Feb 11, 1979 – Sep 24, 2026·142 events
2026 Iran War Timeline: From the First Strikes to Today
All 142 events
In date order. Indented events happen within the event above them. Times are shown in UTC. Last updated September 25, 2026.
· Iran
Islamic Revolution topples the Shah
The monarchy of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi falls and Iran becomes an Islamic republic. Iran cuts ties with the United States and Israel, and in November 1979 students seize the US embassy in Tehran and hold its staff hostage until 1981.
Sources: Britannica, Iranian Revolution of 1978-79; Wikipedia, Iranian Revolution; Wikipedia, 2026 Iran war
· Israel
Netanyahu tells Congress the "deadline" is close
In his first address to a joint meeting of Congress, Netanyahu says that if Iran or Iraq acquired nuclear weapons the consequences could be catastrophic for all mankind, and that only the United States can lead the effort to stop them. "But the deadline for attaining this goal is getting extremely close."
Sources: Congressional Record, Address by Binyamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel (July 10, 1996); Times of Israel, A historic speech and a dangerous gamble (February 26, 2015)
· United States
US intelligence: Iran halted weapons work in 2003
A declassified National Intelligence Estimate says: "We judge with high confidence that in fall 2003, Tehran halted its nuclear weapons program." It also assesses that Iran is at a minimum keeping open the option to develop nuclear weapons.
Sources: ODNI, Iran: Nuclear Intentions and Capabilities, National Intelligence Estimate (November 2007); NPR, Iran quit nuclear weapons work, intel report says (December 3, 2007)
· Israel
Netanyahu draws a red line at the UN
Holding up a drawing of a bomb at the UN General Assembly, Netanyahu says that "by next spring, at most by next summer" Iran will finish medium enrichment and move on to the final stage. He asks for a red line before Iran completes the second stage.
Sources: UN News, Netanyahu calls for red line on Iran nuclear programme (September 27, 2012); CNN, Netanyahu draws "red line" on Iran's nuclear program (September 27, 2012)
· Israel
Mossad report: Iran not doing weapons work
A Mossad assessment sent to South Africa's intelligence service, dated less than a month after the UN speech, says Iran is "not performing the activity necessary to produce weapons." Al Jazeera and The Guardian publish it in February 2015 among the leaked "Spy Cables."
Sources: Al Jazeera, Mossad contradicted Netanyahu on Iran nuclear programme (February 23, 2015); Wikipedia, Spy Cables
· Diplomacy and ceasefires
Iran and world powers agree the nuclear deal
Iran, the P5+1 and the EU conclude the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in Vienna. Iran accepts limits on its nuclear program and inspections in exchange for sanctions relief.
Sources: Wikipedia, Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action; Britannica, 2026 Iran war
· United States
Trump withdraws the US from the nuclear deal
President Trump announces that the United States will leave the JCPOA and reimpose sanctions, beginning a "maximum pressure" policy toward Iran.
Sources: White House, Remarks by President Trump on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (May 8, 2018); Wikipedia, 2026 Iran war
· United States
Gabbard: Iran is not building a nuclear weapon
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard tells the Senate Intelligence Committee: "The IC continues to assess that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon and Supreme Leader Khamenei has not authorized the nuclear weapons program that he suspended in 2003." She adds that Iran's enriched uranium stockpile is at its highest level.
Sources: FactCheck.org, Trump, Gabbard comments on Iran nuclear capability (June 2025); C-SPAN, Senate Intelligence Committee worldwide threats hearing (March 25, 2025)
· Iran
Khamenei adviser: an attack would push Iran toward a bomb
After Trump threatens "bombing the likes of which they have never seen before," Ali Larijani, an adviser to Khamenei, tells state TV that Iran is not moving toward nuclear weapons, but that a US mistake "will force Iran to move towards that because it has to defend itself."
Sources: France 24, Iran will have "no choice" but to get nukes if attacked, says Khamenei adviser (April 1, 2025); Anadolu Agency, Iran will have "no choice" but to acquire nukes if attacked: adviser (April 1, 2025)
· Iran
IAEA reports a jump in Iran's 60% uranium
The IAEA reports that Iran holds 408.6 kg of uranium enriched up to 60 percent, 133.8 kg more than three months earlier. It calls the accumulation by Iran, "the only non-nuclear-weapon State to produce such nuclear material," a matter of "serious concern."
Sources: IAEA, Verification and monitoring in Iran, GOV/2025/24 (May 31, 2025); Al Jazeera, Iran rejects IAEA report alleging increased enriched uranium stockpile (May 31, 2025)
· Diplomacy and ceasefires
IAEA board finds Iran in breach of its obligations
By 19 votes to 3, with 11 abstentions, the IAEA Board of Governors finds that Iran's failures to cooperate over undeclared nuclear material "constitute non-compliance," its first such finding against Iran in almost 20 years. Iran announces a new enrichment site. Israel attacks the next morning.
Sources: Al Jazeera, UN nuclear watchdog board finds Iran not complying with obligations (June 12, 2025); NPR, Iran says it will create a new uranium enrichment facility after a vote at the IAEA (June 12, 2025)
· Israel
The Twelve-Day War
Israel attacks Iranian military and nuclear sites and kills senior commanders and scientists; Iran answers with more than 550 ballistic missiles. The war ends in a ceasefire on June 24.
Sources: Wikipedia, Twelve-Day War; Britannica, 2026 Iran war
· United States
Trump on Gabbard's assessment: "She's wrong"
On June 18 Trump says Iran was "a few weeks away" from having a nuclear weapon. Asked on June 20 about Gabbard's March testimony that Iran was not building one, he answers, "She's wrong."
Sources: Roll Call Factba.se, Trump remarks with Juventus Football Club (June 18, 2025); Roll Call Factba.se, Trump press gaggle (June 20, 2025); PolitiFact, Trump and Gabbard on Iran's nuclear weapon (June 23, 2025)
· United States
US bombs Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan
In Operation Midnight Hammer, US B-2 bombers and Tomahawk missiles strike three Iranian nuclear sites. Trump says they were "totally obliterated"; a preliminary Defense Intelligence Agency assessment said the damage set Iran back by months.
Sources: Wikipedia, Twelve-Day War; Britannica, 2026 Iran war
· Diplomacy and ceasefires
UN sanctions on Iran snap back
The UN reimposes sanctions on Iran under the JCPOA's snapback mechanism. Iran's currency weakens and food prices rise.
Sources: Wikipedia, 2026 Iran war; Britannica, 2026 Iran war
· United States
US military buildup near Iran
The United States moves forces into the region, the largest buildup there since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, according to Britannica. The CRS dates it from late December 2025 to late February 2026.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; Britannica, 2026 Iran war
· United States
Trump sends a second aircraft carrier
Trump orders the USS Gerald R. Ford and its escorts to the Middle East to join the USS Abraham Lincoln.
Sources: The Guardian, Trump sends second aircraft carrier to Middle East (February 13, 2026); Wikipedia, Prelude to the 2026 Iran war
· Iran
Nationwide protests and crackdown in Iran
Protests over the collapsing economy spread across Iran and become the largest since 1979. Estimates of the dead vary widely: the government said 3,117; HRANA estimated 7,000; two health ministry officials were reported as saying about 30,000.
Sources: Britannica, 2026 Iran war; Wikipedia, Prelude to the 2026 Iran war; Wikipedia, 2026 Iranian protests
· Iran
Security forces open fire on protesters
The deadliest days of the crackdown are January 8 and 10. Iran imposes a nationwide internet blackout.
Sources: Britannica, 2026 Iran war; Wikipedia, Prelude to the 2026 Iran war
· Diplomacy and ceasefires
US and Iran hold nuclear talks
Oman mediates indirect talks between US envoys and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, first in Muscat and then in Geneva.
Sources: Wikipedia, Prelude to the 2026 Iran war; BBC, Talks with US set to continue after 'good beginning' (February 6, 2026)
· Israel
Netanyahu presses Trump on Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets Trump at the White House as the talks proceed. Reuters later reported that Netanyahu argued for a joint operation to kill Iran's supreme leader.
Sources: PBS NewsHour, Netanyahu meets with Trump (February 11, 2026); Reuters, Trump approved Iran operation after Netanyahu argued for joint killing of Khamenei (March 23, 2026)
· United States
Witkoff: Iran "a week away" from bomb material
Envoy Steve Witkoff tells Fox News that Iran is "probably a week away from having industrial grade bomb making material." David Albright of the Institute for Science and International Security tells PolitiFact his group sees no evidence that Iran is trying to reconstitute its weapons program.
Sources: PolitiFact, Steve Witkoff said Iran is "a week away" from material to make a bomb (February 26, 2026); The Hill, Witkoff: Iran "a week away" from nuclear bomb-making material
· United States
State of the Union: program "obliterated"
Trump tells Congress that Operation Midnight Hammer "obliterated Iran's nuclear weapons program" and that Iran is now "starting it all over." Earlier that day, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the strikes "did, in fact, obliterate Iran's nuclear facilities." The US and Israeli strikes begin four days later.
Sources: PBS NewsHour, Read Trump's full 2026 State of the Union address (February 24, 2026); Al Jazeera, US re-asserts 2025 strikes "obliterated" Iran's nuclear programme (February 24, 2026)
· Diplomacy and ceasefires
IAEA: it cannot say where Iran's uranium is
Iran suspended cooperation with the IAEA in July 2025 in response to the strikes. In a report dated February 27, the agency says it "cannot provide any information on the current size, composition or whereabouts" of Iran's enriched uranium, which it last estimated at 440.9 kg of 60 percent uranium in June 2025.
Sources: IAEA, NPT Safeguards Agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran, GOV/2026/8 (February 27, 2026); Al Jazeera, Iran president signs law suspending cooperation with IAEA (July 2, 2025)
· Diplomacy and ceasefires
Oman says a deal is "within reach"
After a third round of talks, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi says Iran has agreed never to stockpile enriched uranium and to full IAEA verification. US and Israeli strikes begin the next morning.
Sources: CBS News, U.S.-Iran deal is 'within our reach,' Omani mediator says (February 27, 2026); Al Jazeera, Peace 'within reach' as Iran agrees no nuclear material stockpile (February 28, 2026)
· United States
The 2026 Iran war
US and Israeli strikes on February 28 start a war with Iran that spreads to the Gulf states, Lebanon, Yemen and the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire and a June memorandum both broke down, and as of September 24 fighting continues alongside talks.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; Britannica, 2026 Iran war; Wikipedia, 2026 Iran war
· United States
Major combat: Epic Fury and Roaring Lion
Five and a half weeks of US and Israeli air and missile strikes across Iran, and Iranian missile and drone attacks on Israel, US bases and Gulf states.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; Britannica, 2026 Iran war
· United States
The first 24 hours
From Trump's order to the first waves of Iranian retaliation across the region.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; Wikipedia, Timeline of the 2026 Iran war
· United States
Trump orders Operation Epic Fury
Flying to Texas aboard Air Force One, Trump gives the order to proceed at 3:38 pm Eastern time.
Sources: AP, What led up to Trump's order to strike Iran (March 2, 2026); Financial Times, Inside the plan to kill Ali Khamenei; Wikipedia, 2026 Iran war
· Israel
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is killed
Israeli strikes on leadership gatherings in Tehran kill Khamenei, in office since 1989, and dozens of senior officials. The Israeli military said about 200 jets took part, the largest combat sortie in its history.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; AP, A timeline of the Iran war and talks aimed at ending it (July 12, 2026); Times of Israel, IDF says 200 jets involved in Air Force's largest-ever attack sortie (February 28, 2026)
· Gulf states, Houthis and the region
Iran strikes US bases across the Gulf
The IRGC said it targeted Al Udeid in Qatar, Ali Al Salem in Kuwait, Al Dhafra in the UAE and Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain. Explosions were reported in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Doha and Erbil.
Sources: France 24, Iran targets US military bases in the Middle East (February 28, 2026); Wikipedia, Timeline of the 2026 Iran war
· United States
Trump announces "major combat operations"
In a video statement Trump says the aim is to "eliminate imminent threats from the Iranian regime" and urges Iranians to take over their government.
Sources: CBS News, Trump announces "major combat operations" in Iran (February 28, 2026); Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026
· United States
About 900 strikes in the first 12 hours
Britannica reports nearly 900 US and Israeli strikes in the first 12 hours, aimed at missiles, air defenses and leadership. A Trump administration official quoted by the Times of Israel attributed about 900 to the US alone.
Sources: Britannica, 2026 Iran war; Times of Israel, Trump official: US carried out 900 strikes during first 12 hours
· Shipping and oil (Strait of Hormuz)
Iran asserts control of the Strait of Hormuz
Iran claims control of the strait, the route for about a fifth of the world's oil. Commercial traffic falls by more than 90 percent, according to Britannica.
Sources: AP, A timeline of the Iran war and talks aimed at ending it (July 12, 2026); Britannica, 2026 Iran war; Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026
· United States
US and Israel begin striking Iran
US forces open Operation Epic Fury and Israel opens Operation Roaring Lion at about 9:45 am Tehran time, during Ramadan. A US official told Business Insider the US used Tomahawk missiles, HIMARS rockets and bombers.
Sources: Business Insider, Here are the weapons America used to strike Iran (February 28, 2026); Jewish Journal, Timeline: missile fire follows Israeli strikes on Iran (March 1, 2026); Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026
· Iran
Strike destroys a girls' school in Minab
A missile hits the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' elementary school. Iranian authorities first reported 108 dead; later reports put the toll at 165 to 180. Britannica says a preliminary US military investigation indicated US forces likely carried out the strike while targeting an adjacent IRGC base.
Sources: Financial Times, Strike on Iranian primary school kills 108, authorities say (February 28, 2026); The Guardian, Death toll from school bombing in southern Iran reportedly rises to 165 (March 1, 2026); Britannica, 2026 Iran war; Wikipedia, Timeline of the 2026 Iran war
· Iran
Iran launches Operation True Promise IV
Iran begins firing ballistic missiles at Israel and at Gulf states that host US forces. The Israeli military estimated about 170 ballistic missiles were launched that day.
Sources: Jewish Journal, Timeline: missile fire follows Israeli strikes on Iran (March 1, 2026); Wikipedia, 2026 Iran war; CNN, What we know about the US-Israeli attack on Iran and Tehran's retaliation (February 28, 2026)
· Gulf states, Houthis and the region
Missile hits US Fifth Fleet site in Bahrain
A missile strikes the Fifth Fleet service center in Manama as attacks on the US naval headquarters continue into the next day. Bahrain says it shot down 45 missiles and nine drones; a US official reported no US casualties.
Sources: Stars and Stripes, Counterstrikes continue at US Navy base in Bahrain (February 28, 2026); Jewish Journal, Timeline: missile fire follows Israeli strikes on Iran (March 1, 2026)
· Israel
Iranian missiles hit central Israel
Impacts are confirmed in central Israel. A missile strike on a residential block in Tel Aviv kills a woman and injures dozens.
Sources: Jewish Journal, Timeline: missile fire follows Israeli strikes on Iran (March 1, 2026); Times of Israel, Woman killed, dozens injured as Iranian missile strikes Tel Aviv residential block (March 1, 2026)
· Israel
Missile kills nine in Beit Shemesh
An Iranian missile hits a synagogue and homes in Beit Shemesh, killing nine people, the AP reported.
Sources: AP, Israeli family who buried 3 of their children after missile attack (March 6, 2026); Wikipedia, Timeline of the 2026 Iran war
· United States
Six US soldiers killed in Kuwait
An Iranian drone strikes a US Army Reserve unit at Port Shuaiba, near Camp Arifjan, killing six soldiers and injuring more than 30.
Sources: CBS News, U.S. death toll in Iran war rises to 6 (March 3, 2026); Wikipedia, 2026 Iran war
· Shipping and oil (Strait of Hormuz)
Tankers hit as shipping stalls
Tankers are struck off Oman, and one crew member is killed aboard the MKD VYOM. About 150 freight ships, including oil tankers, wait outside the strait.
Sources: Reuters, Three tankers damaged in Gulf as US-Iran conflict escalates (March 1, 2026); Seatrade Maritime, Ships avoid the Strait of Hormuz, tanker hit off Oman (March 1, 2026)
· Israel
Netanyahu: Iran's program "immune within months"
On Fox News, Netanyahu says Iran "started building new sites, new places, underground bunkers that would make their ballistic missile program and their atomic bomb program immune within months." On the same program Witkoff says Iran's negotiators told him they held enough 60 percent uranium for 11 bombs.
Sources: Jewish Insider, Netanyahu denies pushing Trump into action against Iran (March 2, 2026); CBS News, Witkoff says Iran boasted its uranium could make 11 nuclear bombs (March 3, 2026); Times of Israel, PM: Iran's nuke program would have been "immune in months" (March 3, 2026)
· Gulf states, Houthis and the region
Hezbollah enters the war
Hezbollah fires rockets and drones at Israel, citing Khamenei's death and Israeli strikes since the 2024 truce. Israel answers with strikes on southern Lebanon and Beirut.
Sources: AP, A timeline of the Iran war and talks aimed at ending it (July 12, 2026); Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026
· United States
Kuwaiti jet downs three US F-15Es
A Kuwaiti F/A-18 mistakenly shoots down three US F-15E fighters, according to initial reports cited by The Wall Street Journal.
Sources: Wall Street Journal, Kuwaiti jet fighter mistakenly downed U.S. F-15s (March 4, 2026); Wikipedia, 2026 Iran war
· Shipping and oil (Strait of Hormuz)
Qatar halts LNG output at Ras Laffan
Qatar's defense ministry says Iranian drones struck Ras Laffan and Mesaieed. Qatar shuts down gas production, and fuel prices rise.
Sources: Bloomberg, Qatar's hard-won reputation as safest gas supplier lost in days (March 4, 2026); Wikipedia, 2026 Iran war
· United States
US submarine sinks the frigate IRIS Dena
USS Charlotte torpedoes the Iranian frigate about 40 nautical miles south of Galle, Sri Lanka, as it returns from a naval review in India. Sri Lanka rescued 32 sailors; 104 Iranians were killed.
Sources: The War Zone, U.S. Navy submarine torpedoes Iranian frigate in Indian Ocean (March 4, 2026); The Hindu, Sri Lanka rescues 32 sailors from sunk Iranian warship (March 4, 2026); Wikipedia, 2026 Iran war
· United States
Dignified transfer at Dover
Trump attends the return of the six soldiers killed in Kuwait at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware.
Sources: The White House, The Dignified Transfer of Remains of Six U.S. Soldiers (photo record); Wikipedia, 2026 Iran war
· Iran
Mojtaba Khamenei named supreme leader
Iran names Khamenei's son Mojtaba as supreme leader. The CRS reports he was said to be badly injured in the opening strikes and, as of September, had not appeared in public or in any recording.
Sources: AP, A timeline of the Iran war and talks aimed at ending it (July 12, 2026); Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026
· Israel
Israel strikes Tehran fuel depots
Israeli airstrikes hit oil storage sites around Tehran, the first strikes on Iran's oil facilities, killing four people. Smoke covers the city.
Sources: Al Jazeera, Iran oil facilities hit for first time (March 9, 2026); Wikipedia, 2026 Iran war
· United States
US strikes military sites on Kharg Island
CENTCOM says it struck more than 90 military targets on Kharg Island, the terminal for about 90 percent of Iran's oil exports. Trump says oil infrastructure was spared.
Sources: Reuters, US strikes more than 90 Iranian military targets on Kharg Island, CENTCOM says (March 14, 2026); Wikipedia, 2026 Iran war
· United States
Graham: weapons grade is "weeks not months" away
Praising the strikes, Senator Lindsey Graham writes on X: "The enrichment time to go from 60 to 90% - which is weapons grade - is weeks not months."
Sources: Iran International, Graham praises Trump strikes on Iran (March 14, 2026)
· Diplomacy and ceasefires
Allies decline to help reopen the strait
European NATO members and China reject Trump's call for military help in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump calls it a "very foolish mistake" and says the US does not need anyone's help.
Sources: NBC News, 'Not our war': U.S. allies balk at Trump's Strait of Hormuz demands (March 16, 2026); Reuters, Trump says NATO's refusal to help on Iran is 'very foolish mistake' (March 17, 2026)
· Israel
Israel kills Ali Larijani
An Israeli strike kills Larijani and Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani; Iranian state media confirm both deaths. Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr replaces Larijani.
Sources: Al Jazeera, Iran confirms security chief Larijani, Basij commander Soleimani killed (March 17, 2026); Britannica, 2026 Iran war
· Israel
Israel begins a ground invasion of Lebanon
Israeli troops cross into southern Lebanon. On March 24 Defense Minister Israel Katz says the army will hold the south up to the Litani River.
Sources: Britannica, 2026 Iran war; Wikipedia, 2026 Iran war
· Shipping and oil (Strait of Hormuz)
South Pars and Ras Laffan hit
Israel strikes Iran's South Pars gas field and nearby refineries. Iran retaliates against Qatar's Ras Laffan, the world's largest LNG facility; Trump says he did not know of the South Pars strike.
Sources: The Guardian, Trump threatens to 'blow up' all of Iran's South Pars gasfield if Tehran strikes Qatar (March 19, 2026); Wikipedia, 2026 Iran war
· United States
Gabbard: Iran made no effort to rebuild enrichment
Gabbard's written statement to the Senate Intelligence Committee says: "As a result of Operation Midnight Hammer, Iran's nuclear enrichment program was obliterated," and that Iran has made no effort since to rebuild it. She skips that passage when speaking. Asked why by Senator Mark Warner, she says time was running long.
Sources: TIME, Gabbard says Iran did not rebuild nuclear program after 2025 strikes (March 18, 2026); Al Jazeera, US intel chief Gabbard says Iran was not rebuilding enrichment prior to war (March 18, 2026)
· United States
US bunker-buster strike on Natanz
US aircraft strike the Natanz enrichment site with bunker-buster bombs. The IAEA urges restraint to avoid a nuclear accident.
Sources: The Telegraph, US strikes Iran's Natanz nuclear site with bunker-buster bombs (March 21, 2026); Wikipedia, 2026 Iran war
· Iran
Iranian missiles hit towns near Dimona
Iran says it targeted Israel's nuclear research center near Dimona. Missiles strike nearby towns; the BBC reported about 160 injured.
Sources: BBC, Missiles injure 160 in towns near Israeli nuclear site (March 21, 2026); Wikipedia, 2026 Iran war
· United States
Trump gives Iran 48 hours on the strait
Trump threatens to strike Iran's power plants unless it reopens the strait within 48 hours. On March 23 he postpones the strikes by five days, citing talks that Iran denies are taking place.
Sources: Britannica, 2026 Iran war; BBC, Trump says he's postponing power plant strikes after US-Iran talks (March 23, 2026)
· Iran
Strike on Prince Sultan Air Base
Iranian missiles and drones hit the base in Saudi Arabia, damaging US refueling aircraft and an E-3 Sentry. Reports of US troops wounded ranged from 12 to 15.
Sources: Free Malaysia Today (AFP), 12 US troops wounded in Iranian strike on Saudi base (March 28, 2026); Wikipedia, 2026 Iran war
· Gulf states, Houthis and the region
The Houthis join the war
Yemen's Houthis fire ballistic missiles at Israel for the first time in the war; Israel reports interceptions and no casualties.
Sources: PBS NewsHour, Yemen's Houthis claim first missile attack on Israel since war began (March 28, 2026); Britannica, 2026 Iran war
· United States
Trump threatens power plants and Kharg Island
Trump says that without a deal and a reopened strait the US will strike all of Iran's power plants, oil wells and Kharg Island, and possibly its desalination plants.
Sources: DW, Trump again threatens to 'obliterate' Iranian power plants, oil wells and Kharg Island (March 30, 2026); Britannica, 2026 Iran war
· United States
B-52s fly over Iran
The US begins flying B-52 bombers over Iranian territory, which The New York Times described as a sign of confidence in US air supremacy.
Sources: New York Times, Confident of air supremacy, U.S. sends B-52 bombers over Iran (March 31, 2026); Wikipedia, 2026 Iran war
· Shipping and oil (Strait of Hormuz)
Brent crude reaches $118
Brent crude futures close March at $118.35 a barrel, up from $72.48 the day before the war, according to the CRS.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; Britannica, 2026 Iran war
· United States
Trump addresses the nation
Trump says strikes have "dramatically curtailed" Iran's missiles and drones and that attacks will escalate over the next two to three weeks.
Sources: New York Times, 5 takeaways from Trump's speech on Iran (April 2, 2026); Wikipedia, 2026 Iran war
· United States
US strikes bring down the Tehran-Karaj B1 bridge
Two US strikes collapse the bridge; reports said eight people were killed and 95 wounded. Families had gathered in parks below for the Sizdah Be-dar holiday.
Sources: Al-Monitor, Trump announces destruction of Iran's tallest bridge (April 2, 2026); Wikipedia, 2026 Iran war
· United States
F-15E shot down; crew rescued
Iranian forces shoot down a US F-15E over Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad. The pilot is rescued the same day and the weapons officer two days later in a special forces operation in which a US A-10 was also downed.
Sources: Reuters, US special forces mission rescues airman from Iran (April 5, 2026); BBC, How rescue of US airman in remote part of Iran unfolded (April 7, 2026)
· United States
"A whole civilization will die tonight"
Ahead of his deadline, Trump posts on Truth Social that "a whole civilization will die tonight." The White House denies considering nuclear weapons.
Sources: Politico, Trump threatens 'whole civilization will die tonight' (April 7, 2026); Britannica, 2026 Iran war
· United States
US strikes Kharg Island again
US forces strike military targets on Kharg Island. Iran says its restraint toward regional oil infrastructure no longer applies.
Sources: Reuters, US strikes military targets on Iran's Kharg Island (April 7, 2026); Wikipedia, 2026 Iran war
· Israel
Strike destroys Tehran's Rafi'-Nia synagogue
The IDF says it targeted an Iranian commander and that the synagogue was hit as collateral damage.
Sources: Al Jazeera, Synagogue in Tehran 'completely destroyed' (April 7, 2026); Ynet, IDF confirms Tehran strike targeted Iranian commander (April 7, 2026)
· Iran
Iran's death toll at the ceasefire
The CRS reports 3,636 people killed in Iran as of April 7, including 1,701 civilians.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026
· Israel
Israel's civilian toll at the ceasefire
Twenty Israeli civilians had been killed in Iranian attacks by the April 7 ceasefire, according to the CRS.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026
· Diplomacy and ceasefires
Ceasefire, talks and a dual blockade
A two-week ceasefire, extended indefinitely, largely holds while the US blockades Iranian ports and Iran restricts the strait.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; Britannica, 2026 Iran war
· Diplomacy and ceasefires
US and Iran agree a two-week ceasefire
Trump announces a ceasefire brokered by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, on condition that Iran reopens the strait. No text is released, and the parties disagree on whether Lebanon is covered.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; The Guardian, Donald Trump says two-week US-Iran ceasefire agreed (April 7, 2026); BBC, What we know about the US and Iran's ceasefire deal (April 8, 2026)
· Israel
Israel's largest wave of strikes on Lebanon
Hours after the ceasefire, Israel launches "Operation Eternal Darkness" against Hezbollah across Lebanon. Lebanon's government put the death toll at 357.
Sources: Ynet, IDF: We launched Operation 'Eternal Darkness' in Lebanon (April 8, 2026); Arab News, Lebanon says death toll from Israeli strikes on Wednesday rises to 357 (April 10, 2026); Britannica, 2026 Iran war
· Shipping and oil (Strait of Hormuz)
Iran halts strait traffic over Lebanon
Some ships transit after the ceasefire, but Iran halts traffic again in response to the Israeli attacks in Lebanon.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; Wikipedia, 2026 Iran war
· Diplomacy and ceasefires
Islamabad talks end without a deal
Vice President JD Vance and parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf meet in Pakistan, the highest-level US-Iran talks since 1979. After about 21 hours Vance says Iran would not accept US terms.
Sources: Britannica, 2026 Iran war; AP, A timeline of the Iran war and talks aimed at ending it (July 12, 2026); Wikipedia, Islamabad Talks
· Shipping and oil (Strait of Hormuz)
US naval blockade of Iranian ports
The US Navy stops ships going to or from Iranian ports from 10 am Eastern time on April 13. CENTCOM says ships using non-Iranian ports can still transit the strait.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; Ynet, Trump says US to begin blockade on ships at Iranian ports at 10 a.m. ET (April 13, 2026); CBS News, Trump says U.S. will blockade Strait of Hormuz (April 12, 2026)
· Shipping and oil (Strait of Hormuz)
US forces stop the Iranian ship Touska
US forces intercept the Iranian-flagged cargo ship, which the Navy said tried to run the blockade. Iran calls it a ceasefire violation.
Sources: AP via The Hill, Trump says US seizes Iranian-flagged cargo ship (April 19, 2026); Wikipedia, Timeline of the 2026 Iran war
· Diplomacy and ceasefires
Israel and Lebanon talk in Washington
Israel and Lebanon hold their first direct diplomatic talks in decades, hosted by the United States.
Sources: AP, A timeline of the Iran war and talks aimed at ending it (July 12, 2026); Britannica, 2026 Iran war
· Gulf states, Houthis and the region
Ten-day Israel-Hezbollah truce
Trump announces a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah from April 17. It is later extended by three weeks, though both sides keep trading fire.
Sources: Britannica, 2026 Iran war; Wikipedia, 2026 Iran war
· Shipping and oil (Strait of Hormuz)
Iran reopens the strait, then closes it
Iran's foreign minister says vessels may pass during the Lebanon truce. A day later Iran reimposes restrictions, saying the US blockade violates the deal.
Sources: Reuters, Iran's foreign minister says passage of vessels via Hormuz Strait is open (April 17, 2026); Business Standard, Iran reimposes restrictions on Hormuz (April 18, 2026); AP, A timeline of the Iran war and talks aimed at ending it (July 12, 2026)
· Diplomacy and ceasefires
Trump extends the ceasefire indefinitely
At Pakistan's request, Trump extends the truce until Iran presents a proposal backed by its whole government. The blockade stays in place.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; Britannica, 2026 Iran war; AP, A timeline of the Iran war and talks aimed at ending it (July 12, 2026)
· Shipping and oil (Strait of Hormuz)
IRGC seizes two container ships
IRGC gunboats fire on three container ships in the strait and escort the MSC Francesca and Epaminondas to the Iranian coast, citing safety violations.
Sources: BBC, Iran says it has seized two ships in Strait of Hormuz (April 22, 2026); Wikipedia, Timeline of the 2026 Iran war
· Shipping and oil (Strait of Hormuz)
Project Freedom
Announced by Trump on May 3, the operation guides two US-flagged ships out through the strait amid clashes with Iranian boats. Trump pauses it after two days, citing progress toward a deal.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; Britannica, 2026 Iran war; Maritime Executive, Iran responds to U.S. shipping corridor with escalation and attacks (May 4, 2026)
· Iran
Iran creates a Persian Gulf Strait Authority
Iran announces an authority to set transit rules for the strait and collect tolls.
Sources: Britannica, 2026 Iran war
· United States
Energy secretary: Iran "a small number of weeks" away
Answering Senator Richard Blumenthal at a Senate Armed Services hearing, Energy Secretary Chris Wright says Iran is "weeks, a small number of weeks, away" from enriching its uranium to weapons grade. "There's still a weaponization process that happens after that, but they're quite close."
· Gulf states, Houthis and the region
Drone strike at the UAE's Barakah nuclear plant
A drone causes a fire at the edge of the Barakah plant. No injuries or radiation leaks are reported.
Sources: AP, Drone strikes UAE nuclear plant (May 17, 2026); Wikipedia, Timeline of the 2026 Iran war
· Israel
Israeli troops cross the Litani River
Israeli ground forces move north of the Litani for the first time since 2006. Accounts differ on the date: Britannica gives May 30, the Times of Israel reported a push north on May 26.
Sources: Britannica, 2026 Iran war; AP, A timeline of the Iran war and talks aimed at ending it (July 12, 2026)
· Iran
Iran and Israel trade fire again
After Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, Iran fires ballistic missiles at Israel, the first since the April ceasefire, and Israel strikes sites in Iran. The CRS describes it as the last direct exchange between the two as of September.
Sources: AP, A timeline of the Iran war and talks aimed at ending it (July 12, 2026); Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; Britannica, 2026 Iran war
· United States
US fires 49 Tomahawks at Iran
US forces strike multiple Iranian targets, firing 49 Tomahawk missiles, after Trump says talks are not moving fast enough.
Sources: Times of India, US unleashes 49 Tomahawk missiles in fresh 'self-defence' strikes (June 10, 2026); CNN, US military has launched strikes 'against multiple targets in Iran' (June 10, 2026)
· Shipping and oil (Strait of Hormuz)
Iran declares the strait closed indefinitely
Iran announces an indefinite closure and says it fired at US Fifth Fleet facilities and bases in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan.
Sources: Economic Times, Iran closes Strait of Hormuz (June 11, 2026); Wikipedia, Timeline of the 2026 Iran war
· Diplomacy and ceasefires
Memorandum of understanding announced
Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif announces that the US and Iran have finalized a memorandum. Minutes later Trump says he is lifting the naval blockade.
Sources: Britannica, 2026 Iran war; Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; AP, A timeline of the Iran war and talks aimed at ending it (July 12, 2026)
· Diplomacy and ceasefires
The Islamabad Memorandum
The memorandum ends the blockade and opens a 60-day window for a final deal, but the two sides read its Strait of Hormuz terms differently.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; Britannica, 2026 Iran war
· Diplomacy and ceasefires
Trump and Pezeshkian sign the memorandum
Trump signs at the Palace of Versailles after the G7 summit. The text declares an end to fighting on all fronts including Lebanon, lifts the US blockade, grants oil sanctions waivers and sets 60 days to negotiate a final deal. Iran reaffirms it will not develop nuclear weapons.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; Britannica, 2026 Iran war; AP, A timeline of the Iran war and talks aimed at ending it (July 12, 2026)
· Shipping and oil (Strait of Hormuz)
US lifts the blockade
CENTCOM ends the naval blockade. On June 21 the Treasury issues General License X authorizing Iranian oil transactions.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; Al Jazeera, US military says it has lifted naval blockade of Iranian ports (June 18, 2026)
· Gulf states, Houthis and the region
Renewed Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire
Trump announces a renewed ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, facilitated by the US, Qatar and Iran. Fighting in southern Lebanon resumes within a day.
Sources: WION, Israel and Hezbollah agree to ceasefire (June 19, 2026); Wikipedia, 2026 Iran war
· Diplomacy and ceasefires
Talks in Switzerland
US and Iranian negotiators meet at Bürgenstock, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar. Vance says the talks created a "good foundation for a successful final deal."
Sources: India Today, US, Iran agree on 60-day roadmap to reach final deal (June 22, 2026); AP, A timeline of the Iran war and talks aimed at ending it (July 12, 2026)
· Gulf states, Houthis and the region
Israel-Lebanon framework agreement
Israel and Lebanon announce a US-backed framework linking the withdrawal of Israeli forces to the verified disarmament of armed groups.
Sources: AP, A timeline of the Iran war and talks aimed at ending it (July 12, 2026); Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026
· United States
First US strikes after the memorandum
After Iran attacks tankers using a southern route near Omani waters, the US strikes Iranian missile and drone storage and coastal radars. On June 28 the two sides agree to halt strikes.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; Axios, U.S. and Iran agree to halt strikes (June 28, 2026)
· Shipping and oil (Strait of Hormuz)
Iran orders tankers onto its routes
Iran's joint military command warns that all tankers in the strait must use its approved routes or face a "forceful response."
Sources: AP, A timeline of the Iran war and talks aimed at ending it (July 12, 2026); Britannica, 2026 Iran war
· Iran
Funeral for Ali Khamenei
Iran begins a funeral lasting several days, with large crowds in Tehran. Mojtaba Khamenei does not appear.
Sources: AP, A timeline of the Iran war and talks aimed at ending it (July 12, 2026); Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026
· Shipping and oil (Strait of Hormuz)
Three ships hit in the strait
Missiles strike ships including the Qatari LNG tanker Al Rekayyat; Qatar blames Iran. The US revokes General License X and launches extensive strikes on Iran.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; AP, A timeline of the Iran war and talks aimed at ending it (July 12, 2026); Reuters, Qatar blames Iran for striking tanker in strait (July 7, 2026)
· United States
Trump declares the memorandum "over"
A day after the ship attacks and US strikes, Trump says the agreement is over but that negotiators may keep talking. Britannica dates his statement to July 7.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; AP, A timeline of the Iran war and talks aimed at ending it (July 12, 2026); The Guardian, US and Iran threaten return to war (July 8, 2026)
· United States
Renewed US-Iran fighting
About two and a half weeks of US strikes on Iran and Iranian attacks on US bases, Gulf states and shipping.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; Britannica, 2026 Iran war
· United States
CENTCOM strikes more than 80 targets
CENTCOM says it hit air defenses, coastal radars and dozens of IRGC small boats. The IRGC says it targeted 85 US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait.
Sources: Haaretz, U.S. launches retaliatory strikes against Iran, hitting more than 80 targets (July 8, 2026); Wikipedia, Timeline of the 2026 Iran war
· Shipping and oil (Strait of Hormuz)
IRGC declares the strait closed
After firing at a ship on an unapproved route, the IRGC Navy says the strait is closed until further notice. The US says it remains open.
Sources: AP, A timeline of the Iran war and talks aimed at ending it (July 12, 2026); Wikipedia, Timeline of the 2026 Iran war
· United States
US says it hit about 140 targets
The US military says it struck about 140 targets in Iran, including missile and drone sites, after an Iranian strike on a container ship left a crew member missing.
Sources: AP, A timeline of the Iran war and talks aimed at ending it (July 12, 2026); CNN, US forces say they hit about 140 Iranian military targets (July 12, 2026)
· Gulf states, Houthis and the region
Houthis resume attacks on Saudi Arabia
Yemeni government and Saudi strikes hit Sanaa airport, reportedly to stop a flight from Iran. The Houthis fire missiles at Saudi Arabia, ending the calm that had held since the 2022 truce.
Sources: Al Jazeera, Yemen gov't attacks Sanaa airport, Houthis fire missiles (July 13, 2026); Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026
· Shipping and oil (Strait of Hormuz)
US reinstates the blockade
The US Navy reimposes its blockade of ships using Iranian ports, which had been lifted on June 18.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; Britannica, 2026 Iran war; CNBC, U.S. strikes Iranian missile sites and reinstates port blockade (July 14, 2026)
· United States
Iranian strike kills US troops in Jordan
The CRS says an Iranian strike on July 17 killed three US troops at a base in Jordan. Two deaths were reported on July 18; a third soldier was identified on July 21.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; The Guardian, US military identifies third soldier killed in Iranian attack on Jordan base (July 21, 2026); The Hill, US military strikes Iran after soldiers killed in Jordan (July 18, 2026)
· Iran
Iran suspends its memorandum commitments
Iranian officials say they are suspending Iran's obligations under the June memorandum.
Sources: Britannica, 2026 Iran war
· Diplomacy and ceasefires
US pauses strikes
Iran reports no US strikes overnight after 13 consecutive nights. UN Ambassador Mike Waltz says the pause gives diplomacy room; an Iranian official says Iran will hold fire if the US does.
Sources: NBC News, Iran reports no U.S. strikes overnight (July 25, 2026); Wikipedia, Timeline of the 2026 Iran war
· Gulf states, Houthis and the region
US and Saudi strikes in Iraq
US and Saudi forces strike Iran-backed militias and Popular Mobilization Forces sites in Iraq after attempted attacks on Saudi oil facilities; 20 fighters are reported killed.
Sources: The Defense Post, US-Saudi strikes in Iraq kill 20 (July 29, 2026); Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026
· United States
August: a lull and a sanctions campaign
Large-scale fighting largely stops while the US turns to secondary sanctions and Iran negotiates with Oman over the strait.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; Britannica, 2026 Iran war
· United States
Trump calls off a planned attack
Trump says he cancelled a large planned attack because the "perimeters of a deal" had been agreed. Iran's armed forces call the claim a lie. The CRS dates it to August 1; other reports to August 2.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; Times of Israel, 'Israel was supposed to be part of Iran strike' (August 2, 2026)
· Iran
Iran sets conditions for reopening the strait
Iran's Supreme National Security Council demands an end to US threats and to wars against its allies, lifting of the blockade and all sanctions, withdrawal of US troops, compensation and release of frozen assets.
Sources: Times of Israel, Iran's Supreme National Security Council issues new demands (August 8, 2026); Wikipedia, Timeline of the 2026 Iran war
· Diplomacy and ceasefires
Memorandum's 60-day window expires
The deadline for a final deal passes. Iran says it has reached an agreement with Oman on the strait and rules out extending the memorandum; Trump threatens Oman.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; Times of Israel, As 60-day MOU deadline expires, Iran says it has reached deal with Oman (August 17, 2026); CNBC, Brent oil rises above $90 as Iran rules out interim deal extension (August 17, 2026)
· Gulf states, Houthis and the region
UAE halts trade with Iran
After saying Iran fired two missiles toward it, the UAE suspends all trade and financial transactions with Iran. Iran denies firing and calls it a false flag.
Sources: Al Jazeera, UAE trade embargo could shut Iran's key economic escape route (August 19, 2026); Wikipedia, Timeline of the 2026 Iran war
· United States
Trump declares "Economic D-Day"
Trump announces that any country trading with Iran will be sanctioned. The CRS dates the announcement to August 19; the Times of Israel reported it on August 20.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; Times of Israel, Declaring 'economic d-day,' Trump says any country trading with Iran will be sanctioned (August 20, 2026)
· United States
Treasury launches Operation Economic Outcast
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announces a global sanctions campaign to "sever every economic lifeline" of the Iranian government, with deadlines for other countries to stop trading.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; CNBC, Trump admin unveils anti-Iran global sanctions plan (August 24, 2026)
· Shipping and oil (Strait of Hormuz)
US says the shipping lanes are cleared of mines
US officials say underwater drones found more than 100 suspected mines in the strait's traffic separation scheme, which contractors removed or detonated.
Sources: Axios, Trump: Mines fully removed from Strait of Hormuz (August 25, 2026); Britannica, 2026 Iran war
· United States
September: strikes resume
US strikes on IRGC targets and Iranian tankers, Iranian attacks on shipping and US bases, and a new round of indirect talks.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; Wikipedia, September 2026 United States strikes on Iran
· United States
US strikes launchers on Larak Island
US forces hit two IRGC launchers they said were being readied to fire sea mines into the strait. Iran retaliates against bases in Jordan and US assets in the UAE.
Sources: Britannica, 2026 Iran war; Al Jazeera, Iran attacks Jordan, UAE after US bombs Larak Island (August 31, 2026)
· Iran
Iran says a US strike hit a wedding in Kuhestak
Iranian officials say a US strike killed people at a wedding and call it a war crime; reported tolls ranged from four to five dead. The US denies targeting civilians.
Sources: BBC, Iran says US strike killed four at wedding in 'war crime' as US denies targeting civilians (September 2, 2026); Wikipedia, September 2026 United States strikes on Iran
· United States
US resumes strikes on IRGC targets
CENTCOM says strikes began around noon Eastern time after attempted IRGC attacks on shipping and US forces. The US says it is also targeting National Iranian Oil Company tankers.
Sources: Wikipedia, September 2026 United States strikes on Iran; Times of Israel, US military confirms fresh strikes in Iran (September 1, 2026); Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026
· Diplomacy and ceasefires
Vance: contact with Iran cut off
Vance says the US has cut contact with Iran as long as it fires on ships in the strait, and that the main goal remains that Iran never has a nuclear weapon.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; Wikipedia, Timeline of the 2026 Iran war
· Gulf states, Houthis and the region
Houthis take the Bab el-Mandeb coast
The Houthis launch an offensive on Yemen's southwestern coast and by September 11 hold the Bab el-Mandeb area, including Perim Island. They close the strait to Saudi-linked shipping.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026; Times of Israel (AFP), Over 120 killed as Houthis push toward key strait (September 4, 2026); RTL Today (AFP), Yemen's Houthis complete takeover of Bab al-Mandab area (September 11, 2026)
· Shipping and oil (Strait of Hormuz)
US destroys three IRGC-linked tankers
The US military says it destroyed three IRGC-connected oil tankers after Iranian fire on its warships. The IRGC says it struck a US carrier and destroyer; the US says both evaded the attack.
Sources: Times of Israel, US military says it destroyed three IRGC-linked oil tankers (September 5, 2026); Anadolu, Iran's Revolutionary Guards say missiles struck US aircraft carrier, destroyer (September 6, 2026)
· Gulf states, Houthis and the region
Lebanon's toll passes 4,300
Lebanon's health ministry says at least 4,362 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since March 2. The CRS reports more than 1 million people were displaced at the peak.
Sources: BBC, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanese village kill nine (September 7, 2026); Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026
· Shipping and oil (Strait of Hormuz)
US destroys five Iranian tankers
The US says it destroyed five Iranian tankers, sinking one, after missiles were fired at a Navy warship. Jordan says it intercepted 18 of 20 Iranian missiles; aircraft at a base in Jordan were damaged.
Sources: Times of Israel, US says it destroyed 5 Iranian oil tankers (September 9, 2026); CBS News, Multiple U.S. military aircraft damaged in Iranian strikes on base in Jordan (September 10, 2026)
· Shipping and oil (Strait of Hormuz)
Saudi Arabia shuts its East-West pipeline
Saudi Arabia temporarily closes the pipeline, its main export route that avoids Hormuz, after drone attacks from Iraq. Brent had reached $107.63 on September 10, according to the CRS.
Sources: Times of Israel, Saudi Arabia says it temporarily shuttered vital oil pipeline (September 11, 2026); Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026
· United States
US toll: 18 killed, 824 wounded
The Congressional Research Service reports 18 US military personnel killed and 824 wounded as of September 15.
Sources: Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026
· United States
CBO puts the cost at $38 billion
The Congressional Budget Office estimates US military operations cost $38 billion from February 28 to August 1.
Sources: Euronews, Iran war has cost the US more than $38 billion so far, says CBO (September 16, 2026); Congressional Research Service, U.S. Conflict with Iran (R48887), September 18, 2026
· United States
Trump faces a "big decision"
Trump tells Axios he must decide whether to resume large-scale attacks or pursue a deal, and plans to consult Gulf leaders at the UN General Assembly.
Sources: Axios, Trump tells Axios he's approaching major crossroads in Iran war (September 17, 2026)
· Iran
Government rally in Iran
Hundreds of thousands attend a government-organized rally, the largest since the war began, the AP reported.
· Diplomacy and ceasefires
Shuttle talks in New York
On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Qatar, Pakistan and Egypt carry messages between Araghchi and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Earlier, Trump calls for the "complete economic isolation" of Iran.
Sources: The National, Iran presents US with road map for regionwide ceasefire and Hormuz reopening (September 23, 2026); Reuters, Iran, US still far apart in peace talks, Iranian official says (September 23, 2026)
· United States
At the UN, Trump says the program was "obliterated"
Addressing the UN General Assembly, Trump says Operation Midnight Hammer "obliterated their nuclear program beneath mountains of rubble." Moments later he says Iran's goal "was to complete their mad dash to a nuclear bomb from behind this conventional ballistic missile shield."
Sources: Roll Call Factba.se, Trump speech to the 81st UN General Assembly (September 22, 2026); NBC News, Trump addresses the UN General Assembly (September 22, 2026)
· Iran
Iran sets a deadline for its conditions
Supreme National Security Council secretary Mohsen Rezaei says the US has four to five days to accept seven Iranian conditions, including an end to the blockade and sanctions and release of frozen assets.
Sources: GlobalSecurity.org, Iran War 2026, Day 209 update (September 24, 2026); Wikipedia, Timeline of the 2026 Iran war
· Diplomacy and ceasefires
Iran presents a road map to end the war
Regional sources told The National that Iran proposed a regionwide ceasefire of up to 60 days, a phased reopening of Hormuz, an end to the US blockade, a halt to attacks on Arab neighbors and a timeline for talks. Trump spoke of "momentum" but ruled out lifting the blockade first.
Sources: The National, Iran presents US with road map for regionwide ceasefire and Hormuz reopening (September 23, 2026); Semafor, Iran presents US with roadmap to end the war (September 24, 2026); Gulf News, Iran presents 'roadmap' that includes 60-day regionwide ceasefire (September 24, 2026)
· Shipping and oil (Strait of Hormuz)
Sailor killed on the Cape Dao
An Indian crew member is killed in an attack on the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged cargo ship in the strait, Indian and Omani authorities said.
Sources: Times of Israel, Indian sailor killed in attack on vessel in Strait of Hormuz (September 23, 2026)