,000 injuries. Of the 24 civilians killed, 14 were struck by conventional explosive warheads and 10 by cluster submunitions. Two of the deaths were inside a sheltered space, with the other fatalities being people in unprotected areas.[754]
Palestine
The Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories closed multiple aid crossings in the Gaza Strip, specifically interrupting free circulation on the Egypt–Gaza border.[813] Israeli forces suspended United Nations humanitarian movements and postponed planned rotations of international humanitarian staff, including medical evacuations and the return of people into Gaza, which the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs condemned.[814]
Israeli settler violence against Palestinians in occupied West Bank has increased; settlers have taken advantage of curbs on movement imposed during the renewed Israeli state of emergency. The renewed blocking of West Bank roads in the context of the 2026 Lebanon war has delayed medics from assisting injured Palestinians.[815] The EU stated on 10 March that the Israeli actions were unacceptable and urged the Israeli authorities to make immediate efforts to prevent the violence against Palestinian civilians under international law, warning that "impunity for such acts risks provoking further violence".[816]
Lebanese displacements
Lebanon stated in March that over one million people,[817] one-sixth of the population, had been displaced.[818]
Persian Gulf Arab states
The Arab states of the Persian Gulf started a campaign of prosecution against civilians and foreign citizens that shared or reposted rumours from unverified sources about the Iranian attacks, with the stated main goal to curb misinformation that could harm public order.[819] Bahrain's Cyber Crime Directorate also started a campaign of arresting civilians in the country, which has a large Shiite minority, who allegedly expressed "their support for the Iranian shelling targeting the Kingdom of Bahrain", describing such activities as treason and as promotion of hostile acts against the state.[820] Trump said "Even if we knew Gulf countries would be hit, big deal we did what we have to do".[821]
Saudi Arabia invoked its Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Pakistan. Pakistan deployed some 8,000 troops, a squadron of 16 aircraft, and two squadrons of drones. There was a pledge to send more if required.[822]
On 28 May, the US president Donald Trump threatened to "blow up" Oman if it failed to "behave" in a casual aside during a cabinet meeting after reports of talks between Iran and Oman about jointly charging a toll for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.[823]
Economic impacts
The war had global economic consequences: oil and gas prices surged, aviation and tourism were disrupted, and financial markets shuddered.[824][825] International Energy Agency (IEA) head Fatih Birol described the situation as the "greatest global energy security challenge in history".[826]
The Iranian regime's spokesperson, Fatemeh Mohajerani, estimated the direct and indirect cost of 40 days of war by $270 billion, or 90% of the estimated Iranian GDP in 2026. Citing Mohajerani, the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a neoconservative think tank,[827] estimates damages of up to $300 billion, with a middle estimation range of $144 billion.[828]
According to the Center for American Progress, as of 14 July, Americans had paid more than $68 billion in extra costs for gas and diesel since the beginning of the war, in addition to the direct war costs.[829][830]
Energy
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Oil and natural gas prices rose in direct response to Iranian threats to attack tankers and other ships and to Iranian strikes on oil facilities in Gulf producing countries.[835] Twenty percent of global oil and gas production normally transit the Strait of Hormuz.[836] As the war continued, oil and gas prices ebbed and flowed as markets attempted to assess the likelihood of an end to the conflict. Prices ranged from below $70 before the war[837] to as high as $139 on 7 March.[838] Gas prices also rose.[233] Following the start of the war, multiple oil producers such as Shell, TotalEnergies, Britain's BP and others announced increased profits in their first quarter.[839]
Toward the end of March significant shortages of domestic petroleum products emerged in southeast Asia as reserves ran out.[840]
By July 2026, brent prices fell from a pick of $118.35 on 31 March 2026 to $71.57 on 1 July 2026.[841] As tension in the gulf started to increase the brent price increased to $100.69 on 23 July, but on 24 July, the brent price closed at $96.78,[842] and oil shipping index which picked to 3,737 in March 2026 has declined to 1,850 in July 2026.[843]
_transits_the_Suez_Canal_during_Operation_Epic_Fury_(9552415).jpg)
Stock markets initially fell, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling over 400 points (one percent) on 2 March alone,[844] although by mid-April had recovered and reached record highs.[845] By 24 July 2026 the market gained more than 17% from the bottom on 31 March 2026, closing at 7,411.98.[846]
The UN World Food Programme and various economic analysts warned that the war is driving significant, long-term increases in global food prices.[847][848]
An analysis performed by The New York Times, comparing the quantities and value of oil and other fuels shipped between the start of the war and 8 May 2026, and those from the same period a year earlier showed that the biggest beneficiaries of the market changes were the United States (which saw an increase in exports and a revenue increase of about $50 billion) and Russia (which had steady exports and an increase of more than $15 billion in revenue), while other major non-Persian Gulf exporters also benefitted to lesser degrees. All Persian Gulf nations showed declines in exports, though those that were able to avoid shipping bottlenecks through the Strait of Hormuz (Saudi Arabia through pipelines to the Red Sea, and Oman via geography) saw increases in revenue, while those that could not avoid the strait (Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates) saw declines in revenue. Iran, which had access to the strait, had an increase in revenues.[849]
Commodities
Disruption in the supply of essential fertilizers due to the closure of the Strait threatened food production in many countries.[850] The Fertilizer Institute stated that nearly 50% of global urea and sulfur exports annually transited through the Strait of Hormuz, made worse by the natural gas shortage, which is a key feedstock for nitrogen fertilizers.[836]
Air travel
Iran's airspace emptied of civilian aircraft during the conflict,[851] as Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Syria and the UAE closed their respective airspaces.[852][853][854] Some carriers suspended service to the Middle East.[855]
The disruption in global oil supply, caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict, led to higher jet fuel prices, which increased operating costs for airlines and pushed up airfares on both domestic and international routes. Airlines responded by raising ticket prices and adjusting some flight schedules to cope with higher fuel costs. This impact was also visible in Europe, where continued disruptions in energy supply routes contributed to higher fuel prices and additional pressure on airlines. As a result, some carriers reduced capacity or cut flights, while others passed increased costs directly on to passengers.[856][857][858][859]
Spirit Airlines, an American low-cost airline, ceased operations on 2 May 2026, after increased fuel costs from the war exacerbated its existing financial difficulties.[860]
Strait of Hormuz
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a major maritime choke point for world energy trade, has been largely blocked by Iran since 28 February 2026, when the United States and Israel launched an air war against Iran. In retaliation, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued warnings forbidding passage through the strait, boarded and attacked merchant ships, and laid sea mines in the strait. From 13 April to 29 May 2026, the US simultaneously blockaded Iranian ports. Until the war's start, about 25% of the world's seaborne oil trade and 20% of the world's liquefied natural gas (LNG) passed through the strait.
Soon after the start of the conflict, the number of tankers trafficking the strait dropped near zero. On 27 March, the IRGC announced that the strait was closed to any vessel going "to and from" the ports of the US, Israel, and their allies.[861] The International Maritime Organization reported on 21 April that about 20,000 mariners and 2,000 ships were stranded in the Persian Gulf due to the closure.[862][863] Amid fears of prolonged supply shortages, oil prices rose faster than during any other conflict in recent history;[864] Brent crude oil prices surpassed US$100 per barrel on 8 March for the first time in four years, rising to US$126 per barrel at their peak.[865][866][867][868] The largest-ever monthly increase in oil prices occurred in March 2026.[869] The closure of the strait became the largest disruption to world energy supply since the 1970s energy crisis[870] as well as the largest in the history of the world oil market.[871] Other commodity markets to suffer supply disruption and price increases due to the crisis include aluminum,[872] fertilizer,[873] and helium.[874][875]
In late March and early April, US president Donald Trump repeatedly threatened to destroy Iran's infrastructure if it did not reopen the strait.[876] On 8 April a temporary ceasefire between Iran and the US was agreed and was to involve the reopening of the strait. However, following the failure of the Islamabad Talks, the US Navy itself began to blockade Iranian ports from 13 April.[877][878] The situation was described by The Guardian as a "dual blockade", with the US Navy blockading Iran and Iran blockading the Gulf.[879] On 17 April, Iran announced that due to an Israel–Lebanon ceasefire agreement, it would allow commercial shipping, but the US continued its blockade of Iran,[880] and Iran reimposed restrictions.[881][882][883] On 4 May, Trump launched Operation Project Freedom, a US Navy mission to escort merchant ships out of the Gulf.[884][885][886][887] The Iranian military warned that this would be a ceasefire violation,[888] and on 6 May, Trump paused Project Freedom because of "great progress" toward a possible agreement.[889]
On 17 June, Trump and Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian signed a memorandum of understanding to end the war and the blockades of the strait.[890][891] On 19 June, Trump announced a renewed ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, facilitated by the US, Qatar, and Iran.[892][893] However, Israel continued strikes in southern Lebanon,[894] and the following day, Iran said that it closed the strait again, citing the Israeli actions as a violation of the agreement, a claim denied by the US military.[895][896] On 27 June, the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) overseen by the US Navy announced a widened route through the Strait of Hormuz near Oman, allowing increased naval traffic in both directions and indicating a challenge to Iran's control over the waterway.[897] On 8 July, the interim truce agreement between the US and Iran broke down after Iran struck multiple commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.[898] On 25 August, US officials confirmed Trump's claim that the US Navy cleared mines from the Strait of Hormuz Traffic Separation Scheme, adding that over recent months, underwater drones identified over 100 suspected mines and private contractors dealt with them.[899] Trump stated that the US will destroy Iranian vessels laying additional mines in the Strait of Hormuz.[900]
Strait of Bab-el-Mandeb
Houthi-controlled Yemen threatened shipping in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea. Its threats had been suspended since 10 October 2025.[901] March threats by Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi had not stopped Red Sea traffic as of mid-April, although traffic remained under historic levels after crashing in 2024 as a result of Houthi attacks.[902] On 15 March, the Associated Press reported that the weapons stockpile of the Houthis was running low from repeated attacks on Israel, while Iran had not been able to resupply them, because of the war.[903][904]
Internet infrastructure
Three Amazon Web Services data centers in the United Arab Emirates were struck and damaged as a result of drone strikes, leading to outages of web infrastructure within the Middle East,[905] causing "sparks and fire" as well as "major structural damage" for 2 of the centers, with internal water levels reaching up to 4 cm, worsened by the failure of cooling and air systems. Fundamental web infrastructure including S3 storage, EC2 compute and DynamoDB databases suffered complete outages in early March.[906] Iran shut down Internet access for its people throughout the war.[907]
Military costs
As of early April, US military costs were estimated at $25–35 billion, according to the American Enterprise Institute,[908] and Israeli costs at $11 billion, according to Israel's Finance Ministry.[909] Costs to the Iranian economy were estimated at $40–50 billion, around 10% of GDP.[910]
According to a report by the Center for International Policy in early May, two months into the war, the US had spent nearly $72 billion on the conflict ($1.2 billion per day on average)—nearly three times the amount of the Pentagon's official estimate.[911] In July, U.S. defense secretary Pete Hegseth told a Senate committee that the US had spent $37.5 billion on the war; he requested an additional $67 billion to continue the war.[912][913]
Iran reportedly spent less on weapons than the US and Israel. For example, Iran could pay $50,000 for a Shahed drone, while PATRIOT and THAAD interceptors to neutralize the drone could cost $4 million and $12 million respectively.[338]
The war has also increased indirect military costs due to the rapid depletion of US munitions stockpiles. According to reports, the United States has used large quantities of high-cost interceptors such as Patriot and THAAD missiles, further increasing replacement expenses and strain on defense budgets. The depletion of stockpiles has also affected US arms transfers and procurement decisions, including reports that Washington is reconsidering or delaying the transfer of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Germany and reviewing Germany's request for Typhon launchers due to limited availability.[914][915][916][917] Reports also indicate delays in missile deliveries to Japan and new procurement efforts, including an $842 million agreement for JASSM-ER cruise missiles from Denmark. US officials have raised concerns that existing stockpiles may be insufficient for sustained operations in multiple theaters, including in the event of a future conflict in Asia. The Pentagon has also expanded efforts to increase production capacity through programs aimed at scaling lower-cost "affordable mass" munitions and involving non-traditional defense contractors.[918][919][914] The US defence industry saw record stock surges during the war.[920]
As of August 2026, the U.S. Army has used "virtually all" of their stocks of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM), two surface-to-surface missiles that cost $1 million each.[921]
Environmental impacts
Airstrikes on industrial and fuel hubs have released a chronic toxic cocktail of benzene, heavy metals, and persistent 'forever chemicals' (PFAS), triggering 'black rain' in major cities and causing long-term health degradation for civilians.[922]
The high oil prices driven by wars in the Middle East, including Iran, created a surge in profits of oil companies, pushing them to increase production as opposed to targets set by the Paris climate agreement. The planned expansion is projected to exceed the International Energy Agency's regular scenario — a 5.9% increase in oil and gas production in the 2020s, leading to a 2.9 °C (5.2 °F) global temperature increase.[923]
Reactions
Internationally, the war elicited reactions from nation-states, faith leaders, and global governance bodies, as well as protests, unrest, and coverage from global media. Some US allies and partners supported the attack, while others expressed hesitation. Opinion in the Global South was less favorable to the attacks. Most countries did not take a definitive side in the conflict but called for peace. In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the Gulf states criticized the Iranian attacks. In Asia, many condemned the attacks or called for peace. In Europe, the majority condemned the Iranian retaliatory strikes, many called for peace without taking sides, and some condemned the US and Israel. In Oceania, most countries supported the strikes. The Americas exhibited a mix of reactions, while most African countries did not make official remarks. The war provoked protests against it, as well as others in support of the Iranian opposition.
Opinion on the attacks was divided within Iran, with many Iranians mourning casualties and attending large public rallies in support of the government. Millions of Iranians and Iraqis and many international leaders and dignitaries attended the state funeral of Ali Khamenei. Others celebrated the attacks and expressed hope for regime change, particularly those within or affiliated with the exiled opposition. An anti-government uprising hoped for by the United States and Israel did not materialize, with some analysts saying that the attacks had bolstered the government's domestic popularity.
In the United States, public opinion was mostly against the war, though split along partisan lines. Congress was divided on the issue of a War Powers Resolution, and ultimately failed to pass it. Israeli opinion was overwhelmingly in favor of the war.
According to Reuters, the conflict involving Iran has resulted in increased oil prices, elevated inflation rates, and a subsequent rise in the cost of living within the United States. Furthermore, a majority of voters in 2025 report experiencing a decline in their economic well-being under the administration of President Trump.[924]
Diplomatic efforts
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In 2025 and 2026, Iran and the United States began a series of negotiations aimed at reaching a nuclear peace agreement, following a letter from US president Donald Trump to Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei, setting a 60-day deadline for Iran to reach an agreement. After the deadline passed without an agreement in June 2025, Israel launched airstrikes against Iran, starting the Twelve-Day War. As of June 28, 2026[update], there were three rounds of talks before the Islamabad talks that led to the Islamabad Memorandum, and two rounds of technical talks.
The first round was held in Oman on April 12, 2025, led by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi. A second round of Omani-mediated talks took place in Rome on April 19, 2025, again between Witkoff and Araghchi. This was followed by a third round in Muscat around a week later; an expert-level meeting to develop a framework for a possible nuclear agreement was led by Michael Anton for the US and by Majid Takht-Ravanchi for Iran.
June 2026 Memorandum of Understanding
After concluding that continued hostilities would risk economic calamity,[925] Donald Trump signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on behalf of the United States during a ceremony at the Palace of Versailles on 17 June 2026.[925] The signing followed an earlier, digital signing of the MOU by the foreign ministers of the two principal belligerents.[926] In the MOU, the United States and Iran agreed to suspend hostilities for 60 days and to establish a framework for a permanent peace under which the US would make major financial and political concessions to the Islamic Republic of Iran.[927][928][925]
Analysis
A number of analysts have argued that, despite massive military and economic damage to Iran and the killing of large portions of the country's leadership, on a strategic level the war has been a success for Iran and a failure for the United States.[929][930][931][932][933] The war demonstrated to Iranian leadership that the country could survive a full-scale military assault by the United States, with the result that Iran "has lost its fear of war" with the US.[930][934][929] In turn, Iran demonstrated that it could threaten US bases, undermining a widespread image of American military invulnerability.[935][936] Most importantly, the war demonstrated to both Iranian and US leadership that attacking ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz was an extremely effective Iranian strategic option—and one that, unlike the Iranian nuclear program, could be pursued at relatively low cost using asymmetric military tactics.[933][931][932]
Many experts argue that the war is illegal under US law because launching a war requires congressional authorization. The war is also considered to be in violation of the UN Charter's prohibition on the use of force, because the attacks fail to meet the criteria for self-defense and lack authorization from the United Nations Security Council.[937] In response, the Trump administration claimed that previous presidents have also launched unauthorized military actions, and dismissed international law.[937][938] In international criminal law, experts have identified the attacks as a crime of aggression,[939][940] specifically as a war of aggression.[941][942] The US attack also violates the Algiers Accords (1981) in which the US agreed not to intervene politically or militarily in Iran's internal affairs. Numerous critics and analysts identified the US-Israeli attack with a more open embrace of expansionism[943][944] and imperialism by the Trump administration,[945][946] and a departure from the norms of the liberal international order.[947]
Donald Trump's threats to destroy Iranian infrastructure have drawn warnings from international law experts that such actions could constitute war crimes under the Rome Statute,[948] and be actionable under universal jurisdiction.[477]
See also
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- Censorship during the 2026 Iran war
- Impact of the 2026 Iran war on the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Misinformation during the 2026 Iran war
- Operation Project Freedom
- Alleged Iranian attempts to assassinate Donald Trump
- Economic impact of the 2026 Iran war
Related events
Notes
- ↑ Primarily the Persian Gulf and the Levant, as well as Cyprus (Akrotiri and Dhekelia) and the South Caucasus.
- ↑ Egypt has been targeted by a drone strike in July 2026.
- 1 2 There are disputed accounts on whether the British Indian Ocean Territory was attacked in March 2026. Iran denied attacking the Diego Garcia military base, while the United Kingdom confirmed the attack without providing evidence it took place.
- ↑ On 29 July 2026, Saudi Arabia publicly participated in joint strikes with the United States against Iran-backed Iraqi militias.[1][2] Earlier, according to Reuters, citing Western and Iranian officials, the Saudi Air Force launched numerous unpublicized "tit-for-tat" strikes on Iranian soil in late March 2026, in retaliation for Iranian attacks on Saudi Arabia.[3] The New York Times, citing US officials, corroborated reports of Saudi strikes on Iran.[4] Reuters also reported that the Saudi Air Force struck Iran-backed Iraqi militias near the Iraqi–Saudi border around the time of the 7 April ceasefire.[5]
- ↑ According to The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg, citing "people familiar with the matter",[6][7] and The New York Times, citing current and former US officials,[4] the UAE discreetly carried out retaliatory attacks against Iran, including a strike on an oil refinery at Lavan Island on 8 April.[6]
- ↑ According to The Wall Street Journal, Kuwait launched attacks on Iran-backed Iraqi militias from its own territory.[8] Iraqi officials reported at least two rocket attacks from Kuwaiti territory in April; according to Reuters, it was unclear whether they were launched by the Kuwaiti Armed Forces or the US military.[5] On 1 May, Kuwait said its soldiers exchanged fire with six members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, and arrested four, during an Iranian raid on Bubiyan Island.[9] In July, The Wall Street Journal reported that Kuwait launched airstrikes inside Iran.[10] Kuwait denied the reports and said it had not taken part in any military operations against Iran and had not allowed the use of its territory to launch offensive operations against any neighbouring country.[11]
- ↑ According to The Wall Street Journal, Bahrain launched airstrikes inside Iran in July 2026.[10]
- ↑ On 13 July 2026, the Yemeni government, alongside Saudi Arabia, conducted airstrikes targeting the Houthi-controlled Sanaa International Airport. The Yemeni Ministry of Defence later confirmed their direct involvement, stating the operation specifically targeted the runway to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing.[12][13][14][15]
- ↑ Since 2 March; for further information, see 2026 Lebanon war.
- ↑ Since 28 March; for further information, see Houthis in the 2026 Iran war.[23]
- ↑ The Amal Movement has played an active role in hostilities in Lebanon alongside Hezbollah.[24][25] Paramedics belonging to the Amal Movement's Islamic Risala Scout Association have been targeted in Israeli airstrikes.[26]
- 1 2 For further information, see 2026 United States–Israeli strikes on Iraq.[27][28]
- ↑ See 2026 Iranian strikes on Azerbaijan.
- ↑ On 29 July, two floating LNG storage tankers, the Energos Winter and the GasLog Salem, were struck by drones at the Egyptian port of Damietta.[29] Two Iranian officials, speaking to the New York Times, said the drone strike was "designed to show that global shipping and energy supplies could be more deeply disrupted if Iran chose to escalate."[30]
- ↑ See Iraq in the 2026 Iran war regarding attacks on Iraqi facilities outside the Kurdistan Region.
- ↑ See 2026 Iranian strikes on the Kurdistan Region.
- 1 2 Both Israel and Iran have attacked Lebanon during the war; for more information see 2026 Lebanon war.
- ↑ See Syria in the 2026 Iran war regarding shelling by Hezbollah and drone attacks by groups affiliated with the Islamic Resistance in Iraq.
- ↑ See 2026 interceptions of Iranian missiles in Turkey.
- ↑ See Casualties of the 2026 Iran war#United States
- 1 2 See Casualties of the 2026 Iran war#Israel
- ↑ Multiple sources: [46][47][48]
- ↑ Multiple sources: [49][50][51]
- 1 2 3 See Casualties of the 2026 Iran war#Total
- ↑ 104 sailors killed and 32 injured off the coast of Sri Lanka.[83]
- ↑ Hebrew: מִבְצַע שְׁאָגַת הָאֲרִי, romanized: Mivtsá She'agát Ha'arí, pronounced [mivˈt͡sä ʃe̞.äˈɡätʰ hä.ʔäˈʁi]
- ↑ Previously, Iran had launched I, II, and III on a more limited scale.
- ↑ Persian: عملیات وعده صادق ۴, romanized: Amaliyat-e Va'deh-ye Sadegh 4
- ↑ Multiple sources: [94][95][96][97][98][99][100]
- ↑ Persian: جنگ رمضان, romanized: Jang-e Ramazān
- ↑ Multiple sources: [105][106][107][108][109]
- ↑ The problems indicated by the UNSC during 2006 in their first resolution were specifically "uranium enrichment[126] and reprocessing"[127] in the second resolution of that year; additionally use or attempted use of "heavy water".[128]
- ↑ Sometimes included in the "Axis of Resistance".[130][131]
- ↑ Hebrew: מִבְצַע שְׁאָגַת הָאֲרִי, romanized: Mivtsá She'agát Ha'arí, pronounced [mivˈt͡sä ʃe̞.äˈɡätʰ hä.ʔäˈʁi]
- ↑ Previously, Iran had launched I, II, and III on a more limited scale.
- ↑ Persian: عملیات وعده صادق ۴, romanized: Amaliyat-e Va'deh-ye Sadegh 4
- ↑ Persian: جنگ رمضان, romanized: Jang-e Ramazān
- ↑ Iran confirmed Qatari claim on 15 August 2026. One Iranian fighter jet pilot was killed in the strike. Iran accused Qatar Armed Forces of capturing three Iranian fighter jet pilots.[230][231][232]
- ↑ In 2010, South Korean corvette ROKS Cheonan was sunk near the border with North Korea. An investigation into the incident by a group of countries concluded that it was sunk by a torpedo launched by a North Korean Yeono-class midget submarine, though North Korea denied any responsibility.[290][291]
- ↑ Multiple sources: [364][365][366][367][368][369][370][371][372]
- ↑ The CIA had "low confidence" in the Iranian threat before Trump switched planes in Turkey. A former official stated that the incident "fit a broader pattern of Israeli intelligence reporting that some officials see as designed as much to shape presidential decision-making as to inform it."[578]
- ↑ Abu Musa island is currently under Iranian governance, but the UAE dispute its sovereignty.[600][601]
- ↑ Oil tankers chartered by Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates pass the strait with their transponders turned off.
- ↑ It followed reports of mental health issues and supply shortages and broken toilets that affected all crew members, including female soldiers aboard while the latter was supporting the war.[638][639]
- ↑ Variously described as "about 600m [660 yd] from the base",[672] "within less than 100 yards [91 m] of the perimeter of [the base]",[673] "adjacent to [the base]"[674]
- ↑ The U.S. Navy initially said two sailors were treated for non-life-threatening injuries, then acknowledged that a third had been medically evacuated for further treatment.[712] Several media outlets reported that as many as 200 sailors were also treated for symptoms of smoke inhalation.[713][714][715]
- ↑ Over the last two years, the US military has deployed reserves across multiple fronts, including countering Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, defending Israel from Iranian missiles, assisting Ukraine, and protecting US troops in the Middle East. This extensive deployment has led to rapid consumption of advanced interceptor missiles, raising concerns among experts about the ability of defense companies to replenish stocks. Replacing critical munitions will take time, as will increasing supplies for potential future conflicts, such as with China in the Taiwan Strait.
References
- ↑ Abdul-Zahra, Qassim (29 July 2026). "Iran launches renewed missile attacks as US and Saudis strike Tehran-backed militias in Iraq". Associated Press. Retrieved 29 July 2026.
- ↑ Nereim, Vivian; Naar, Ismaeel (29 July 2026). "Saudi Arabia Reluctantly Enters U.S.-Iran War". The New York Times. Retrieved 29 July 2026.
The joint Saudi-American strikes marked the first time the kingdom acknowledged direct involvement in the U.S. war effort, although Saudi Arabia had carried out secret strikes against Iran earlier in the war.
- ↑ Azhari, Timour; Hafezi, Parisa (12 May 2026). "Exclusive: Saudi Arabia launched covert attacks on Iran as regional war widened, sources say". Reuters. Retrieved 12 May 2026.
- 1 2 Schmitt, Eric; Nereim, Vivian (14 May 2026). "Saudi Arabia and U.A.E. Carried Out Secret Attacks in Iran, U.S. Officials Say". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 23 May 2026.
- 1 2 Azhari, Timour; Rasheed, Ahmed; Pamuk, Humeyra (13 May 2026). "Exclusive: Saudi warplanes struck militias in Iraq during war, sources say". Reuters. Retrieved 22 May 2026.
- 1 2 3 Holliday, Shelby; Said, Summer (11 May 2026). "The U.A.E. Has Been Secretly Carrying Out Attacks on Iran". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 11 May 2026.
- ↑ Dagher, Sam; MacDonald, Fiona (12 May 2026). "UAE Is Said to Have Hit Iran Earlier in War as Israel Ties Grow". Bloomberg News. Retrieved 13 May 2026.
- ↑ Said, Summer (13 May 2026). "Saudi Arabia, Kuwait Hit Iran-Backed Militias in Iraq". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 23 May 2026.
- ↑ Naar, Ismaeel (12 May 2026). "Kuwait Accuses Iran of Trying to Infiltrate Its Territory". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 23 May 2026.
- 1 2 Said, Summer; Holliday, Shelby (24 July 2026). "Bahrain, Kuwait Warplanes Struck Iran in Rare Gulf Retaliation". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 24 July 2026.
- ↑ Pavithran, Lekshmy (26 July 2026). "Kuwait denies WSJ report on alleged Iran strikes as 'entirely false'". Gulf News: Latest UAE news, Dubai news, Business, travel news, Dubai Gold rate, prayer time, cinema.
- ↑ "Yemen govt says its forces attacked Sanaa airport". Al Jazeera English. 13 July 2026.
- ↑ "Yemeni military targets Sanaa airport runway to stop Iranian plane landing, defence ministry says". Internazionale. Reuters. 13 July 2026.
- ↑ "Yemen, Saudi Arabia launch air strike on Sanaa airport controlled by Houthi rebels". NBC News. 13 July 2026.
- ↑ "Yemen government says attacked Sanaa airport, reviving dormant conflict". France 24. 13 July 2026.
- 1 2 "Ten Kurdish fighters killed in clashes with IRGC". Kurdistan Human Rights Network. 2 July 2026. Retrieved 1 August 2026.
- ↑ "Gunmen kill two IRGC members in attack claimed by little-known armed group". The National. 30 June 2026.
- ↑ "IRGC member killed, another seriously wounded in armed attack in Piranshahr". Hengaw. 26 July 2026.
- 1 2 Chakraborty, Debdutta (23 April 2026). "Iran hits terror group Jaish al-Adl along Pakistan border as Islamabad aims to revive West Asia peace talks". ThePrint. Retrieved 1 August 2026.
- 1 2 "People's Fighters Front confirms deaths of four members in Saravan drone strike". Hengaw. 28 July 2026. Retrieved 1 August 2026.
- ↑ Burke, Jason (6 March 2026). "Iran-backed militias intensify attacks against US, Israel and allies". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
- ↑ Scout, N. C. (4 March 2026). "Iranian Resistance getting cranked up". American Partisan. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
- ↑ Fabian, Emanuel (28 March 2026). "Joining war, Yemen's Houthis launch ballistic missile attack on southern Israel". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 28 March 2026.
- ↑ "Involvement of the Amal Movement in the Fighting Against Israel Alongside Hezbollah". Alma Research and Education Center. 5 April 2026. Retrieved 9 April 2026.
- ↑ Jawad Al-Tamimi, Aymenn (9 April 2026). "The Amal Movement and the New War in Lebanon: Interview". Middle East Forum. Retrieved 22 April 2026.
- ↑ Younes, Lylla (16 March 2026). "Israel Killed Over a Dozen Lebanese Paramedics in Three Days, Now Claiming That Ambulances Are "Hezbollah" Targets". Drop Site. Archived from the original on 12 April 2026. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
- ↑ "US embassy in Baghdad attacked as US-Israel war on Iran escalates". Al Jazeera English. 7 March 2026. Retrieved 9 March 2026.
- ↑ Toomey, Bridget (1 March 2026). "Iraqi Shiite militias join the war between Israel, the US, and Iran with drone attacks". FDD's Long War Journal. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ↑ Saul, Jonathan; Rashad, Marwa; Ezz, Mohamed (30 July 2026). "Egypt confirms drone caused fire on two gas vessels at Damietta". Reuters. Retrieved 30 July 2026.
- ↑ Irwin, Zane; Eavis, Peter; Fassihi, Farnaz; Baskar, Pranav (29 July 2026). "Two Ships Hit in Apparent Drone Strike at Egyptian Port". The New York Times. Retrieved 30 July 2026.
- ↑ Sancha, Natalia (27 March 2026). "Iraq mourns its dead after worst strike against its army since the start of the war: 'Why did the Americans attack us?'". EL PAÍS English. Archived from the original on 7 April 2026. Retrieved 14 April 2026.
- ↑ Seth J. Frantzman (4 March 2026). "Lebanon Islamic Group claims headquarters targeted by IDF strikes". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 4 March 2026.
- 1 2 "Israel Strikes Beirut, Hamas Official Reportedly Killed". Al Arabiya English. 5 March 2026. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
- 1 2 "Palestinian Islamic Jihad Armed Wing Says Lebanon Commander Killed in Israeli Strikes". L'Orient Today. 2 March 2026. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
- ↑ "تشييع ثلاثة شهداء فلسطينيين في مخيمات نهر البارد والبداوي وعين الحلوة" [Funeral processions were held for three Palestinian martyrs in the Nahr al-Bared, Beddawi, and Ain al-Hilweh refugee camps.]. Palestinian Refugees Portal (in Arabic). 10 July 2026. Retrieved 24 July 2026.
- ↑ "بيان نعي كوكبة من المقاتلين قوافلُ الشهداء.. بوصلةُ التحريرِ والعودة" [A statement mourning a group of fighters: The convoys of martyrs... the compass of liberation and return]. Popular Front (in Arabic). 8 July 2026. Retrieved 24 July 2026.
- ↑ "Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP) Announced A Party Member Was 'Martyred' In The War With Israel In Southern Lebanon". MEMRI. 3 May 2026. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
- ↑ Smith, Helena (11 March 2026). "Mojtaba Khamenei was hurt in strike that killed his father, Iran's Cyprus ambassador confirms". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 8 April 2026.
- ↑ Pannell, Ian; Savir, Dana; Gardiner, Charlotte; Miller, Jordana; Malekian, Somayeh. "Who is running Iran right now? Trump, security officials offer different accounts". ABC News. Archived from the original on 8 May 2026. Retrieved 18 May 2026.
- ↑ Fassihi, Farnaz (23 April 2026). "A New Era and New Leadership: The Generals Who Are Running Iran". The New York Times.
- ↑ Fassihi, Farnaz (20 March 2026). ""A Diary of War From an Unlikely Author: the Son of Iran's President"". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 30 April 2026. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
- ↑ McQue, Katie (5 April 2026). "Worker for US defense contractor killed in Iraq as colleagues say they are pressured to stay". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 5 July 2026.
- ↑ Winkie, Davis (26 July 2026). "Iran war casualty count eclipses 600 as Pentagon quietly changes accounting". CNN Politics.
- ↑ Korte, Lara (21 May 2026). "42 aircraft lost or damaged in Operation Epic Fury, congressional report says". The American Legion.
- 1 2 Hill, Evan; Ley, Jarrett; Horton, Alex; Copp, Tara; Lamothe, Dan (6 May 2026). "Iran Has Hit Far More U.S. Military Assets Than Reported, Satellite Images Show". The Washington Post.
- ↑ "Two killed, 12 injured after projectile fell on residential location in Saudi Arabia". Reuters. 8 March 2026. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
- ↑ "4 injured from missile shrapnel in Riyadh as fragment falls near refinery".
- ↑ "Saudi Arabia says operational activities halted at several energy sites". Archived from the original on 10 April 2026.
- ↑ "Fatalities in the UAE". Khaleej Times. 17 March 2026. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ↑ "UAE defense ministry says civilian contractor killed in Bahrain". Al Arabiya English. 24 March 2026.
- ↑ Naar, Ismaeel (26 March 2026). "Two Killed in Abu Dhabi as Gulf States Face Fresh Attacks". NYTimes.com. Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
- ↑ "UAE intercepts 17 ballistic missiles, 35 drones after US-Iran ceasefire". Khaleej Times. Archived from the original on 9 April 2026.
- ↑ "Three injured in drone attack at Fujairah oil zone". Archived from the original on 5 May 2026. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
- ↑ Sabah, Zaid (9 March 2026). "Iran's president, military and police pledge allegiance to Mojtaba Khamenei". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 9 March 2026.
- ↑ "PJAK Confirms Four Fighters Killed by IRGC". iranwire.com. Archived from the original on 2 July 2026. Retrieved 5 July 2026.
- 1 2 Ismay, John (14 August 2026). "Navy Carrier's Problems Are Tied to Attacks on U.S. Base Early in War". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 17 August 2026.
- ↑ "Iran hits at least 12 US, allied radar systems since start of war". DeshKal News. 23 March 2026.
- ↑ "Iran attacked military base in Abu Dhabi, satellite images reveal". Israel Hayom. 17 July 2026.
- ↑ Amoah, Macdonald; Bazilian, Morgan; Matlsek, Jahara. "The First 36 Hours of War Consumed Over 3,000 U.S.-Israeli Munitions". Foreign Policy. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
The destruction of two advanced U.S. radars, the AN/FPS-132 in Qatar and the AN/TPS-59 in Bahrain, highlights a problem where the total weight of the "mineral bill" is less of a concern than the extreme fragility of the supply chain and the extensive timelines for replacement.
- ↑ "Destruction of an AN/TPS-57 radar at Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi, UAE".
- ↑ "Iranian Drone Strike Destroys Key U.S. Air Defence Radar in Saudi Arabia".
- ↑ "[VIDEO] "Dark Night for America's Eyes": Iran's Radar-Killing Campaign Blinds US Missile Defence Across the Gulf After Deadliest Strike Yet". Defense Security Asia. 24 July 2026.
- ↑ "FPV Drones Hit U.S. Black Hawk, Sentinel Radar in Iraq, No Sign of Defense as iran Invasion Looms". Defense Express.
- ↑ "Iran Ballistic Missile Strike Hits U.S. Early Warning Radar in Bahrain, Raising Fears of Wider Gulf War". Defense Security Asia. 11 June 2026.
- ↑ "Satellite Images Reveal Direct Hit on Early-Warning Radar at Kuwait Air Base as Iran Intensifies Precision Strikes Against US Military Network". Defense Security Asia. 14 June 2026.
- ↑ Beaule, Victoria; Charalambous, Peter; Inal, Kerem (18 March 2026). "US and allied radar sites in the Middle East struck at least 10 times: Visual analysis". ABC News.
- ↑ "US radars damaged in Bahrain - Satellite images". caliber.az. 27 March 2026.
- ↑ Bordeaux, Thomas; Mezzofiore, Gianluca (5 March 2026). "Radar bases housing key US missile interceptor hit in Jordan and UAE, satellite images show". CNN. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
The radar system for an American THAAD missile battery in Jordan was struck and apparently destroyed in the first days of the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, a satellite image taken on Monday shows.
- ↑ "Iran reports 3,468 deaths in war with US, Israel: Official". The Economic Times - The Times of India. 20 April 2026.
- ↑ Brennan, David (28 July 2026). "60 dead in 12 days of strikes: Iranian Health Ministry". ABC News.
- ↑ Astih, Paula (17 April 2026). "Hezbollah Tallies Its Dead from Israel War, Estimates Exceed 1,000". Al-Sharq al-Awsat. NewsBank: Access World News Research Collection. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- ↑ "NNA: Two paramedics from the Islamic Risala Scout Association – Civil Defense and the Islamic Health Authority have been killed in an airstrike on Sawwana". MTV Lebanon. 13 March 2026. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
- ↑ "The "Al-Risala Scouts" mourned their five martyred paramedics in the Zawtar raid". NNA (in Arabic). 28 March 2026. Retrieved 29 March 2026.
- ↑ Truzman, Joe (22 March 2026). "Israel eliminates 3 Hamas members operating in Lebanon".
- ↑ "Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq: 80 Martyrs & over 270 injured in Israeli–U.S. aggression".
- ↑ "Iraqi paramilitary group says at least 20 killed in US-Saudi strikes". The Times of Israel. 29 July 2026. ISSN 0040-7909.
- 1 2 "Day 39 of U.S. And Israeli Attacks on Iran: Extensive Damage to the Rail Network and Roads". HRANA. 7 April 2026. Retrieved 7 April 2026.
- ↑ "Ten-Day Report on the New Wave of Attacks on Iran: Human Casualties and Disruption of Critical Infrastructure". HRANA.
- 1 2 "Islamic Republic of Iran: Humanitarian Update No. 06 As of 30 June 2026". OCHA.
- 1 2 Bohbot, Amir (15 March 2026). "Over 6,000 IRGC members killed, 15,000 wounded since the start of Operation Roaring Lion, IDF says". The Jerusalem Post. Archived from the original on 15 March 2026. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- ↑ "בכיר צבאי: "האמריקנים לא האמינו שנצליח בעריפה; איראן סופרת מעל 10,000 נפגעים"" [Senior military official: 'The Americans did not believe we would succeed in the attack; Iran counts over 10,000 casualties'] (in Hebrew). Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ↑ "Epic Fury strikes on Iran were fueled by 2 million energy drinks, about a million gallons of coffee, and nicotine, top general says".
- ↑ "Iranian army says at least 104 killed in US attack on Iranian warship last week". Reuters. 8 March 2026.
- ↑ Fabian, Emanuel (28 May 2026). "IDF says 'nearly a third' of Hezbollah's forces killed during years-long multi-front war". www.timesofisrael.com.
- ↑ "Iran War Cost Tracker — Final Total: $113.3 Billion". Iran War Cost Tracker. 16 June 2026. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
- ↑ "$25bn or $1 Trillion: How Much Has Iran War Really Cost the US?". Al Jazeera English. 30 March 2026. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
- ↑ "Iran war has cost US $37.5bn so far, Hegseth says, as Pentagon seeks billions more". BBC News. 22 July 2026.
- ↑ Hancock, Alice; John, Jamie; Harris, Lee (8 April 2026). "Shipping Stalls as Tehran Dictates Terms in Strait of Hormuz". Financial Times.
- 1 2 "Pentagon Names Iran Mission 'Operation Epic Fury'". Iran International. 28 February 2026. Archived from the original on 1 March 2026. Retrieved 28 February 2026.
- 1 2 "Inside the Plan to Kill Ali Khamenei". Financial Times. 2 March 2026. Retrieved 3 March 2026.
- ↑ "Operation Epic Fury and International Law". United States Department of State. 21 April 2026. Retrieved 8 June 2026.
- 1 2 Shalev, Tal (28 February 2026). "Israel Names Operation Against Iran "Roaring Lion"". CNN. Retrieved 28 February 2026.
- 1 2 Munitz, Shmuel (6 March 2026). "From Ancient Israel to Modern Iran: The Enduring Symbolism of the Lion". Ynet. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ↑ "The third Gulf war will scar energy markets for a long time yet". The Economist. 8 April 2026. Retrieved 28 July 2026.
- ↑ Hopton, Nicholas (23 March 2026). "What next in the Third Gulf War?". New Statesman. Retrieved 28 July 2026.
- ↑ Stein, Aaron; Salisbury, Emma; Lair, Sam; Petersen, Michael B.; Plopsky, Guy (5 March 2026). "Understanding the Third Gulf War". Foreign Policy Research Institute. Retrieved 28 July 2026.
- ↑ Kacowicz, Arie M. (11 March 2026). "When and how will the third Gulf War end?". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 28 July 2026.
- ↑ Hopper, Timothy (16 April 2026). "The "Third Gulf War" and the collapse of the oil-for-security bargain". Middle East Monitor. Retrieved 28 July 2026.
- ↑ Shelter-Jones, Phillip (11 March 2026). "Gulf War III Is a Warning About the Effects of a 'Taiwan Straits War I'". Royal United Services Institute. Retrieved 28 July 2026.
- ↑ Wintour, Patrick (8 March 2026). "From Bush Sr to Trump: the risks, lessons and legacy of US interference in the Middle East". The Guardian. Retrieved 28 July 2026.
This is the third Gulf war ...
- ↑ "Advanced Arms Production Never Halted During Imposed War". Mehr News Agency. 16 June 2026. Retrieved 30 June 2026.
- ↑ Soghom, Mardo (10 May 2026). "Iranian Media Reinforce Narrative of Mojtaba Khamenei's Leadership". Middle East Forum. Retrieved 30 July 2026.
... following what Iranian media call the 'Third Imposed War.'
- ↑ "Iran's 'Third Imposed War' Elevates Nation's Status as Civilization-Building Power, Says Scholar". Hawzah News Agency. 28 April 2026. Retrieved 30 July 2026.
The commander's reference to a 'Third Imposed War' follows the official Iranian narrative that frames the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq conflict as the first imposed war
- ↑ "The End of the "Weak Iran" Narrative". WANA. 20 March 2026. Retrieved 30 July 2026.
... from the aftermath of the 'Second Imposed War' (the Twelve-Day War) to the beginning of the 'Third Imposed War' (Iran's current war with the U.S. and Israel ...)
- ↑ Alhaei, Rasol (7 June 2026). "From Online Class to Revolution Square: A Tehran Teacher's Routine Amid War". Al Jazeera English. Archived from the original on 8 June 2026. Retrieved 8 June 2026.
The 'Ramadan War', as the US-Israel war on Iran is popularly known
- ↑ "Intact but Unreformed: Iran After the Ramadan War". The Geopolitical Desk. 22 May 2026. Archived from the original on 8 June 2026. Retrieved 8 June 2026.
- 1 2 "Iran to Mark Eid Al-Fitr On Saturday: State TV". Arab News. Agence France-Presse. 20 March 2026. Retrieved 20 March 2026.
- ↑ "Ramadan War Inflicts $160 Million Blow to Iran's Tourism Sector". Tehran Times. 13 May 2026. Retrieved 8 June 2026.
- ↑ "Iranian Defense: Development of New Technologies Enabled Us to Target 210 Enemy Aircraft During Ramadan War". Saba News Agency. 26 May 2026. Archived from the original on 8 June 2026. Retrieved 8 June 2026.
- ↑ Hourcade, Bernard (March 2026). "What Prospects for a New Iran?". Le Monde diplomatique. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
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Khamenei's Nuclear Fatwa Khamenei's statements on the religious prohibition against the production and use of WMD "in any form" were apparently first recorded in October 2003
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the US intelligence community "continues to assess that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon and Supreme Leader [Ayatollah Ali] Khamenei has not authorised the nuclear weapons programme that he suspended in 2003". – What do we know about Iran's nuclear programme? a decade-long investigation by the IAEA found evidence that Iran conducted "a range of activities relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device" from the late 1980s until 2003
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Expresses concern at the intentions of Iran's nuclear programme and demands that Iran halt its uranium enrichment programme
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2. Demands, in this context, that Iran shall suspend all enrichment-related and reprocessing activities, including research and development, to be verified by the IAEA
- ↑ UN Security Council. "Resolution 1737 (2006)". United Nations. p. 2.
2. Decides, in this context, that Iran shall without further delay suspend the following proliferation sensitive nuclear activities: (a) all enrichment-related and reprocessing activities, including research and development, to be verified by the IAEA; and (b) work on all heavy water-related projects, including the construction of a research reactor moderated by heavy water, also to be verified by the IAEA;
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resolutions 1696 (2006), 1737 (2006), 1747 (2007), 1803 (2008), 1835 (2008) and 1929 (2010) – Background Diplomatic efforts to reach a comprehensive, long-term and proper solution to the Iranian nuclear issue culminated in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) concluded on 14 July 2015
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Western powers, led by the US and backed by Israel, have long accused Tehran of secretly seeking nuclear weapons. Iran has repeatedly denied this, insisting its nuclear programme is solely for civilian purposes such as energy production.
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In a stunning admission, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington engineered a dollar shortage to send the Iranian rial into freefall that culminated with protesters taking to the streets.
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He accused Iran of restarting its nuclear programme, working to build missiles that 'soon' would be capable of reaching the US – Iranian state media have claimed that Tehran is developing a missile capable of reaching North America.
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this assessment is further complicated by Iran's domestic political context, which has engendered an approach that is as much 'hedging by default' as it is 'hedging by design'. This approach allows Tehran to reconcile restraint with domestic consensus on nuclear advancement.
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There is much evidence to suggest Iran is engaged in a more nuanced strategy based on nuclear hedging, rather than outright pursuit of the bomb.
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Iran developed its nuclear program from 1953 to 2002 and then botched a deception campaign before reconfiguring around a safer hedge posture.
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Iran has used its enrichment program for leverage in international negotiations.
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The strikes opened a stunning new chapter in U.S. intervention in Iran, marking the second time in eight months that the Trump administration has attacked the country during talks over its nuclear program.
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And we will also bring experts from Ukraine, together with our own experts, to help Gulf partners shoot down Iranian drones attacking them.
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- ↑ Sarsini, Davide (6 March 2026). "La Fregata Martinengo Inviata a Difesa Di Cipro" [The frigate Martinengo sent to defend Cyprus]. AGI (in Italian). Retrieved 11 March 2026.
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- ↑ Shelbourne, Mallory (6 March 2026). "USS Gerald R. Ford Now in the Red Sea, USS George H.W. Bush Wraps Pre-Deployment Exercises". USNI News. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
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- ↑ "British Aircraft Carrier HMS Prince of Wales Prepped to Set Sail". BBC News. 7 March 2026. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
- ↑ "Iran President Pezeshkian Apologises to Neighbours for Attacks, Tells Trump to Take 'Tehran Surrender Dream to Grave". The Indian Express. 7 March 2026. Archived from the original on 8 March 2026. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
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"The IRGC is now in charge fully, and they will decide whether to attack or not," Serdar said, adding that IRGC chief, Ahmad Vahidi, is considered one of the "most radical commanders" of the group since its foundation. "I don't think Pezeshkian or other politicians will have any influence when it comes to security politics," he added.
- ↑ "Israel Renews Assault on Lebanon After Netanyahu Promises 'Many Surprises' in Next Phase of War". Associated Press. 7 March 2026. Archived from the original on 12 March 2026. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
The message, seemingly filmed in a hurry, underlined the limited powers exercised by the theocracy's leaders over the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. It answered only to Khamenei and now appears to be picking its own targets.
- ↑ "Strikes Continue Despite Iranian President's Apology". Eurasia Review. 8 March 2026.
- ↑ Ismay, John (8 March 2026). "U.S. Military Warns Civilians in Iran to Stay Home Amid Continuing Airstrikes". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- ↑ "Iran Oil Facilities Hit for First Time as War with US-Israel Enters Day 9". Al Jazeera English. 9 March 2026. Retrieved 9 March 2026.
- ↑ Bagchi, Rounak (9 March 2026). "'River of Fire' in Tehran: Videos Show Israeli Strikes Hit Iran Fuel Depots, Trigger Black Rain". Times Now.
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Both Israel and the U.S. military denied carrying out the [desalination plant] attack.
- ↑ Parent, Deepa (8 March 2026). "'Dark, Like Our Future': Iranians Describe Scenes of Catastrophe After Tehran's Oil Depots Bombed". The Guardian. Retrieved 9 March 2026.
- ↑ "Kuwait City Tower Erupts in Flames as Iran Launches New Wave of Strikes in the Gulf". The Independent. 8 March 2026. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
- ↑ Din, Menna; Muhammad, Al Gebaly; Baum, Bernadette (8 March 2026). "Two Kuwaiti Interior Ministry Officers Killed 'While Performing Duties'". Reuters.
- ↑ "2 Killed, 12 Wounded After Projectile Hits Building in Saudi Arabia". Al Jazeera English. 8 March 2026.
- ↑ "US Troop Dies from Wounds Sustained in Iran Attack". Al Jazeera English. 8 March 2026. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
- ↑ "More on Civilian Sites Attacked in Iran: Red Crescent". Al Jazeera English. 8 March 2026. Retrieved 9 March 2026.
- ↑ "NATO Intercepts Second Iranian Ballistic Missile Fired Toward Turkey". The Straits Times. 9 March 2026. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 9 March 2026.
- ↑ "NATO Intercepts Iranian Ballistic Missile in Turkish Airspace, Türkiye's Defense Ministry Says". Kurdistan24. 9 March 2026. Retrieved 9 March 2026.
- ↑ "MSB: 6 Türk F-16'sı KKTC'ye Konuşlandırıldı" [MoD: Six Turkish F-16s have been deployed to Northern Cyprus]. TRT Haber (in Turkish). 9 March 2026. Retrieved 9 March 2026.
- ↑ Mangan, Dan (9 March 2026). "Trump Says Iran 'War Is Very Complete', Talks to Putin: Reports". CNBC. Retrieved 9 March 2026.
- ↑ Trew, Bel (9 March 2026). "Iran-US War Latest: Israel Launches Widespread New Strikes as Iranian Ballistic Missile Shot Down in Nato Airspace". The Independent. Retrieved 9 March 2026.
- ↑ Jiang, Weijia (9 March 2026). "Trump Says "The War Is Very Complete," And He's Considering Taking over Strait of Hormuz". CBS News. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- ↑ Patil, Anushka (9 March 2026). "Here's What Happened in the Conflict on Monday". The New York Times. Retrieved 9 March 2026.
- 1 2 "Syrian President Backs Lebanon's Position on Disarming Hezbollah". Middle East Eye. 9 March 2026. Retrieved 10 March 2026.
- ↑ "Israeli Army Intercepts Iranian Drone over Southern Syria: Report". Al Jazeera English. 10 March 2026. Retrieved 10 March 2026.
- ↑ South, Todd (9 March 2026). "B-1s And B-52s Bombers Pour into Europe for Ops Against Iran". Air & Space Forces Magazine. Retrieved 10 March 2026.
- ↑ "Trade Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz Due to Attacks on Commercial Ships". PortWatch. International Monetary Fund. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 14 March 2026.
- ↑ Baraniuk, Chris (10 March 2026). "GPS Jamming: The Invisible Battle in the Middle East". BBC News.
- ↑ "Saudi Arabia Welcomes US Designation of Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood as Terrorist Organization". Arab News. 11 March 2026. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
- ↑ "U.S. Designates Sudanese Islamic Movement and Its Armed Wing as Terrorist Entity". Sudan Tribune. 9 March 2026. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
- ↑ Hendawi, Hamza (11 March 2026). "US Says Iran's IRGC-Trained Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood Members Fighting Alongside Army". The National. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
- 1 2 3 Srinivasan, Chandrashekar (10 March 2026). "With Missiles Carrying 1,000 kg Explosives, A New Tactical Phase For Iran". NDTV. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
- ↑ Trew, Bel (10 March 2026). "Iran-US War Latest: Trump Threatens Heavy Escalation After Iran 'Begins Laying Mines in Strait of Hormuz'". The Independent. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
- ↑ "Iran Fighting Back but Not Stronger Than U.S. Thought, Top U.S. General Says". Reuters. 10 March 2026. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
- ↑ Chbaro, Asrar (6 March 2026). "What's Going on the Lebanon–Syria Border?". Alhurra. Retrieved 10 March 2026.
- ↑ "Shells Fired From Lebanon Land West of Syrian Capital, Country's Military Says". The New York Times. 10 March 2026. Retrieved 10 March 2026.
- ↑ "Urgent Israeli Warning for Residents of Southern Suburbs of Beirut: Evacuate Immediately". LBCIV7. 10 March 2026. Archived from the original on 20 April 2026. Retrieved 10 March 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Iran's Missile Fire Rate Has Collapsed by 92%: What's Next?". The Jerusalem Post. 10 March 2026. Retrieved 10 March 2026.
- ↑ Ambrose, Tom; Ho, Vivian; Corlett, Eva (11 March 2026). "Middle East Crisis Live: Three Ships Hit in Strait of Hormuz as Iran Calls Vessels Belonging to US or Allies 'Legitimate Targets'". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
- ↑ "Israel Says Strike Hit Iranian Nuclear-Linked Site Outside Tehran". The Media Line. 12 March 2026.
- ↑ "Post-Attack Assessment of Precision Strikes on the Bunkered Taleghan 2 Facility". Institute for Science and International Security. 12 March 2026.
- ↑ "Iran Update Morning Special Report, March 12, 2026". Institute for the Study of War. 12 March 2026.
- ↑ "Missile Strike Hits Bank Sepah Branch in Tehran, IRGC Warns of Retaliation". iranwire. 11 March 2026. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
- ↑ "Iran Appears to Have Conducted a Significant Cyberattack Against a U.S. Company, A First Since the War Started". NBC News. 12 March 2026. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
- ↑ Rowlands, Lyndal; Sabah, Zaid (12 March 2026). "Iran Sets Three Conditions for Peace; Oil Tankers in Iraqi Port Attacked". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
- ↑ "Iran Deputy Intelligence Minister Killed in Strikes on Tehran". Iran International. 12 March 2026. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
- ↑ Yoon, John; Solomon, Erika (12 March 2026). "Deadly Attack on Oil Tankers Prompts Iraq to Close Oil Terminals". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
- ↑ "Day 13 of the U.S.-Israeli War on Iran: More Than Three Million Displaced". HRANA. 12 March 2026. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ↑ "آسیب به چند بنای تاریخی در حمله اسرائیل به اصفهان". iranwire (in Persian). 12 March 2026. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ↑ Sinaiee, Maryam (13 March 2026). "War Leaves Its Mark on Iran's Cultural Heritage". Iran International. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ↑ "Blue Shield Warns of Potential 'War Crimes' Against Iran's Cultural Sites". Museums Association. 10 March 2026. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ↑ "French Soldier Killed and Several Wounded in Attack in Iraq's Kurdistan Region, Confirms Macron". Le Monde. 13 March 2026. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- 1 2 Cooper, Helene; Barnes, Julian E.; Ward, Euan; Torbati, Yeganeh; Reiss, Johnatan (12 March 2026). "Iran War Live Updates: U.S. Refueling Plane Crashes in Iraq, Military Says". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ↑ سنتکام: بمبافکنهای بی۲ برای انجام عملیات در ایران به پرواز درآمدند. BBC News Persian (in Persian). 14 March 2026.
- ↑ "Iran Targets Gulf Nations with Missiles, Drones as Oil Prices Soar". Al Jazeera English. 13 March 2026. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
- ↑ "Nato Shoots Down Iranian Missile as Explosions Heard at Turkish Air Base". The Independent. 13 March 2026. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ↑ "Israel Targets Iranian Checkpoints Using Tip-Offs From Informants, Source Says". Reuters. 13 March 2026.
- ↑ Graham-Harrison, Emma (12 March 2026). "We Attacked Iran with No Clear Plan for Regime Change, Israeli Security Sources Say". The Guardian.
There have been no signs of Iranians taking to the streets or significant defections from security forces
- ↑ "'Odsečete Jednu Glavu, Izraste Nova': Kako Su Vladari Irana Stvorili Sistem Koji Ih Održava Na Vlasti" ['You cut off one head, another grows': How Iran's rulers created a system that keeps them in power]. BBC Serbian (in Serbo-Croatian). 12 March 2026.
we hardly see any defections
- ↑ "Iran War Becomes Contest of Who Can Take Most Pain". The Pioneer. 12 March 2026.
So far, the Islamic Republic has been able to keep its leadership and military cohesive and in control
- ↑ "Is the Stability of the Iranian Regime in Danger?". Institute for National Security Studies. 12 March 2026.
However, it seems that at this stage, these strikes are not sufficient to undermine the internal cohesion among the security forces, their ability to function
- ↑ "US Intelligence Says Iran Government Is Not at Risk of Collapse, Say Sources". Reuters. 11 March 2026.
The intelligence reporting underscores the cohesion of Iran's clerical leadership
- ↑ Karlin, Mara (11 March 2026). "Can Iran's Regime Survive the War?". Brookings Institution.
is anyone defecting? Is anyone pulling away from the military, pulling away from the security services, and either taking their weapons and staying home or taking their weapons and acting against the regime? I haven't seen much on that front whatsoever.
- ↑ "The Six Pillars Keeping Iran's Regime Standing". The Beiruter. 11 March 2026.
Second, elite cohesion remains relatively strong.
- ↑ "A Long Road to the End: The Death Throes of Iran's Regime Could Last for Years". The Times of Israel. 10 March 2026.
for now, there have been no significant defections from the army or other security forces
- ↑ "U.S. Intelligence Says Iran's Regime Is Consolidating Power". The Washington Post. 16 March 2026.
Nonetheless, officials and analysts say, there are no overt signs of cracks or defections within Iran's power structure.
- ↑ Jansen, Michael (28 February 2026). "Regime Change in Iran Unlikely Without Mass Defections from Military". The Irish Times.
- ↑ Broadwater, Luke; Schmitt, Eric; Cooper, Helene; Pérez-Peña, Richard (13 March 2026). "Iran War Live Updates: U.S. Military Attacks Kharg Island, Iran's Oil Export Hub, Trump Says". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 14 March 2026.
- ↑ "US Strikes More Than 90 Iranian Military Targets on Kharg Island, CENTCOM Says". Reuters. 14 March 2026.
- ↑ "Security Commander of Iraq's Kataeb Hezbollah Said Killed in Airstrike". The Times of Israel. 16 March 2026. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ↑ Abdelwahed, Mahmoud (16 March 2026). "Unclear Who Attacked Posh Baghdad Hotel in Iraq's 'Green Zone'". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 16 March 2026.
- ↑ Smith, Alexander (16 March 2026). "'Not Our War': U.S. Allies Balk at Trump's Strait of Hormuz Demands". NBC News. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ↑ "Trump Demands NATO and China Police the Strait of Hormuz. So Far They Aren't Joining". NPR. 16 March 2026. Retrieved 30 March 2026.
- ↑ "Trump Says NATO's Refusal to Help on Iran Is "Very Foolish Mistake"". Reuters. 17 March 2026. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ↑ "Is a Military Draft Under Consideration with Iran War?". NewsNation. 16 March 2026.
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- ↑ Kim Eun-bin (18 March 2026). 트럼프 "이제 나토 도움 필요 없어...일본·한국도 마찬가지". Joong Ang Ilbo 중앙일보 (in Korean). Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ↑ 트럼프 "나토 도움 필요 없다...일본·호주·한국도 마찬가지". Kyunghyang Shinmun. 18 March 2026.
- ↑ "Trump: 'We Do Not Need the Help of Anyone'". Sky News. 17 March 2026. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ↑ "Israel Says It Killed Basij Commander Soleimani in Tehran Strike". Iran International. 17 March 2026. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ↑ "Israeli Media Say Military Targeted Top Security Chief Larijani". Iran International. 17 March 2026. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
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- ↑ "Elderly Couple Killed in Iranian Revenge Strike on Israel". The Daily Telegraph. 18 March 2026.
- ↑ Peled, Anat; Abdel-Baqui, Omar (16 March 2026). "Israel Invades Lebanon, Opening New Front Against Iran". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- 1 2 Jones, Callum (19 March 2026). "Trump Threatens to 'Blow Up' All of Iran's South Pars Gasfield If Tehran Strikes Qatar". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
- ↑ Orr, Robert; Kelly, Maxine; Wells, Peter; Provan, Sarah; Cash, Kieran (18 March 2026). "Middle East War Live: Oil Jumps After Iran Says Energy Industry Attacked". Financial Times.
- ↑ "Iran War: Netanyahu Denies Israel 'Dragged' US into Conflict". Deutsche Welle. 19 March 2026.
- ↑ "Israel Says It Killed Iran's Intelligence Chief After a Deadly Strike Near Tel Aviv". NPR. 18 March 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
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- ↑ "Death Toll in Iranian Missile Strike That Hit West Bank Palestinian Town Rises to Four". The Times of Israel. 18 March 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
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- ↑ "Three Palestinian Women Killed in Iranian Missile Attack in the West Bank, Red Crescent Says". The Straits Times. 19 March 2026. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ↑ Timotija, Filip (19 March 2026). "US F-35 Makes Emergency Landing After Flying over Iran". The Hill. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
- ↑ "US F-35 Damaged by Suspected Iranian Fire Makes Emergency Landing, Sources Say". CNN. 19 March 2026.
- ↑ "Israeli Refinery Owner Says Essential Infrastructure Damaged in Iranian Strike". Reuters. 20 March 2026. Retrieved 20 March 2026.
- ↑ "Damage at Haifa Oil Refineries After Iranian Missile Attack". Ynet. 19 March 2026. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
- ↑ "Netanyahu: 'You Can't Make a Revolution from the Air, There Are Ground Options'". Ynet. 19 March 2026. Retrieved 20 March 2026.
- ↑ Cloud, David S.; Seligman, Lara; Gordon, Michael R. (20 March 2026). "U.S. War Planes and Helicopters Kick Off Battle to Reopen Hormuz". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 20 March 2026.
- ↑ "Update from Eric Schmitt". The New York Times. 21 March 2026. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 21 March 2026.
- ↑ "US Strikes Iran's Natanz Nuclear Site with Bunker-Buster Bombs". The Daily Telegraph. 21 March 2026. Retrieved 21 March 2026.
- ↑ "Iran Says US and Israel Attacked Natanz Nuclear Facility". Al Jazeera English. 21 March 2026. Retrieved 21 March 2026.