A scrolling war correspondent's dispatch — US–Israeli strikes on Iran, Iranian retaliation across the Gulf, the Lebanon front, maritime blockade, and escalation spanning 12 countries. Scroll the right panel — the map follows each event.
OperationEpic Fury
Started28 Feb 2026, 06:35 UTC
Nations Involved12+ by Day 4
Instruction↓ Scroll — map tracks events
Last Updated18 March 2026, 23:59 UTC— Day 19 of conflict · Coverage through end of 18 Mar 2026 · Wikipedia / verified news sources · War ongoing
US–Israeli Strikes
Iranian Retaliation
Hezbollah / Lebanon
Naval / Maritime
Diplomatic / Other
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Events will highlight on the map as you read
−1
27 February 2026
Pre-Strike Authorization
1 Event
Diplomatic / Authorization
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20:38 UTC
Trump orders Operation Epic Fury
President Donald Trump gives the order to proceed with the coordinated US–Israeli strike campaign against Iran. The operation would deploy B-2 stealth bombers, B-1 Lancers, B-52 Stratofortresses, warships launching Tomahawk missiles, and HIMARS launchers.
Presidential Order
Sources: AP News; Financial Times; Wall Street Journal
01
28 February 2026
The Opening Salvo — War Begins
~20 Events
US–Israeli Strikes on Iran
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06:35 UTC — Day 1
CENTCOM announces start of airstrikes — Operation Epic Fury begins
US warships launch Tomahawk missiles. HIMARS deployed. B-2 stealth bombers, B-1 Lancers, and B-52 Stratofortresses strike fortified ballistic missile facilities inside Iran. The US military states it used "partner forces" in the operation.
Air Campaign — Day 1
Sources: USNI News; Iran International; Business Insider
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~06:45 UTC
Khamenei killed — Decapitation strikes take out Iran's entire command
The Israeli Air Force launches an unprecedented wave of decapitation strikes. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei (b. 19 April 1939) is killed at his residential compound. Also killed: Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh; IRGC Commander Mohammad Pakpour; Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi; SNSC Secretary Ali Shamkhani; Head of Military Office Mohammad Shirazi.
Decapitation StrikeLeadership Killed
Sources: Wall Street Journal; CNN; Times of Israel
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200 Israeli jets — largest combat sortie in Israeli history
~200 Israeli fighter jets take part in the largest combat sortie in Israel's history. Low-cost one-way attack drones (reverse-engineered Shahed-136, Task Force Scorpion Strike) used in combat for the first time. Newly developed Black Sparrow air-launched ballistic missiles debut, fired from F-15s.
Historic Sortie
Sources: Times of Israel; New York Times
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07:15 UTC
Girls' elementary school in Minab struck — 180 killed
A missile strikes the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' elementary school in Minab. Iranian media reports 180 killed. A sports hall in Lamerd also bombed during a girls' practice, killing at least 18 civilians. One of the deadliest single incidents of the war.
180 Killed — Civilians
Sources: Middle East Eye; The Guardian; Al Jazeera
Iranian Retaliation
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09:05–09:26 UTC
~170 ballistic missiles fired; US 5th Fleet HQ in Bahrain struck
Iran fires ~170 ballistic missiles at Israel and Gulf states. IRGC targets four US bases: Al Udeid (Qatar), Ali Al Salem (Kuwait), Al Dhafra (UAE), and US Navy 5th Fleet HQ in Bahrain. Bahrain's 5th Fleet service center takes a direct missile hit. Air-raid sirens; smoke seen in Manama.
Mass Missile Barrage5th Fleet Struck
Sources: Jewish Journal; CNN; AP News; WRAL-TV
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10:15 UTC
Iranian missile kills woman in Tel Aviv residential block; 27 injured
Iranian missiles confirmed in Israel. A strike on a residential area in Tel Aviv kills a woman in her 40s and injures 27 others. Strikes also reported in Haifa. Jordan shoots down two Iranian ballistic missiles and reports 54 debris incidents across the country.
Residential Strike1 Killed, 27 Injured
Sources: Times of Israel; Jordan Times
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Gulf-wide strikes hit Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia
Dubai residential areas near Burj Khalifa and Dubai Marina struck. Fairmont The Palm hotel catches fire. Debris damages Burj Al Arab. Kuwait International Airport hit. Qatar intercepts at least two waves of missiles. UAE: one Asian national killed by interceptor debris. Saudi Arabia intercepts attacks on Riyadh and Eastern Province.
Gulf-Wide CampaignCivilian Casualties
Sources: Euronews; BBC; NDTV; Sky News; NY Times; CNN
Diplomatic & Other
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02:30 AM EST
Trump declares purpose: regime change in Iran
Trump releases an 8-minute Truth Social video citing the Iran hostage crisis, proxy support, killings of protesters, and alleged nuclear weapons pursuit. Calls on IRGC to "lay down your weapons" or "face certain death." To Iranian people: "Take over your government. It will be yours to take."
Presidential Statement
Sources: CBS News; Times of Israel; New York Times
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Israel hacks Iranian prayer app with 5M users — urges military defection
Israel conducts coordinated cyberattacks on Iranian infrastructure and media. The BadeSaba Calendar prayer app (5M+ downloads) is hacked to broadcast push notifications in Persian: "Help has arrived" and "It's time for reckoning" — urging military personnel to defect. Described as the largest cyberattack in history by Israeli media.
Cyberattack
Sources: Reuters; Wall Street Journal; Jerusalem Post
CENTCOM declares it is instructed to "dismantle the Iranian regime's security apparatus." Tehran Revolutionary Court bombed and destroyed. Strikes near Azadi Stadium and Milad Tower. General Staff of Internal Security forces and Thar-Allah HQ levelled. Trump tells Fox News "48 leaders are gone in one shot."
Strategic Bombing — Day 2
Sources: Reuters; Iran International; BBC Persian; The Guardian
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F-4 and F-5 jets destroyed on runway; HQ-9B air defense system neutralized
IDF destroys Iranian F-4 and F-5 aircraft preparing for takeoff on a runway. The Chinese-made HQ-9B air defense system around Tehran is rendered inoperative. The Iranian Air Force's ability to respond is effectively eliminated.
An Iranian missile breaches Israeli defences and strikes a synagogue in Beit Shemesh, killing nine people, leaving 11 missing, and injuring 51 others. One of the most deadly direct strikes on Israeli civilians during the war.
Missile Strike9 Killed
Sources: AP News; Al Jazeera
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Iranian ballistic missile hits Jerusalem; Crowne Plaza Bahrain set ablaze
An Iranian ballistic missile hits an area of Jerusalem, causing property damage and wounding six people. Crowne Plaza Hotel in Manama hit by an Iranian drone — fire erupts. Kuwait: 1 killed, 32 injured. French naval base Camp de la Paix in Abu Dhabi struck.
Jerusalem Strike6 Injured
Sources: Al Jazeera; Times of Israel; BBC
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Maritime crisis — tankers struck, 150 ships stalled at Strait of Hormuz
Tanker Skylight targeted 5nm north of Khasab — 4 injuries. Marshall Islands-flagged MKD VYOM struck off Oman coast — 1 crew member killed. With escalating risk to shipping, 150 freight ships including oil tankers stall at the Strait of Hormuz. The global oil supply chain begins to seize.
Strait of Hormuz1 Killed
Sources: Reuters; SeatradeMaritime; Ship Management International
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~00:20 UTC
RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus struck — NATO airfield hit by drone
Drone strike on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. 5 drones intercepted; 1 hits the airfield causing minor damage. Air-raid sirens across Akrotiri and Dhekelia. The drones were launched before the UK formally authorized US use of the bases for Iran operations. Hezbollah later linked to the strike.
NATO Base Struck
Sources: BBC; The Guardian; Cyprus Mail
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Iran forms temporary leadership council; Larijani rules out negotiations
Ali Larijani announces a provisional leadership council after Khamenei's death. Warns separatists of severe consequences. Despite Trump indicating a 4-week timetable and acceptance of Iranian talks, Larijani subsequently rules out all negotiations with the US. E3 nations signal potential military defensive involvement.
Succession & Politics
Sources: Reuters; The Atlantic; Iran International
03
2 March 2026
Hezbollah Declares War — Lebanon Front Opens
~22 Events
US–Israeli Strikes on Iran
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Natanz nuclear facility damaged; Red Crescent: 555 killed
Satellite images by Vantor confirm damage to Natanz Nuclear Facility entrance buildings. IAEA confirms damage but says no radiological consequences are expected. Iranian Red Crescent raises war death toll to 555. Two hospitals (Khatam-al-Anbia and Gandhi) in Tehran hit by strikes, verified by BBC Verify.
Nuclear Site Damaged555 Killed (Total)
Sources: Reuters; Times of Israel; IAEA; BBC Persian
Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting headquarters in Evin, Tehran bombed and goes off air. USAF destroys multiple F-14 Tomcats at airbases across Iran. IDF strikes 10 Ministry of Intelligence targets and 1 Quds Force site in Tehran overnight. Israeli special forces and Mossad carry out a reported ground operation inside Iran.
Media & Intel Targets
Sources: Jerusalem Post; NDTV; Al Arabiya
Iranian Retaliation
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US Embassy in Kuwait struck and closed; Baghdad Victory Base hit
Iranian strike hits the US Embassy in Kuwait — subsequently closed indefinitely. Two drones target the US Victory Base near Baghdad International Airport — one reportedly strikes the base. "Guardians of the Blood Brigade" claims responsibility citing Khamenei's killing. Explosions reported in Erbil, Kurdistan Region.
Embassy Strike
Sources: CNN; Al Jazeera
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UAE intercepts 148 drones, 9 ballistic missiles, 6 cruise missiles in a single day; 6 US KIA
UAE claims record interceptions — 148 drones, 9 ballistic missiles, 6 cruise missiles. Mina Salman port in Bahrain struck — fire erupts. Qatar halts all LNG production and declares Force Majeure after Iranian drone attacks. CENTCOM confirms 6 US service members have been killed so far.
Mass Barrage6 US KIA
Sources: Iran International; Reuters; CBS News
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~02:30 UTC
Amazon Web Services UAE data center struck — complete power outage and connectivity loss
Objects strike an AWS data center in the UAE, causing sparks, fire, and a complete power cut. Local fire crews respond; a temporary connectivity outage affects the entire availability zone. One of the first direct attacks on global cloud infrastructure in history.
Critical Infrastructure
Source: Reuters
Lebanon Theater — Hezbollah Enters the War
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Hezbollah officially declares war on Israel — Lebanon front opens
Rockets launched from Lebanon set off sirens across Haifa and Upper Galilee. Hezbollah confirms responsibility, saying it attacked an IDF base in Haifa in response to Khamenei's killing. IDF calls it "an official declaration of war by Hezbollah" and vows to "neutralize" the threat.
Declaration of War
Sources: Times of Israel; Al Jazeera; BBC
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IDF strikes 70+ targets in Beirut; Hezbollah intelligence chief killed; Qatar shoots down 2 Iranian bombers
IDF strategic bombing of Beirut's Dahieh and southern Lebanon. Over 70 targets hit. Hezbollah intelligence HQ chief Hussein Makled killed. PIJ commander Abu Hamza Rami killed in Beirut. Qatar shoots down two Iranian Su-24 bombers — the first manned Iranian aircraft destroyed in combat during this war.
Israeli StrikesHezbollah Leadership Killed
Sources: Ynet; BBC; Jerusalem Post; CNN
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Mojtaba Khamenei elected new Supreme Leader; Iran at 84+ hours without internet
Iran International reports Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Supreme Leader, is elected as the new Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts. Iran has been without internet for 84+ hours. Regime bans food exports. IRGC sets up checkpoints in cities nationwide. Khamenei's wife Mansoureh dies from injuries sustained in the 28 February strike.
Supreme Leader Succession84+ hrs Internet Blackout
CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper confirms the US has "destroyed 17 Iranian ships, including the most operational Iranian submarine that now has a hole in its side." Iranian Red Crescent raises the war's death toll to 787. The war has now spread to nine countries. US missile corvette IRIS Shahid Soleimani also sunk.
Naval Campaign787 Killed (Iran)
Sources: CENTCOM; Multiple
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IDF destroys covert nuclear weapons site in Tehran; 300 missile launchers destroyed
IDF says it destroyed a covert nuclear weapons development facility in Tehran identified as "Min Zadai" and has destroyed 300 Iranian missile launchers since the war began. Supreme National Security Council HQ and Expediency Discernment Council building also levelled. Golestan Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site) damaged by strike debris.
Covert Nuclear SiteHeritage Site Damaged
Sources: Jerusalem Post; Euronews; NDTV
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Bushehr Airport struck — Iran Air A319 destroyed; Rosatom evacuates staff near nuclear plant
Precision strike on Bushehr Airport totally destroys Iran Air Airbus A319 (EP-IEP) on the tarmac. Significant terminal damage. Strike is ~12km from the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant — prompting Russia's Rosatom to suspend construction and evacuate non-essential staff due to loss of communication with Iranian officials.
Airport StrikeNear Nuclear Plant
Sources: View from the Wing; The Sunday Guardian
Iranian Retaliation
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US Embassy in Riyadh struck; CIA HQ in Riyadh hit; US Consulate Dubai in flames
Two Iranian drones strike the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia, causing fire — Embassy closed indefinitely. CIA HQ in Riyadh subsequently struck by drone. Saudi Arabia downs nine drones overnight. US Consulate in Al Seef, Dubai struck by multiple drones — fire erupts in Bur Dubai.
Embassy + CIA Struck
Sources: PBS News/AP; NBC News; Times Now
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Al Udeid — largest US base in Middle East — hit by ballistic missile; Qatar halts all LNG production
Al Udeid Air Base struck by ballistic missile — no casualties. Qatar halts all LNG production and declares Force Majeure following Iranian drone attacks on LNG infrastructure. Estimated two weeks to restart, two more to reach full capacity. Amazon Web Services infrastructure attacked again across Gulf states.
Major Base StrikeLNG Production Halted
Sources: ABC News; Reuters
Lebanon — Ground Invasion Begins
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Israel launches ground invasion of Lebanon — first land clashes of the war
Israel's Defense Minister authorizes a ground invasion of Lebanon to seize strategic positions. First land-based clashes occur — Israeli infantry, armored, and engineering units push into southern Lebanon. Hezbollah claims tank hit in Houla. Israel detains a dozen Hezbollah members. IDF says 2 soldiers moderately injured in southern Lebanon.
Ground Invasion — Day 4
Sources: LBC; France 24; Al Jazeera; Times of Israel
05
4 March 2026
F-35 Kills Manned Jet — US Sub Sinks Warship off Sri Lanka
~18 Events
US–Israeli Strikes — Historic Firsts
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HISTORIC: IDF F-35I shoots down Iranian Yak-130 — world's first stealth fighter dogfight kill
An IDF F-35I "Adir" shoots down a Russian-made Iranian Yak-130 fighter jet over Tehran. This is the first time in history a stealth fighter has shot down a manned aircraft in air-to-air combat. It is also the first time the Israeli Air Force has shot down a manned aircraft since 1985. A landmark moment in the history of aerial warfare.
Historic First — Air Combat
Sources: Jerusalem Post; The Independent; Wall Street Journal
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100 jets drop 250 bombs on Tehran military complex; nearly 2,000 total targets destroyed
IDF completes large-scale airstrike on a major military complex east of Tehran housing all branches of Iran's security apparatus. 250 bombs dropped by 100 jets under precise military intelligence guidance. CENTCOM claims 19 ships, 1 submarine, and nearly 2,000 targets destroyed since the war began.
Mass Airstrike
Sources: Times of Israel; Al Jazeera; CENTCOM
Naval / Maritime
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US submarine sinks IRIS Dena off Sri Lanka — 87 crew killed; war reaches Indian Ocean
A US submarine sinks Iranian frigate IRIS Dena off the coast of Galle, Sri Lanka, killing 87 of 119 crew members. The frigate was returning from the International Fleet Review 2026 in Visakhapatnam, India. 32 survivors rescued by the Sri Lanka Navy. SecDef Hegseth confirms the attack. The war's theater expands dramatically to the Indian Ocean.
Warship Sunk — 87 Killed
Sources: Reuters; Washington Post; The Guardian
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13:15 UTC
Second Iranian warship sunk at Bandar Abbas; IRGCN blows up 10 commercial vessels in Hormuz
US-Israeli airstrike sinks a Soleimani-class corvette in the port of Bandar Abbas — two Iranian warships sunk in a single day. IRGCN states they detonated 10 commercial vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz. One additional vessel hit near Port Muscat. Port of Fujairah struck by ballistic missile.
Two Warships — One DayStrait Blockade
Sources: CENTCOM; Iranian state media
Iranian Retaliation
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11:45 UTC
NATO SM-3 intercepts Iranian ballistic missile over Turkey — first into NATO territory
NATO air defense systems intercept and destroy a ballistic missile fired from Iran over Dörtyol, Hatay Province. The SM-3 interceptor was launched from USS Oscar Austin. Turkey conveys protests to Iran. An anonymous Turkish official says the missile was directed toward "Greek Cyprus." Iran denies firing toward Turkey. First Iranian missile intercepted over NATO territory.
NATO Intercept
Sources: Al Jazeera; Times of Israel; France 24; NY Times
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Erbil hit by 100+ drones; Iraq power grid collapses; Kurdish PJAK offensive into Iran
Erbil's Governor reports the city has faced over 100 drones and missiles, threatening self-defense action if Baghdad fails to act. Iraq's Electricity Ministry confirms a total power blackout across all national provinces. Iraqi-based Kurdish PJAK troops begin a military offensive into Iranian territory — confirmed by American and Israeli officials but denied by PJAK.
100+ Drones/MissilesIraq Total Blackout
Sources: i24 News; Jerusalem Post; Iraq live map
06
5 March 2026
Iran Attacks Azerbaijan — Europe Deploys to Cyprus
~12 Events
Iranian Retaliation — New Fronts
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Iranian drones strike Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan — first attack on Azerbaijan; airport terminal hit
Two Iranian drones strike the Nakhchivan exclave — the first Iranian attack on Azerbaijan in this conflict. One hits Nakhchivan International Airport terminal; another lands near a school in Şəkərabad village. Two civilians injured. Azerbaijan summons Iran's ambassador, withdraws its diplomats from Tehran, and promises a military response. President Aliyev: "Iran committed terror acts against Azerbaijan." Iran denies and blames Israel for a "false flag."
New Front — AzerbaijanAirport Struck
Sources: Reuters; Azernews; Wall Street Journal; Al Jazeera
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Azadi Stadium (12,000-seat) destroyed; Iran fires missiles at Israel and targets US oil tanker
Iran's largest indoor sports complex at Azadi Stadium in Tehran destroyed by US-Israeli strike. Two Basij student leaders killed in Israeli airstrikes. Iran launches another round of missiles at Israel — air-raid alerts in areas including Tel Aviv. Iran reportedly targets a US oil tanker in the Persian Gulf. Suspected Iranian debris sets fire in Petah Tikva, Israel.
Urban InfrastructureTanker Attacked
Sources: Iran International; Al Jazeera; The Guardian
Spain (Cristóbal Colón frigate), Italy, and the Netherlands confirm warship deployments to Cyprus. Greece has already deployed frigates and F-16s. Ireland signals willingness to protect Cyprus under EU mutual-defence clause. Trump accepts Ukrainian President Zelensky's offer of drone expertise to help Gulf partners shoot down Iranian drones.
Iran opens wider Gulf campaign — Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE all struck simultaneously
Iran launches a new, wider offensive: 3 missiles intercepted at Prince Sultan Air Base (Saudi Arabia); Kuwait struck by drones and missiles; 13 missiles intercepted in Qatar; Bahrain hotel and two residential buildings targeted; UAE attacked. CENTCOM commander confirms Iran has now attacked 12 different countries. Campaign may take 4–6 weeks, says White House.
12 Countries Attacked
Sources: Al Jazeera; Jerusalem Post; The Guardian; CENTCOM
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Halliburton and KBR compound in Basra ablaze; IRIS Bushehr warship interned in Sri Lanka
Iranian drone strikes hit Iraqi airports and oil facilities. A Basra compound housing foreign oil workers including Halliburton and KBR facilities is struck and catches fire. Sri Lanka Navy takes charge of Iranian warship IRIS Bushehr and its crew of 208 — the first warship interned in a neutral country since World War II.
Energy InfrastructureWarship Interned — Sri Lanka
Sources: Philenews; News First
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~01:00 UTC
Iranian espionage cell arrested in London; first UK evacuation flight arrives at Stansted
Four men (one Iranian national, three dual British-Iranian nationals) arrested in Barnet, Watford, and Harrow for surveilling Jewish individuals and locations on behalf of a foreign espionage service. Six more arrested in Harrow. First UK government-chartered evacuation flight arrives at London Stansted from Muscat, Oman.
CounterintelligenceEvacuation
Source: The Guardian
08
7 March 2026
UAE Declares "State of War" — Tehran Airport Struck
~8 Events
US–Israeli Strikes on Iran
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Mehrabad Airport struck — 16 Quds Force aircraft destroyed; 3rd aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush deployed
IDF strikes destroy 16 Quds Force aircraft at Mehrabad International Airport in early morning. US strikes a water desalination plant. Third US aircraft carrier group — USS George H.W. Bush — deployed to Middle East joining USS Gerald R. Ford already in the Red Sea. US now has three carrier groups in the theater.
Airport Strike3 Carriers in Theater
Sources: Times of Israel; BBC; USNI News
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UAE declares "state of war"; Iran announces it will stop striking neighbors; US approves $151M Israel arms sale
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan declares the country is in a "state of war" and warns enemies the UAE is not "an easy target." Iran announces it will stop striking neighbors from 7 March unless attacks originate from there. US approves a $151M arms sale to Israel. IRGC says Strait of Hormuz stays open but US/Israeli-linked ships will be targeted.
State of War Declaration$151M Arms Sale
Sources: Gulf News; Al Jazeera; The Guardian; Wall Street Journal
09
8 March 2026
Iran Strikes Oil Facilities for the First Time
~8 Events
US–Israeli Strikes on Iran
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Israel strikes Iran's oil facilities for the first time — 4 killed; IRGC aerospace HQ and 50 ammo bunkers hit
Israel strikes Iranian oil infrastructure for the first time since the war began, killing four people. Israeli airstrikes also hit IRGC aerospace headquarters and 50 ammunition storage shelters. US officials state Iran is using heavily populated areas to conduct military operations.
Oil Facilities — First Strike4 Killed
Sources: Al Jazeera; Iran International
Iranian Retaliation
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Kuwait City tower set ablaze by drone; two Kuwaiti officers killed; 7th US soldier dies; cluster bomb warhead used over Israel
Iranian drone engulfs a Kuwait City tower (PIFSS building) in flames. Two Kuwaiti interior ministry officers killed while performing duties. CENTCOM announces death of a 7th US service member. IRGC claims missiles hit "military targets" in Tel Aviv, Beersheba, and Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. An Iranian missile reportedly carries a cluster bomb warhead over Israel — raising international law concerns.
Multi-Front7 US KIA TotalCluster Munitions Used
Sources: The Independent; Reuters; Al Jazeera; Times of India
10
9 March 2026
War Continues — No End in Sight
~5 Events
Iranian Retaliation
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32 injured in Bahrain drone attack; UAE intercepts 12 missiles and 17 drones in a single day; war ongoing
Multiple explosions in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. Iranian drone attack near Manama injures at least 32 Bahraini citizens, four seriously. UAE intercepts 12 ballistic missiles and 17 drones. Saudi Arabia destroys four drones targeting the Shaybah oil field. Iran continues firing at Israel, with at least one missile reportedly carrying a cluster bomb warhead. The conflict shows no signs of ending.
Gulf Strikes — Day 1532 Injured in Bahrain
Sources: BBC; Iran International; Saudi state media; Times of India
11
10 March 2026
Iran Fires 300 Missiles at Israel — Cluster Munitions Confirmed
~8 Events
US–Israeli Strikes
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39% of total US-Israeli strikes concentrated on Tehran; Dezful Air Base hit; strikes across 8 Iranian provinces
HRANA reports that by Day 12, 39% of all US-Israeli strikes had been concentrated on Tehran. Heavy overnight airstrikes hit Dezful Air Base, 20 explosions near Shiraz, heavy explosions in southern Tehran, Khomein, and Hamedan. Extensive damage confirmed at Jask port in Hormozgan Province. Residents across Iran report increased security forces deployment.
Tehran Focus8 Provinces Struck
Sources: HRANA; Iran International; AP
Iranian Retaliation
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Iran has now fired 300+ missiles at Israel — nearly half carrying cluster submunitions banned by international treaty
By Day 15, Iran had fired a cumulative 300 missiles at Israel. Analysis by the Jewish Institute for National Security of America found a sharp reduction in missile rate after Day 1 — attributed to US-Israeli success destroying up to 75% of Iranian missile launchers. Critically, nearly half of the launched missiles carried cluster submunitions — explosive warheads that scatter bomblets over 10km radius — banned under the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which Iran has not signed. Two people were killed and two seriously wounded by cluster munitions in central Israel.
300 Missiles TotalCluster Munitions — Int'l Law Violation
Sources: JINSA Analysis; Jerusalem Post; Reuters
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Iranian drones ignite fuel tanks at Bahrain International Airport; coalition camps near Erbil and Baghdad hit
On the night of 10–11 March, Iranian drones struck Bahrain International Airport on Muharraq Island, setting fuel tanks ablaze. Simultaneously, Iranian drones hit coalition military camps near Erbil and Baghdad in Iraq, wounding several US soldiers. Two drones were shot down by British troops. The PMF's 18th Brigade HQ in Al-Qa'im is struck, killing 15 people; a separate strike near Kirkuk kills 5 more.
Bahrain Airport HitUS Soldiers Wounded
Sources: BBC; Reuters; Kurdistan 24; Al Jazeera
12
11 March 2026
Tanker Attack Kills Indian Crew; Militia Escalation in Iraq
~7 Events
Iranian / Militia Attacks
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Iranian explosive boats attack oil tanker near Basra — Indian crew member killed, 15 Indian nationals evacuated
Iranian explosive boats attack two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters near Basra: the Maltese-flagged Zefyros and the Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu (owned by a US company). The Safesea Vishnu catches fire. One Indian crew member is killed in the attack. The Indian embassy in Baghdad confirms the remaining 15 Indian crew members have been evacuated safely. The attack marks a significant escalation of Iran's war on maritime shipping.
Maritime Escalation1 Indian KilledUS-Owned Vessel Targeted
Sources: Reuters; Indian Embassy Baghdad; Wikipedia — List of attacks
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IRGC fires 10 ballistic missiles at Tel Aviv — 124 injured in Israel; US embassy in Baghdad attacked
The IRGC claims to have fired 10 ballistic missiles with multiple warheads at Tel Aviv. Israel reports 124 people injured. Separately, the US embassy in Baghdad is attacked. Iraqi Shi'a militias intensify attacks against US, Israeli, and allied targets. A drone is downed near Baghdad International Airport while another wave targets Erbil. US launches multiple strikes on PMF forces in Iraq throughout the day.
Tel Aviv Targeted124 Injured in Israel
Sources: Al Jazeera; Times of Israel; FDD's Long War Journal
Hezbollah vows "existential" fight as Israel strikes Beirut; Israel warns it will pursue Iran's next supreme leader
Hezbollah declares the conflict an "existential" fight and vows to continue firing missiles and drones at Israeli military sites. Israel greatly expands its airstrikes in Lebanon and resumes the bombing of Beirut — the 2026 Lebanon war now fully escalated. Israel publicly warns that it will pursue Mojtaba Khamenei, the newly elected supreme leader. Black smoke smothers Tehran after Israeli missiles strike oil depots.
Existential War DeclaredTehran Oil Depots Hit
Sources: Al Jazeera; Jerusalem Post; Times of Israel
Naval War
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US Military: 30+ Iranian ships sunk so far; Mojtaba Khamenei warns Strait of Hormuz stays closed
The US military reports sinking more than 30 Iranian ships since the war began. CENTCOM's Admiral Brad Cooper states the US "destroyed 17 Iranian ships including the most operational Iranian submarine, which now has a hole in its side." Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vows to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed, threatening catastrophic disruption to global oil supplies. Trump says going well as Gulf faces wave of attacks.
30+ Ships SunkStrait of Hormuz Closed
Sources: Reuters; CENTCOM; Al Jazeera; CNN
14
13 March 2026
US Refueling Plane Crashes in Iraq — 6 Dead; Marines Deploy
~7 Events
US Operations
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US KC-135 refueling aircraft crashes in Iraq — all 6 crew members killed; US Marines deployed to Middle East
A US KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft crashes in Iraq, killing all six crew members on board. The US military confirms the crash is under investigation. Separately, the Pentagon announces the deployment of US Marines to the Middle East as operations are ramped up. Trump says the war is "going well" in an interview, claiming 48 Iranian leaders have been killed in strikes on Iran.
6 Americans Killed — Plane CrashMarines Deployed
Sources: AP; CNN; Reuters; Fox News
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Trump: US bombed military sites on Qeshm Island — vital to Iran's oil network in the Strait of Hormuz
President Trump announces that US forces have bombed military sites on Qeshm Island — the largest island in the Persian Gulf and a critical node in Iran's oil export infrastructure and IRGC naval operations. The island sits directly in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes represent a significant escalation targeting Iran's energy production capacity. Oil markets spike on the news.
Qeshm Island — Strategic Oil TargetIRGC Naval Base Hit
Sources: AP; Reuters; Bloomberg
Iranian Retaliation
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Tehran urges Middle East nations to 'expel' US military; economic fallout grows as Hormuz stays shut
Iran's new leadership urges all Middle Eastern countries to expel US military forces from their soil, threatening to target any country continuing to host American bases. Two weeks into the conflict, the economic fallout is growing with little sign of relief. Oil prices remain elevated as the Strait of Hormuz closure disrupts global supply. Global shipping reroutes add weeks to delivery times. Flights to/from the Gulf remain severely disrupted.
Hormuz Closure — Economic ImpactGulf Nations Under Pressure
Sources: Al Jazeera; CNN; AP; Bloomberg
15
14–15 March 2026
Airstrikes Continue — Isfahan, Shiraz, Tehran Hit
~6 Events
US–Israeli Strikes — Day 15
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Heavy airstrikes: Isfahan, Shiraz (20 explosions), southern Tehran, Dezful Air Base, Khomein, Hamedan hit simultaneously
Early on 15 March, heavy airstrikes are reported in the Isfahan area along with 20 explosions near Shiraz, heavy explosions in southern Tehran, Dezful Air Base, Khomein, and Hamedan. Extensive damage confirmed from an airstrike at Jask port in Hormozgan Province. Residents throughout Iran report increased deployment of security forces. The strikes represent the widest geographic spread of any single night since the war began.
Widest Night Yet — 6 Cities SimultaneouslyDay 15 of Conflict
Sources: Wikipedia — 2026 Iran War; Iran International; Reuters
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War ongoing — 2,000+ dead across Iran, Lebanon & Israel; Mojtaba Khamenei vows to fight on; ceasefire talks yet to begin
As the war enters its 15th day, the death toll across Iran, Lebanon, and Israel exceeds 2,000. Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, elected on 8 March to replace his assassinated father, vows to continue the conflict. More than 500 ballistic missiles and 2,000 drones have been fired by Iran since Day 1. The US military deploys additional Marines. No ceasefire talks have been announced. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed — threatening 20% of global oil supply. The war shows no signs of ending.
2,000+ Dead — All SidesDay 15 · Ongoing
Sources: Britannica; AP; CNN; Al Jazeera; Wikipedia — 2026 Iran War
16
15 March 2026
Joint Strike on Isfahan Kills 15; Iran Threatens Netanyahu
~6 Events
US–Israeli Strikes
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Day 16 · 15 Mar 2026
Joint US-Israel strike on Isfahan kills 15; IRGC claims its "50th wave of operations" against American bases in UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait
A joint US-Israeli airstrike on Isfahan kills 15 people. The IRGC simultaneously announces its "50th wave of operations" against American bases across the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Simultaneous heavy strikes across 6 Iranian cities: Isfahan, Shiraz (20 explosions), southern Tehran, Dezful Air Base, Khomein, and Hamedan — the widest geographic spread of any single night in the conflict.
Sources: Al Jazeera; Iran International; Reuters; Wikipedia
Iranian Retaliation
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15 Mar 2026
Iran's military vows to "pursue and kill" Israeli PM Netanyahu; war crosses Day 15 with 2,000+ dead, no ceasefire talks
Iran's military issues an explicit threat to "pursue and kill" Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei reaffirms the Strait of Hormuz closure. More than 500 ballistic missiles and 2,000 drones have been fired by Iran since Day 1. The US deploys 2,500 Marines from Japan aboard USS Tripoli. No ceasefire talks have been announced as the conflict enters its third week.
Dubai Airport Drone Strike; IDF Destroys Iranian Space Facility
~7 Events
US–Israeli Strikes
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16 Mar 2026
IDF strikes aircraft used personally by late Khamenei at Mehrabad Airport; destroys Iranian space facility developing "attack satellites"
The IDF announces it destroyed an aircraft used by former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, parked at Tehran's Mehrabad International Airport. It also destroys a space research facility in Tehran that was used to develop "attack satellites." Five people are killed and seven injured in airstrikes in central Iran. Explosions and security force deployments reported across multiple Iranian cities.
Sources: Jerusalem Post; Times of Israel; Iran International
Iranian Retaliation
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16 Mar 2026
Drone sets fuel tank at Dubai International Airport on fire — second major strike on world's busiest airport; Port of Fujairah also hit; Palestinian killed near Abu Dhabi
A drone attack sets a fuel tank at Dubai International Airport ablaze in the early morning. Flights are initially suspended, with some routes resuming over the course of the morning. A separate drone attack causes a fire at the Port of Fujairah. A Palestinian worker is killed by a rocket near Abu Dhabi. Kata'ib Hezbollah announces the death of senior commander Abu Ali al-Askari, killed in Baghdad.
Dubai Airport — 2nd StrikeFujairah Port Hit1 Killed Near Abu Dhabi
Sources: NDTV; BBC; Iran International; Al Jazeera
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16 Mar 2026
Royal Tulip Al-Rasheed Hotel in Baghdad's Green Zone hit by drone while hosting EU–Saudi delegation; US embassy attacked 48 hours earlier
A drone strikes the first two floors of the Royal Tulip Al-Rasheed Hotel in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone while it is hosting a European Union and Saudi Arabian diplomatic delegation. The attack is not claimed but suspected to be Iranian given a similar attack on the US embassy nearby 48 hours earlier. Kata'ib Hezbollah commander Abu Ali al-Askari also confirmed killed in Baghdad.
Green Zone Hotel HitEU-Saudi Delegation TargetedKata'ib Commander Killed
Sources: Al Jazeera; Reuters; Kurdistan 24
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17 March 2026
Larijani Killed; 300 Basij Dead Overnight; Ramat Gan Missile Strike
~8 Events
US–Israeli Strikes
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17 Mar 2026
Ali Larijani and Basij chief Gholamreza Soleimani killed in Israeli airstrikes overnight; 300 Basij officials killed in same strikes
Overnight Israeli airstrikes kill several senior Iranian officials including Ali Larijani — one of Iran's most powerful political figures, former parliament speaker and head of the Expediency Council — and Basij chief Gholamreza Soleimani. 300 Basij field agents are killed in the same strikes. A powerful strike hits the Hesarak neighbourhood of Tehran. Israel targets Iran's command centers across the capital.
Sources: Al Jazeera; Iran International; Times of Israel
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17 Mar 2026
Strike hits area of Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant — Rosatom condemns; US Counterterrorism chief resigns, saying "Iran posed no imminent threat"
A strike hits the area of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, causing no confirmed damage to the reactor. Russia's Rosatom issues a formal condemnation. In Washington, US Director of the National Counterterrorism Center Joe Kent resigns over the war, stating that Iran did not pose an imminent threat to the US and that Trump was induced to take action by Israel and its lobby. Kent's resignation is the first senior US official departure tied to the war.
Nuclear Plant Area StruckRosatom CondemnsUS NCTC Chief Resigns
Sources: Reuters; New York Times; Iran International
Iranian Retaliation
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17 Mar 2026
Iranian ballistic missile kills elderly couple in Ramat Gan as they walk to bomb shelter; Tel Aviv–Savidor Centre railway station damaged; Kuwait gas tanker hit near Fujairah
An Iranian missile kills an elderly couple in Ramat Gan, Israel, as they were making their way to a bomb shelter — one of the highest-profile civilian deaths in Israel during the conflict. Iranian missiles also damage platforms at the Tel Aviv–Savidor Centre railway station. Off the UAE coast near Fujairah, a Kuwait-flagged liquefied petroleum gas tanker, Gas Al Ahmadiah, suffers minor damage from a projectile.
Elderly Couple Killed — Ramat GanTel Aviv Train Station DamagedGas Tanker Hit Near Fujairah
Sources: The Telegraph; Times of Israel; Ynet; Reuters
19
18 March 2026
Intelligence Minister Assassinated; South Pars Gas Field Struck; Caspian Sea Naval Strikes
~10 Events
US–Israeli Strikes
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18 Mar 2026
Esmaeil Khatib, Iran's Minister of Intelligence, assassinated overnight; Israel strikes command centers and a courthouse in Larestan; heavy strikes on Malard, Fardis, Ahvaz, Songhor
Overnight Israeli strikes assassinate Esmaeil Khatib, Iran's Minister of Intelligence — one of the most senior security officials killed in the conflict. Multiple explosions reported in the early morning: blasts near Bandar Abbas naval zones and port facilities (Shahid Bahonar and Shahid Rajaee ports, oil terminal), a strong explosion in Ahvaz (Zeytoun Karmandi), Songhor near the Iraqi border, Kazerun in southern Iran, and multiple blasts in Malard and Fardis west of Tehran. Israel also strikes an airstrike hits the courthouse in Larestan, southern Iran.
Intelligence Minister Killed8 Cities Struck SimultaneouslyBandar Abbas Naval Zones Hit
Sources: The Guardian; Iran International; Times of Israel
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18 Mar 2026
Israel strikes South Pars gas field — Iran's largest, supplying 75% of its gas — with US approval; Iran shuts several phases; Caspian Sea naval vessels struck for first time
Israeli airstrikes — coordinated with and approved by the US — strike phases of the South Pars/North Dome gas field, the world's largest natural gas field, which supplies approximately 75% of Iran's domestic gas. Iran shuts several production phases in response. In a historic expansion of the conflict, the Israeli Air Force strikes at least five Iranian naval vessels in the Caspian Sea for the first time, with explosions heard in Bandar-e Anzali. The strikes represent a major escalation in economic warfare.
South Pars — World's Largest Gas FieldCaspian Sea — First Naval StrikesUS ApprovedIran Shuts Gas Production
Sources: Axios; Iran International; Ynet
Iranian Retaliation
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18 Mar 2026
Iran hits Qatar's Ras Laffan Industrial City — "significant damage" to gas facilities; Qatar bans Iranian embassy military attachés; Ben Gurion Airport jets damaged by debris
Iranian missiles strike Qatar's Ras Laffan Industrial City — the world's largest LNG export terminal — causing fires and significant damage to gas facilities. Qatar responds by banning Iranian embassy military attachés from its territory. In Israel, fragments from an Iranian missile interception damage three private jets at Ben Gurion Airport. Iranian cluster missiles also kill three Palestinian women and injure 13 in Beit Awwa, West Bank, and kill a foreign worker in Adanim. The IMO holds an emergency session on the 20,000 seafarers stranded on 3,200 vessels west of the Strait of Hormuz.
Ras Laffan LNG Hit — World's Largest Terminal3 Palestinians Killed — West Bank Cluster MissilesIMO Emergency Session20,000 Seafarers Stranded
Sources: Al Jazeera; Axios; Times of Israel; Ynet; Iran International
Deaths — All Sides3,000+
US Service Members Killed10+
Iranian Warships Sunk30+
Countries Attacked12+
Iran Internet Blackout100+ hrs
Days in Timeline19
Last Updated18 March 2026, 23:59 UTC · Day 19 of conflict · War ongoing
SOURCE: Wikipedia — "Timeline of the 2026 Iran War" · All events cited to AP, Reuters, NYT, WSJ, BBC, Al Jazeera, Times of Israel, Iran International, CNN, The Guardian, CBS News, and others. · Informational adaptation of public Wikipedia content. · Coverage: 27 February – 18 March 2026.