IRAN confirms receiving US POINTS via MEDIATORS — ‘being REVIEWED’ — CBS exclusive — first confirmed contact   •   TRUMP: ‘MAJOR POINTS of agreement’ reached — Witkoff + KUSHNER talks continued late Sunday — Day 2 of pause   •   CENTCOM: 9,000 TARGETS struck — 9,000 COMBAT FLIGHTS — Iran’s military in ‘steady DECLINE’   •   CENTCOM chief: Iran targeting CIVILIANS out of ‘DESPERATION’ — military chiefs in ‘deep BUNKERS’   •   12+ IRANIAN MINES found in Strait of Hormuz — Maham 3 + Maham 7 LIMPET mines — US intelligence   •   UNIFIL HQ NAQOURA hit by projectile — 3 GHANAIAN peacekeepers WOUNDED — ‘non-state actor’ suspected   •   WEST BANK: 10 SETTLER ATTACKS per day since March — IDF diverts BATTALION from Lebanon to respond   •   5-DAY power plant PAUSE Day 2 — strikes on military targets CONTINUE — Iran still demands compensation   •   HORMUZ transit ‘COMPLETELY OFF THE CHARTS for rest of 2026’ — vessels also avoiding Bab al-Mandab + SUEZ   •   RIGHTS GROUP: 3,200+ DEAD in Iran — 214 CHILDREN — far higher than official 1,500 — 25 days of war   •   IRAN: ‘FULL AND POWERFUL CONTROL’ over Persian Gulf — doesn’t need MINES to assert dominance   •   IDF hit IRGC MAIN HQ + ‘unprecedented’ TEHRAN strikes — CENTCOM struck QOM turbine factory   •   LEBANON: 1,039 DEAD — 118 CHILDREN — Litani bridges destroyed — IDF diverts troops to WEST BANK   •   GAS $3.96 — 24th STRAIGHT DAY rising — highest since August 2022 — IEA: WORSE than 1970s shocks   •   IRGC hit PRINCE SULTAN base + 5th FLEET Bahrain — REZAEI: war until ‘full COMPENSATION’ paidIRAN confirms receiving US POINTS via MEDIATORS — ‘being REVIEWED’ — CBS exclusive — first confirmed contact   •   TRUMP: ‘MAJOR POINTS of agreement’ reached — Witkoff + KUSHNER talks continued late Sunday — Day 2 of pause   •   CENTCOM: 9,000 TARGETS struck — 9,000 COMBAT FLIGHTS — Iran’s military in ‘steady DECLINE’   •   CENTCOM chief: Iran targeting CIVILIANS out of ‘DESPERATION’ — military chiefs in ‘deep BUNKERS’   •   12+ IRANIAN MINES found in Strait of Hormuz — Maham 3 + Maham 7 LIMPET mines — US intelligence   •   UNIFIL HQ NAQOURA hit by projectile — 3 GHANAIAN peacekeepers WOUNDED — ‘non-state actor’ suspected   •   WEST BANK: 10 SETTLER ATTACKS per day since March — IDF diverts BATTALION from Lebanon to respond   •   5-DAY power plant PAUSE Day 2 — strikes on military targets CONTINUE — Iran still demands compensation   •   HORMUZ transit ‘COMPLETELY OFF THE CHARTS for rest of 2026’ — vessels also avoiding Bab al-Mandab + SUEZ   •   RIGHTS GROUP: 3,200+ DEAD in Iran — 214 CHILDREN — far higher than official 1,500 — 25 days of war   •   IRAN: ‘FULL AND POWERFUL CONTROL’ over Persian Gulf — doesn’t need MINES to assert dominance   •   IDF hit IRGC MAIN HQ + ‘unprecedented’ TEHRAN strikes — CENTCOM struck QOM turbine factory   •   LEBANON: 1,039 DEAD — 118 CHILDREN — Litani bridges destroyed — IDF diverts troops to WEST BANK   •   GAS $3.96 — 24th STRAIGHT DAY rising — highest since August 2022 — IEA: WORSE than 1970s shocks   •   IRGC hit PRINCE SULTAN base + 5th FLEET Bahrain — REZAEI: war until ‘full COMPENSATION’ paid
Home/Timeline

Full Crisis Timeline

LIVE

Every confirmed event from the Iran-US-Israel conflict, updated continuously.

X / TwitterWhatsAppTelegramFacebook

About This Timeline

This page tracks every confirmed event related to the Iran-US-Israel military confrontation that began on February 28, 2026. Events are listed in reverse chronological order and categorized by type: military actions, diplomatic developments, flight disruptions, and energy market impacts. Each entry is timestamped in UTC and sourced from verified reporting.

The crisis began with Operation Epic Fury, a coordinated US-Israeli strike campaign targeting Iranian military infrastructure and nuclear-related facilities. Iran responded within hours with retaliatory ballistic missile launches against US military installations across the Persian Gulf, as well as strikes on Israeli territory. The resulting escalation has drawn in multiple nations and disrupted global shipping, aviation, and energy markets.

Use the category-coded left border to quickly identify event types: red for military actions, blue for diplomacy, cyan for flight impacts, and gold for oil and energy developments. New events are added as they are confirmed by at least two independent sources.

Complete Timeline

02:00 UTC

Oman FM condemns undermining of negotiations

Oman Foreign Minister tweets dismay about negotiations being undermined by military action.

02:43 UTC

Operation Epic Fury begins — US-Israel joint strikes on Iran

200 Israeli fighter jets participate in initial wave. 500+ targets struck in largest IAF operation in history. Codename: Operation Lion’s Roar (Israel) / Epic Fury (US).

03:27 UTC

Trump announces major combat operations

President Trump announces 'major combat operations' against Iran via Truth Social.

04:11 UTC

Khamenei’s compound directly struck

Satellite imagery shows damage to Supreme Leader Khamenei’s compound. Iranian FM confirms Khamenei and President Pezeshkian both alive.

04:55 UTC

Girls’ school in Minab struck — 85+ students killed

Airstrike hits a girls’ school in Minab, southern Iran. Iran Red Crescent reports 85+ students killed. Becomes deadliest single incident of the strikes.

05:39 UTC

Israel declares state of emergency

Israel declares nationwide state of emergency, closes all airspace.

06:23 UTC

Iran Red Crescent: 201 killed, 747 injured across 24 provinces

Official casualty count from Iran Red Crescent. Casualties reported in 24 of 31 Iranian provinces.

07:06 UTC

Iran vows crushing response

Iran Supreme National Security Council announces 'crushing response' to US-Israel aggression.

07:50 UTC

Iran fires missiles at Israel

Iran launches ballistic missile salvo targeting Israeli military and civilian infrastructure. Israel reports 'light injuries'.

08:34 UTC

Dubai airports suspend all flights

Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) suspend all operations. UAE partial airspace closure.

09:18 UTC

Iran missiles hit 7 countries

Iran fires missiles at UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, and Israel targeting US military bases. IRGC strikes Al Udeid (Qatar), Al Salem (Kuwait), Al Dhafra (UAE), Fifth Fleet (Bahrain).

10:02 UTC

Palm Jumeirah hotel hit by missile debris

Debris strikes hotel on Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. 1 Pakistani national killed, 4 injured. Fire controlled by Dubai Civil Defence.

10:46 UTC

Burj Khalifa evacuated as precaution

World’s tallest building evacuated. Dubai Civil Defence deployed to multiple debris sites across Saadiyat Island, Khalifa City, Bani Yas, MBZ City, Al Falah.

11:29 UTC

Kuwait airport terminal damaged by drone

Iranian drone strikes Kuwait International Airport. Terminal damaged, workers injured. Airspace closed.

12:13 UTC

Oil majors suspend Hormuz shipments

Major oil companies suspend all tanker transits through the Strait of Hormuz.

12:57 UTC

IRGC declares all US assets legitimate targets

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issues statement declaring all US military and economic assets in the region legitimate targets.

13:41 UTC

Houthis declare readiness for ‘any necessary development’

Yemen’s Houthi movement declares readiness to join Iran in any escalation. Fires missiles at US ships in Red Sea.

14:25 UTC

Etihad suspends all flights until 14:00 UAE time March 1

Etihad Airways suspends all departures and arrivals until 14:00 UAE time on March 1.

15:09 UTC

France, Germany, UK: ‘We did not participate’

Joint statement from France, Germany, and UK distancing from the US-Israel strikes on Iran.

15:52 UTC

UN Security Council emergency session convened

Secretary-General Guterres condemns all sides, calls for cessation. Saudi Arabia condemns Iran’s attacks, offers all capabilities to Gulf states.

16:36 UTC

Zelenskyy supports strikes, calls Iran ‘accomplice of Putin’

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy backs US-Israel strikes against Iran, calling Tehran an accomplice of Russia.

17:20 UTC

Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi calls on military to ‘join the people’

Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi urges Iranian military to defect and stand with the people.

18:04 UTC

Tehran: supermarket rush, bread/water shortages

Tehran residents rush to supermarkets. Bread and water shortages reported. Long queues at gas stations. Schools and universities closed.

18:48 UTC

US heightens security nationwide

NYPD, LAPD, Chicago PD, Miami PD increase patrols. Heightened security at synagogues and government facilities nationwide.

19:32 UTC

Congress split: Kaine, Tlaib demand War Powers vote

Bipartisan split in Congress. Some support strikes, Senators Kaine and Rep. Tlaib demand immediate War Powers vote.

20:15 UTC

Israeli officials confirm Khamenei killed in compound strike

Israeli military and intelligence officials confirm that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the earlier strike on his compound. The strike penetrated his underground bunker facility.

20:59 UTC

US officials corroborate Khamenei death

Senior US officials independently confirm Khamenei's death, stating intelligence confirms the Supreme Leader did not survive the strike. This is the single biggest development of the conflict.

21:43 UTC

Trump: 'Most' of Iran's senior leadership killed — 40 regime figures

President Trump announces that 40 senior Iranian regime figures have been killed in Operation Epic Fury, stating 'most' of Iran's senior leadership has been eliminated.

22:27 UTC

Celebrations erupt across Tehran

Massive street celebrations break out across Tehran and other Iranian cities following news of Khamenei's death. Crowds cheer in squares and highways. Extraordinary public rejection of the regime.

23:11 UTC

Iran denies Khamenei's death — claims Supreme Leader alive

Iranian state media and government officials deny reports of Khamenei's death, claiming the Supreme Leader is alive and in a secure location. No new footage or proof of life provided.

23:55 UTC

IRGC issues warning amid leadership chaos

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issues emergency statement warning against 'sedition' and threatening harsh response to celebrations. Reports of IRGC units deploying to Tehran streets.

01:30 UTC

Day 2: Second wave of US-Israeli strikes begins

Massive second wave of airstrikes targets Iranian military infrastructure, air defense systems, and IRGC command centers. Pentagon says 500+ additional targets struck overnight.

04:15 UTC

Iranian state media confirms Khamenei's death

After hours of denial, Iranian state media officially confirms Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, was killed in the Feb 28 strikes on his compound in Tehran.

06:45 UTC

Hezbollah launches missiles and drones at Israel

Hezbollah confirms it launched missiles and a swarm of drones at an Israeli army base south of Haifa 'in revenge' for Khamenei's killing. Israel responds with strikes on senior Hezbollah targets in Beirut's Dahiyeh district.

09:20 UTC

Iran Red Crescent: 550+ killed across Iran

Iranian Red Crescent updates death toll to over 550 killed across Iran. Casualties reported in the majority of Iranian provinces. Hospitals overwhelmed in Tehran and Isfahan.

11:00 UTC

3rd US service member killed

CENTCOM confirms a third US service member has been killed in the operation. Multiple others seriously wounded. Trump says more American casualties are 'likely.'

14:30 UTC

UAE intercepted 689 drones, 174 ballistic missiles total

UAE defense ministry reveals staggering scale of Iranian attacks: 174 ballistic missiles, 8 cruise missiles, and 689 drones intercepted since the conflict began. Debris impacts multiple residential areas.

17:00 UTC

11 killed in Israel by Iranian missiles

Israeli authorities confirm 11 people killed by Iranian missile strikes, including 6 in residential buildings in Beit Shemesh. Hezbollah also targeting northern Israel.

20:00 UTC

Trump: war could last 'four weeks or less'

President Trump tells Daily Mail the conflict could go on for 'four weeks or less' and that Operation Epic Fury is proceeding 'ahead of schedule.' Over 1,000 targets struck in Iran in two days.

22:30 UTC

3 US F-15E jets shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses

CENTCOM confirms three US F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets crashed in Kuwait 'due to an apparent friendly fire incident' Sunday night. Kuwaiti air defenses mistakenly shot down the US jets during active combat.

01:00 UTC

Day 3: 4th US soldier killed

CENTCOM confirms a fourth US service member has been killed in the operation as the war enters its third day.

03:30 UTC

Qatar shoots down 2 Iranian Su-24 jets

Qatar says its air force 'successfully shot down' two Su-24 fighter jets incoming from Iran, along with seven ballistic missiles and five Iranian drones.

05:00 UTC

QatarEnergy halts LNG production — gas surges 40%

QatarEnergy, Qatar's state-run energy company, halts liquified natural gas production 'due to military attacks' on its facilities. European natural gas futures surge over 40%.

07:00 UTC

Khamenei's wife dies from wounds

The wife of Iran's slain Supreme Leader dies after sustaining wounds in the Feb 28 strikes. She had been in a coma since the attack that killed her husband.

09:00 UTC

Pentagon admits Iran wasn't planning preemptive strike

Pentagon briefers acknowledge to congressional staff that Iran was NOT planning to strike US forces unless Israel attacked Iran first — undercutting the administration's claim of an 'imminent threat' as justification.

11:00 UTC

Trump warns 'big wave' yet to come

Trump tells CNN the 'big wave' is yet to come in the war with Iran. Won't rule out sending US ground troops into Iran if 'necessary.' Hegseth calls on Iranians to 'take advantage' of regime change opportunity.

13:00 UTC

Markets in turmoil — oil +8%, gold +3%, stocks tumble

Oil up over 8%. Natural gas surges 40% on Qatar LNG halt. Gold rises 3%+. S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures fall over 1%. Global markets rocked by widening conflict.

14:30 UTC

Kuwait shoots down 3 US F-15E jets in friendly fire

Kuwait's air defenses accidentally shoot down three US F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets during active combat operations. CENTCOM confirms the friendly fire incident. Kuwait launches investigation and expresses deep regret.

15:00 UTC

1,000+ IRGC and security officials killed — Jerusalem Post

The Jerusalem Post reports over 1,000 IRGC members and Iranian security officials have been killed so far in the US-Israeli campaign.

16:00 UTC

Israel launches new strikes on Tehran and Beirut

IDF releases video showing it 'shattered Iran's defense network.' New strikes hit Tehran and Beirut as Israel expands Operation Lion's Roar.

16:30 UTC

Chevron declares force majeure on Leviathan gas field

Chevron declares force majeure at Israel's Leviathan natural gas field after the government orders a temporary suspension of production on security grounds.

17:00 UTC

Trump: war could last 4–5 weeks, won't rule out ground troops

Trump says Iran war is progressing 'way ahead of schedule' and projects it could last 4 to 5 weeks. Won't rule out sending US ground troops into Iran 'if necessary.'

17:30 UTC

Iranian missile debris hits tanker in Bahrain — 1 killed

A worker is killed and 2 injured when Iranian missile debris hits a tanker at a Bahrain port, the first fatality in the small Gulf kingdom.

18:00 UTC

Hegseth: Epic Fury goals 'laser-focused,' more casualties likely

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says Operation Epic Fury goals are 'laser-focused' and insists the conflict is 'not endless' while warning more US casualties are likely.

18:30 UTC

Oil spikes on Hormuz disruptions — shipping routes disrupted

Oil prices spike as Iran conflict disrupts Strait of Hormuz shipping. Bloomberg reports significant disruption to the world's most critical oil chokepoint.

19:00 UTC

Lebanon turns on Hezbollah as airstrikes hit Beirut

Lebanon's leaders turn on Hezbollah as Israeli airstrikes hit Beirut and thousands seek shelter. AP reports growing domestic backlash against the Iran-backed group.

20:00 UTC

Iranian drones strike US Embassy compound in Riyadh

Iranian drones strike the US Embassy compound in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Fire and smoke reported. First direct Iranian attack on a US diplomatic facility in the conflict.

20:30 UTC

Saudi Arabia shuts biggest oil refinery after drone strike

Saudi Arabia shuts its largest domestic oil refinery after an Iranian drone strike damages key infrastructure. Heightens fears of sustained regional energy disruption.

21:00 UTC

Iran death toll reaches 555+ — Red Crescent update

Iranian Red Crescent updates the official death toll to over 555 killed across Iran, with casualties reported in 130+ cities across the majority of Iranian provinces. Hospitals in Tehran and Isfahan overwhelmed.

21:30 UTC

Israel kills Hezbollah intelligence chief Hussein Makled

Israel kills Hussein Makled, head of Hezbollah's intelligence apparatus, in an overnight strike on Beirut's Dahiyeh district. Israel also reportedly kills Mohammad Raad, head of Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc.

22:00 UTC

State Dept urges Americans: 'DEPART NOW' from 14 countries

US State Department issues urgent advisory urging American citizens to 'DEPART NOW' from 14 Middle Eastern countries. US begins pulling some staff from Gulf embassies.

22:30 UTC

IRGC declares Strait of Hormuz closed — traffic drops 70%

IRGC announces closure of the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to 'set any ship on fire' attempting transit. Traffic through the strait drops 70%. Only 1 crude tanker and 0 LNG carriers transit on March 1. ~150 ships stranded at anchor.

23:00 UTC

US death toll reaches 6 service members

CENTCOM confirms a sixth US service member has been killed in Operation Epic Fury, including 2 remains recovered from initial Iranian counter-attacks. Multiple others seriously wounded.

23:30 UTC

Rubio: 'The hardest hits are yet to come'

Secretary of State Marco Rubio warns 'the hardest hits are yet to come from the US military. The next phase will be even more punishing.' Signals major escalation ahead.

00:00 UTC

Lebanese PM Salam bans all Hezbollah military activities

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announces a total ban on Hezbollah's military activities and demands the group surrender its weapons. Unprecedented move against the Iran-backed group amid Israeli airstrikes on Beirut.

01:00 UTC

Day 4: B-1B Lancers fly nonstop from US to strike deep inside Iran

US B-1B Lancer bombers launch nonstop from Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota to strike targets deep inside Iran. First use of continental US-based strategic bombers in the campaign.

02:00 UTC

US Navy sinks Iranian corvette at Chabahar Port

US Navy sinks an Iranian Jamaran-class corvette at its berthing in Chabahar Port. Part of widening campaign to destroy Iran's naval capabilities.

03:00 UTC

All major shipping lines suspend Hormuz transits

Maersk, MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, CMA CGM, and COSCO all suspend Strait of Hormuz transits. ~170 containerships (450,000 TEU, 1.4% of global fleet) trapped inside the Gulf. Hapag-Lloyd introduces War Risk Surcharge: $1,500/TEU.

03:00 UTC

IDF destroys IRIB state broadcaster building in Tehran

Israeli Air Force drops dozens of bombs on the IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) building in Tehran. IDF claims IRGC used it as a communications center. IRIB hit by two explosions but continues broadcasting. Israel had issued evacuation warning for Evin district.

03:30 UTC

IDF strikes Al-Manar TV headquarters in Beirut

IDF strikes the building housing Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV studios in Beirut's Dahiyeh district following an evacuation warning. Al-Manar confirms the hit but resumes broadcasting.

04:00 UTC

Iranian drone strikes UK military base in Cyprus

An Iranian drone strikes a runway at a UK military base in Cyprus, marking the first Iranian attack on a European NATO member's territory in the conflict.

04:30 UTC

Quds Force commander Reza Khazaee killed in Beirut strike

IDF discloses that a targeted strike in Dahiyeh killed Reza Khazaee, a high-ranking Quds Force commander in Lebanon and Chief of Staff for Iranian forces there. One of the highest-ranking Iranian military figures killed outside Iran.

05:00 UTC

OPEC+ announces 206,000 bpd production increase for April

Eight OPEC+ countries announce they will boost output by 206,000 barrels/day in April to offset supply disruptions from the Iran conflict and Hormuz closure.

06:00 UTC

Gold surges to $5,409 — markets brace for Day 4

Spot gold surges 2.5% to $5,409.69. Brent crude up 9% to $79.45. European gas up 45-50% on Qatar LNG halt. Defense stocks surge: Lockheed +6%, Northrop +5%, AeroVironment +10%. Airlines plunge: American -7.4%, Carnival -12%.

06:30 UTC

IAEA confirms Natanz nuclear facility entrance buildings struck

IAEA confirms entrance buildings of the underground Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant were struck based on satellite imagery. No radiological consequence expected. Main underground enrichment plant remains unaffected. Before-and-after satellite photos published.

07:00 UTC

Israel strikes hospitals in Tehran — international outcry

Israel strikes Khatam-al-Anbia and Gandi hospitals in Tehran, verified by BBC Verify. International community condemns the attacks. Combined Iran and Lebanon death toll surpasses 600.

07:30 UTC

Iran death toll rises to 787+ — CENTCOM claims 50% of missile launchers destroyed

Iran death toll rises sharply: Red Crescent reports 600+ civilians killed, HRANA estimates 742. Human rights org Hengaw puts total at 1,500+ (200 civilians + 1,300 military). CENTCOM claims roughly half of Iran's ballistic missile launchers have been eliminated. IDF says it dropped 1,200+ munitions across 24 of 31 Iranian provinces.

08:00 UTC

War risk insurance for Gulf to expire — deadline March 5

War risk insurance cover for the Gulf region effectively ends midnight March 5. Insurers refusing to extend coverage. Ships without war risk insurance cannot transit, further choking trade.

08:30 UTC

IRGC claims 11th wave of retaliatory strikes — 'True Promise 4'

IRGC claims responsibility for an 11th wave of retaliatory strikes dubbed 'Operation True Promise 4,' launching hundreds of drones and missiles at US allies across the Gulf including energy facilities.

09:00 UTC

Congress debates war powers — Kaine: 'This is an illegal war'

Congress begins formal debate on a war powers resolution to halt the assault on Iran. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) calls it 'an illegal war.' Bipartisan opposition grows as Pentagon's 'imminent threat' justification unravels.

09:30 UTC

Israel launches ground incursion into southern Lebanon

Defense Minister Israel Katz authorizes 91st Division troops to advance and seize 'additional strategic positions' in southern Lebanon. Forces advance from Kfarkela and Khiam plains. Lebanese army pulls back from border positions. IDF issues evacuation orders for 50 additional villages. Major escalation opening a second ground front.

10:00 UTC

Hezbollah launches second day of strikes — 'The era of patience has ended'

Hezbollah fires missiles at Israel for second consecutive day, targeting three military bases in northern Israel and the Golan Heights. Senior official Mahmoud Qmati declares 'the era of patience has ended... let it be an open war.' Lebanon toll: 52 killed, 154 injured, 30,000 displaced.

10:30 UTC

Asian markets crash — South Korea KOSPI plunges 6.5%

KOSPI plunges ~6.5% on reopening after holiday. Nikkei 225 falls 3%. ASX 200 down 1.5%. South Korean defense stocks surge: Hanwha Aerospace +22%, Korea Aerospace Industries +7%. European Stoxx 600 opens down 2.7%, DAX -3.4%. Brent crude briefly tops $85/bbl.

11:00 UTC

AWS confirms drone strikes damaged data centers in UAE and Bahrain

Amazon Web Services confirms structural damage to 2 of 3 Availability Zones in UAE and 1 facility in Bahrain from drone strikes. UAE banking customers experience digital outages. AWS warns operating environment 'remains unpredictable' and recommends workload migration.

11:30 UTC

Jebel Ali port effectively cut off — 75% of regional shipping dark

Hormuz closure cuts off Jebel Ali, the Middle East's most connected container port. More than three-quarters of the region's liner connectivity has gone dark. Only ports outside both chokepoints (Salalah, Sohar) still accessible. All major shipping lines suspend bookings.

12:00 UTC

Trump touts 'virtually unlimited' munitions — Senate war powers vote imminent

Trump claims US has 'a virtually unlimited supply' of munitions and will do 'whatever it takes.' War Powers notification submitted to Congress. Senate vote on Kaine-Paul resolution expected late Tuesday or Wednesday. Full Senate and House briefings scheduled today.

12:30 UTC

China pressures Iran over Hormuz — 'China will be the main victim'

Beijing pressures Tehran not to disrupt Strait of Hormuz shipping, warning China will be the main victim. Qatar supplies 30% of China's LNG. Marks a significant diplomatic split between Iran and its most important economic partner.

12:35 UTC

IDF strikes senior Iranian military commander in Tehran

IDF reports striking a senior Iranian military commander in Tehran in a targeted operation. Identity not yet confirmed. Part of ongoing decapitation campaign against Iranian military leadership.

12:36 UTC

Germany summons Iranian ambassador — condemns 'disproportionate' attacks

Germany summons Iran's ambassador, condemning what it calls 'arbitrary and disproportionate' rocket and drone attacks on regional targets. Follows Iranian drone strike on UK base in Cyprus.

12:44 UTC

NATO chief: alliance will defend every inch of territory

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte affirms the alliance will defend every inch of NATO territory, calling Iran an existential threat to both Israel and Europe. Statement comes after Iranian drone hit UK military base in Cyprus.

12:48 UTC

Iran bans all food and agricultural exports

Iran announces a ban on all food and agricultural exports to prioritize domestic supply during the conflict. A sign of severe internal resource strain as the war enters Day 4.

13:00 UTC

European gas surges 52% — largest jump since Russia's Ukraine invasion

European wholesale gas prices surge 52%, the largest single-session jump since Russia's 2022 Ukraine invasion. Asian LNG benchmark up 39%. Follows QatarEnergy shutting Ras Laffan (world's largest LNG export facility, 20% of global supply). Brent crude briefly hits $85/bbl.

13:21 UTC

US Embassy warns of imminent strikes on Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

US Embassy in Riyadh issues alert warning of imminent Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting Dhahran — Saudi Arabia's eastern energy hub and heart of its oil infrastructure. Major escalation risk for global energy supplies.

13:26 UTC

Israel urges ~60 countries to sever diplomatic ties with Iran

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar holds virtual meeting with ambassadors, calling on approximately 60 nations to cut all diplomatic relations with Iran.

13:30 UTC

Airspace closures extended — Iran closed until March 7

Updated airspace closures: Iran closed until March 7. Iraq until March 4. Israel until March 6. Qatar/Bahrain/Kuwait until 16:00 UTC today (potential partial reopening). UAE partially closed until March 4. Over 12,300 flights cancelled since Feb 28 across 7 major airports.

13:33 UTC

Trump: 'Too late' for Iran to negotiate — their military 'is gone'

Trump posts that it is 'too late' for Iran to negotiate, stating their military leadership, air defense, air force, navy, and leadership 'is gone.' Reverses his earlier position from March 1 when he said Iran wanted to talk. Signals no path to near-term ceasefire.

14:00 UTC

Assembly of Experts: supreme leader selection 'will not be prolonged'

Ayatollah Ali Moallemi of Iran's Assembly of Experts tells IRNA the selection of a new supreme leader 'will not be prolonged.' A provisional three-member leadership council currently exercises supreme leader duties pending the Assembly's formal vote.

02:15 UTC

Iranian drones strike US Embassy compound in Riyadh

Multiple Shahed-series drones penetrate Saudi air defenses and strike the US Embassy compound in Riyadh. Fire and explosions reported. Multiple embassy buildings damaged. US Ambassador evacuated. First direct Iranian attack on a US diplomatic facility since the 1979 Tehran hostage crisis.

02:45 UTC

Saudi Arabia shuts largest oil refinery as precaution

Saudi Arabia shuts its biggest oil refinery following the Iranian drone strike on the US Embassy in Riyadh. Aramco activates emergency contingency protocols at all major facilities. Eastern Province oil infrastructure on maximum alert.

03:00 UTC

Trump calls embassy bombing 'an act of war'

President Trump calls the Iranian drone strike on the US Embassy in Riyadh 'an act of war that will be answered.' Says it is 'too late' for Iran to negotiate. Pentagon sources indicate expanded target lists under review. Signals massive escalation of US military response.

03:20 UTC

Saudi Arabia recalls ambassador from Tehran

Saudi Arabia recalls its ambassador from Tehran and orders closure of all Iranian diplomatic missions in the Kingdom. Crown Prince MBS convenes emergency national security council. The 2023 China-brokered Saudi-Iran normalization deal is effectively dead.

03:45 UTC

IRGC claims embassy strike as 11th wave of True Promise 4

Iran's IRGC claims the Riyadh embassy attack as retaliation for the assassination of Khamenei and destruction of Iranian military infrastructure. Framed as the 11th wave of 'Operation True Promise 4.' Signals Iran will target US interests anywhere in the region.

04:00 UTC

US Embassy warns of imminent strikes on Dhahran

US Embassy in Riyadh issues urgent alert warning of imminent Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting Dhahran — Saudi Arabia's eastern energy hub. Dhahran hosts Saudi Aramco HQ and is surrounded by Abqaiq and Ras Tanura oil facilities. Additional Patriot batteries deploying.

04:30 UTC

NATO activates maximum alert level

NATO moves to highest readiness level following the Iranian attack on the US Embassy in Riyadh. Secretary General Rutte calls it 'a flagrant violation of international law.' Alliance affirms solidarity with the United States and readiness to defend all allied interests.

04:45 UTC

Brent crude surges past $90 — analysts warn $120 possible

Oil prices surge past $90/bbl in Asian trading after Iran strikes the US Embassy in Riyadh and Saudi Arabia shuts its largest refinery. Analysts warn Brent could reach $120 if Dhahran energy infrastructure is targeted. OPEC emergency session convened.

05:00 UTC

State Department orders non-essential staff evacuation from Saudi Arabia

State Department orders immediate departure of all non-essential personnel from US Embassy Riyadh and consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran. US citizens in Saudi Arabia urged to shelter in place or leave the country. Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory issued for Saudi Arabia.

05:15 UTC

Saudi authorizes US forces to use Saudi airspace and bases

Saudi Arabia authorizes US military forces to use Saudi airspace and bases for defensive operations against Iranian threats. Marks a decisive break from Saudi neutrality. Pentagon confirms CENTCOM assets repositioning to Saudi Arabia.

08:00 UTC

Iran strikes US military compound in the UAE

Iranian missiles and drones strike a US military compound in the UAE — the second American facility attacked in 24 hours after the US Embassy in Riyadh was hit. UAE activates full wartime air defense posture. THAAD and Patriot systems at maximum readiness. Iran is systematically targeting every US installation across the Gulf.

08:20 UTC

UAE activates full wartime air defense posture

UAE Armed Forces activate full wartime air defense posture following the strike on the US compound. THAAD and Patriot batteries at maximum readiness across all emirates. Comes on top of existing damage from earlier waves — AWS data centers hit, Jebel Ali cut off, airports disrupted.

08:40 UTC

IRGC claims UAE strike as 12th wave of True Promise 4

Iran's IRGC claims the UAE compound strike as the 12th wave of 'Operation True Promise 4.' States it will continue striking US targets until all American forces withdraw from the region. Iran now hitting US installations across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait.

09:00 UTC

Trump: both attacks are 'acts of war' — Pentagon expanding targets

Trump calls both the UAE compound strike and the Riyadh embassy bombing 'acts of war that will be answered.' Pentagon sources confirm massively expanded target lists under review. Trump has not ruled out ground troops. Senate war powers vote expected today.

09:15 UTC

CENTCOM orders maximum force protection at all Gulf installations

US Central Command orders maximum force protection at all US installations across the Gulf after two facilities struck in 24 hours. Bunker orders issued. Non-essential movements suspended. CENTCOM coordinating integrated air defense with UAE and Saudi forces.

09:30 UTC

Brent crude surges past $95 after dual US facility strikes

Oil prices surge past $95/bbl after Iran struck two US facilities in a single day. Saudi refinery remains shut. Dhahran warning still active. Analysts forecast $120+ if Saudi oil infrastructure is hit. OPEC emergency session ongoing. European gas and Asian LNG prices climbing further.

FAQ

When did the Iran strikes begin?

The first wave of US-Israeli strikes on Iran began at approximately 05:30 UTC on February 28, 2026, targeting military and nuclear facilities in Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, and Karaj under Operation Epic Fury.

How many missiles has Iran fired in retaliation?

Iran launched multiple waves of ballistic missiles at targets across the Gulf region, including Israel, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan. Exact counts are still being confirmed as new waves continue.

What diplomatic events have occurred during the crisis?

The UN Security Council held an emergency session within hours of the first strikes. Multiple nations have called for ceasefire, and the IAEA has expressed concern about strikes near nuclear facilities. Russia and China have condemned the strikes while the US and Israel have defended the operation as preemptive self-defense.

Is the timeline updated in real time?

Yes. This timeline is updated continuously as new events are confirmed from multiple verified sources including military officials, wire services, flight tracking data, and OSINT analysts.