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Iran–US–Israel War, 2026
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Day 14
Special Report · March 2026
War in
West Asia
The United States and Israel launched a surprise joint military operation against Iran on February 28, 2026, triggering the most consequential Middle East conflict in a generation.
1,444+
Civilian deaths
in Iran (Health Ministry)
18,551+
Injured in Iran
since Feb 28
5,000+
Targets struck in Iran
by US-Israel (CENTCOM)
2,500+
Drones & missiles
launched by Iran
Scroll to explore ?
01
US-Israel Strike
Operation Epic Fury Begins — Khamenei Killed in Opening Salvo
On February 28, the US and Israel launched nearly 900 airstrikes in 12 hours targeting Iran's military infrastructure, missile sites, and leadership. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the opening assault. Iran's state media confirmed his death on March 1. His daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild were also killed.
Reuters / Al Jazeera / Britannica · Feb 28–Mar 1, 2026
02
Leadership Transition
Iran Appoints Mojtaba Khamenei as New Supreme Leader
Following Ali Khamenei's assassination, an Interim Leadership Council was formed on March 1. On March 8, Mojtaba Khamenei — son of the slain Supreme Leader — was elected as Iran's new head of state. Senior officials including President Pezeshkian pledged allegiance. Trump called him a "lightweight" and threatened he would not last long.
Al Jazeera / BBC / Wikipedia · Mar 8, 2026
03
Iran Retaliation
Iran Fires Over 500 Missiles and 2,000 Drones Across the Region
Iran launched retaliatory barrages targeting Israel, and US military bases across Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Turkey. The IRGC said it struck at least 27 US bases. Iran also targeted vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, effectively closing one of the world's most vital shipping lanes and sending oil prices soaring.
Al Jazeera / Reuters / CNN · Mar 5, 2026
04
Civilian Toll
A Girls' School Hit; UNESCO Heritage Site Damaged in Tehran
A US missile strike killed over 100 schoolchildren when a girls' school adjacent to a naval base in Minab was struck. The historic Golestan Palace in Tehran — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — was damaged in strikes on March 2. Iran's Red Crescent reported over 6,668 civilian units targeted by March 7. The WHO warned of toxic "black rain" from burning fuel depots.
CNN / Al Jazeera / WHO · Mar 2–7, 2026
05
Nuclear Dimension
Iran's Nuclear Programme Targeted; IAEA Detects No Radiation
Dismantling Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programme was a stated US-Israeli objective. Netanyahu said Iran's nuclear programme would have been "immune in months." The IAEA reported no new radiation detected from Iran's nuclear sites post-strikes. Iran's president offered to open nuclear sites for inspections, and sought to negotiate ahead of the attack.
Reuters / BBC / Times of Israel · Feb 27–Mar 3, 2026
06
Global Fallout
Strait of Hormuz Closure Triggers Global Fuel Crisis
The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz — through which roughly 20% of global oil flows — sent energy prices spiralling. US gas prices hit a 22-month high at $3.63/gallon. The G7 declined to jointly tap reserves. Bangladesh closed universities; Pakistan and the Philippines declared four-day work weeks. The IMF warned every 10% rise in energy prices adds nearly 0.5% to global inflation.
Reuters / CFR / CNN / IMF · Mar 10–14, 2026
07
Regional Spread
Lebanon War Reignites; Hezbollah Resumes Missile Fire at Israel
Hezbollah resumed missile and drone fire at Israeli military sites in support of Iran, triggering a major expansion of Israel's air operations in Lebanon. Israel resumed bombing of Beirut, including a residential building in central Beirut. The Lebanese government banned Hezbollah's military activities, but the group retains extensive weaponry. Plumes of smoke rose over Beirut's southern suburbs.
CNN / Reuters / CFR · Mar 2–4, 2026
08
International Response
UN Security Council Meets in Emergency; Diplomatic Pressure Mounts
The UN Security Council convened in emergency session on February 28. UK PM Starmer condemned Iran's counter-strikes but said he did "not believe in regime change from the skies." France and Germany joined in calling for diplomacy. Iran's President Pezeshkian set three conditions to end the war: recognition of Iran's rights, reparations, and guarantees against future aggression.
BBC / Al Jazeera / UK Parliament · Feb 28–Mar 12, 2026
09
US Military Surge
US Deploys 10,000 AI-Powered Drones; Troop Surge Announced
The US Army deployed nearly 10,000 Merops AI-powered interceptor drones to the Middle East at $14,000–15,000 each, targeting Iranian drone barrages. A Marine expeditionary unit of approximately 2,200 personnel was ordered from Okinawa to the region. CENTCOM confirmed it struck over 5,000 targets in Iran by March 10. A US refuelling aircraft crash in western Iraq killed all six crew members.
ABC News / Al Jazeera / CNN · Mar 10–13, 2026
10
War's Stated Goals
Regime Change, Nuclear Disarmament and Iran's Navy: US-Israel Objectives
Trump declared the operation aimed to eliminate Iran's nuclear and missile programmes, destroy its navy, and topple the regime. Netanyahu said the operation would "usher in an era of peace" and create conditions for an Iranian democratic government. US Senator Lindsey Graham ruled out ground troops in Iran but suggested the US would not stop short of its objectives. Over 250 US organisations have called on Congress to halt the war.
CFR / Al Jazeera / Reuters · Feb 28–Mar 13, 2026
Day-by-Day Timeline
Feb 28 – Mar 14, 2026
A chronological record of the key events since the launch of Operation Epic Fury, from verified international news sources.
US-Israel Strike
Iran Retaliation
Diplomatic
Civilian / Humanitarian
Other
Scroll right for each day ?
Day 1
28 February
War begins — nearly 900 airstrikes in 12 hours
Operation Epic Fury launched
US and Israel begin joint airstrikes on Iran targeting missile sites, air defences, military infrastructure and leadership. Nearly 900 strikes in the first 12 hours.
Britannica / Reuters
Khamenei killed in opening assault
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is assassinated in strikes targeting the Leadership House compound in Tehran.
Al Jazeera / BBC
School strike in Minab kills 100+ children
A missile hits a girls' school adjacent to a naval base near Bandar Abbas, killing over 100 schoolchildren and dozens of others.
Britannica / CNN
Iran retaliates — missiles hit Tel Aviv, Gulf states
Iran fires waves of missiles and drones at Israel, and US bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE and Saudi Arabia. Tehran strikes Abu Dhabi's Zayed port.
Al Jazeera / Reuters
UN Security Council meets in emergency session
UK, France and Germany condemn Iran's counter-strikes. UK PM Starmer calls for diplomacy and says he does not believe in "regime change from the skies."
BBC / UK Parliament
Day 2
1 March
Khamenei's death confirmed; Iran interim council formed
Khamenei's death confirmed by state media
Iranian state media officially announces Khamenei's death. His daughter, son-in-law, grandchild also killed. An Interim Leadership Council is formed.
Al Jazeera / BBC
Iran's parliament and IRGC buildings hit
Iran's parliament building and IRGC Malek-Ashtar building in Tehran are targeted. Smoke visible across the capital.
Wikipedia / CNN
Iranian missile hits Beit Shemesh, Israel
A ballistic missile strikes central Israel's Beit Shemesh, killing nine people and injuring more than 20.
Al Jazeera
Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE report attacks
Manama's Seef commercial district damaged. A worker killed in Bahrain when debris from an intercepted missile falls on a vessel. Multiple drones intercepted over UAE.
Al Jazeera / Reuters
UK allows US use of Diego Garcia base
UK PM says US can use bases at Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford for a "specific and limited defensive purpose" to destroy Iranian missiles at source.
BBC
Day 3
2 March
UNESCO heritage site damaged; Lebanon front escalates
Golestan Palace damaged in Tehran strikes
Iran's Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is damaged when a strike hits Arg Square in central Tehran. UNESCO issues a statement of concern.
CNN / Wikipedia
IRGC Malek-Ashtar building destroyed
Video footage shows the IRGC's Malek-Ashtar building in Tehran completely destroyed following a joint US-Israel missile strike.
Iran International / Wikipedia
Hezbollah fires drones into Israeli territory
Lebanon front escalates as Hezbollah resumes fire at Israel. Israel issues evacuation warnings for dozens of Lebanese villages and strikes Hezbollah targets in Beirut.
CNN / Reuters
Kuwait warplanes crash; crew survive
Kuwait's Defence Ministry confirms "several" US warplanes crashed in the country; all crew members survived.
Al Jazeera
Day 4
3 March
Iran state broadcaster hit; Russian consulate damaged
Iran's state broadcaster headquarters struck
Israel strikes the IRIB state broadcaster's headquarters in Tehran. No casualties reported but parts of the facility are destroyed.
Wikipedia / Reuters
Assembly of Experts building destroyed
The building where Iran's Assembly of Experts was set to convene to elect a new Supreme Leader is destroyed, delaying the process.
Britannica
Russian consulate in Isfahan damaged
The Russian consulate in Isfahan is damaged in the US-Israel strikes. Russia condemns the incident.
Wikipedia
Iran's UN envoy: no peace talks with US
Tehran's UN envoy says Iran has not contacted the US about possible peace talks, signalling no immediate diplomatic off-ramp.
Reuters
Days 5–6
4–5 March
Iran's missile rate slows; 500 missiles, 2,000 drones fired
Iran fires 500+ missiles, 2,000 drones since Feb 28
A military source tells Fars News Agency that Iran has launched over 500 ballistic missiles and nearly 2,000 drones — 40% aimed at Israel, 60% at US targets.
Fars / Wikipedia
Iran's missile rate declining
Analysts note a fall in Iran's ballistic missile launches, attributing it to depletion of stockpiles and a strategy of rationing for a longer war.
BBC / Reuters
Azadi Sport Complex bombed
Iran's iconic Azadi Sport Complex in Tehran is bombed on March 5. Iran's internet connectivity drops to 4% of normal levels due to strikes.
Wikipedia / NetBlocks
Kuwait: Girl dies from shrapnel injuries
Kuwait's Ministry of Health reports the death of a girl from shrapnel injuries, one of the earliest civilian fatalities in a Gulf state.
Al Jazeera
Days 7–8
6–7 March
Trump claims Iran's military "shattered"; WHO issues black rain warning
Trump claims Iran's military capabilities shattered
Trump says US and Israel have "shattered" Iranian military capabilities. Netanyahu says Israel is aiming to stop Iran from moving nuclear projects underground.
Fox News / Al Jazeera
6,668+ civilian units struck — Red Crescent
The Iranian Red Crescent reports over 6,668 civilian units targeted by US-Israeli strikes, including schools, hospitals, and cultural sites.
Al Jazeera
WHO warns of toxic 'black rain' over Iran
The World Health Organization warns that contaminated "black rain" from burning fuel depots could pose serious public health risks across Iran.
Al Jazeera / WHO
Iran attacks ships in Strait of Hormuz
IRGC strikes a Liberia-flagged Israeli-owned vessel and a Thai bulk carrier in the Strait of Hormuz, effectively choking global oil shipments.
Al Jazeera
Day 9
8 March
Mojtaba Khamenei elected Supreme Leader
Mojtaba Khamenei becomes Supreme Leader
Iran elects Mojtaba Khamenei, son of assassinated Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as Iran's new head of state. Senior officials pledge allegiance.
Al Jazeera / Wikipedia
Hamas congratulates new Iranian leader
Hamas congratulates "brothers in Iran" on the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei and wishes him victory in the war.
Al Jazeera
Trump calls Mojtaba a "lightweight"
Trump says the new Supreme Leader would not last long without his approval. Israel echoes the sentiment. Iranian protests continue in multiple cities.
Wikipedia / Reuters
Days 10–11
9–10 March
CENTCOM: 5,000 targets struck; Bahrain resident killed
US strikes 5,000+ targets in Iran
US CENTCOM announces that US forces have struck more than 5,000 targets inside Iran since the war began on February 28.
Al Jazeera / CENTCOM
Woman killed in Bahrain residential strike
A 29-year-old woman is killed and eight injured when a residential building in Manama, Bahrain, is hit by an Iranian missile.
Al Jazeera
Kuwait electricity grid crippled
Six electricity transmission lines in Kuwait go out of service after debris from intercepted drones damages infrastructure.
Al Jazeera
US gas prices hit 22-month high
With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, US gasoline prices average $3.63/gallon — a 22-month high. Global energy markets continue rising.
CNN / AAA
Day 12
11 March
1,300+ civilians killed in Iran; Tehran airport bombed
1,300+ civilian deaths in Iran confirmed
Tehran says more than 1,300 civilians have been killed and nearly 10,000 civilian sites bombed since the war began. Victims range in age from 8 months to 88 years.
Al Jazeera / Iran Health Ministry
Tehran's Mehrabad Airport bombed overnight
Iranian targets including Mehrabad Airport are struck in overnight operations, escalating pressure on Tehran's civilian infrastructure.
Al Jazeera
Iran accuses Israel of camera espionage
Israel's cybersecurity directorate confirms dozens of Iranian breaches into security cameras for espionage since the war started.
Al Jazeera
US Congress demands hearings on war goals
Lawmakers in Washington call for public hearings on the war's objectives and strategy as US casualties mount and civilian strikes face investigation.
Al Jazeera
Day 13
12 March
Iran sets conditions for peace; Ras Tanura refinery hit
Iran sets three conditions to end the war
President Pezeshkian states Iran's conditions: recognition of legitimate rights, payment of reparations, and international guarantees against future aggression.
Al Jazeera
Ras Tanura refinery in Saudi Arabia hit
Iran strikes Saudi Arabia's Ras Tanura oil refinery — one of the world's largest — in a drone attack, disrupting energy supply and raising oil prices further.
Al Jazeera / Reuters
250+ US organisations demand Congress halt war
More than 250 American organisations sign a letter calling on Congress to halt the war, arguing the $11.3bn spent in six days diverts funds from domestic needs.
Al Jazeera
Bahrain intercepts 114 missiles, 190 drones
Bahrain confirms it has intercepted 114 missiles and 190 drones since the war began — among the highest interception counts in the Gulf.
Al Jazeera
Day 14
13–14 March
New Supreme Leader vows continued attacks; US aircraft crash kills 6
New Supreme Leader issues first warning
Mojtaba Khamenei, in his first statement, warns attacks on Israel and US assets will continue unless all US military bases in the region are closed.
Al Jazeera
US refuelling aircraft crash kills all 6 crew
A US Air Force refuelling aircraft crashes in western Iraq, killing all six crew members. CENTCOM says the crash was not caused by hostile fire.
CNN / CENTCOM
Civilian toll reaches 1,444 killed, 18,551 injured
Iran's Health Ministry reports at least 1,444 civilians killed and 18,551 injured in US-Israel attacks. Victims range from 8 months to 88 years old.
Al Jazeera / Iran Health Ministry
US strikes Kharg Island oil facilities
Trump announces a US "bombing raid" on Kharg Island, which processes 90% of Iran's oil exports, in a major escalation targeting Iran's economic lifeline.
ABC News
Dubai Creek Harbour tower struck by drone
An Iranian drone strikes the Dubai Creek Harbour tower in the UAE, marking one of the most high-profile civilian infrastructure attacks in a Gulf city.
Al Jazeera / EPA
Context & Background
How Did We Get Here?
A decades-long rivalry between Iran and its adversaries escalated through proxy wars, sanctions, and direct strikes before exploding into open warfare in February 2026.
Why Did the War Begin?

Tensions stretch back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the Iran hostage crisis. The immediate triggers include Iran's advancing nuclear programme, ballistic missile development, and failed diplomatic efforts to revive the 2015 JCPOA nuclear agreement after Trump withdrew from it in 2018.

In early 2026, Iranian security forces killed thousands of protesters during mass demonstrations. Trump threatened military action. Indirect nuclear talks in February collapsed. On February 25, Iran's foreign minister said a "historic" deal was "within reach" — but strikes came three days later.

The Twelve-Day War (June 2025)

This was the precursor conflict. In June 2025, Israel bombed Iran's military and nuclear sites in a surprise attack. Iran retaliated with over 550 ballistic missiles and 1,000 drones. The US bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities. A ceasefire was brokered on June 24, 2025.

The 2025 war significantly degraded Iran's air defences, weakened its proxy network (Hezbollah, Hamas), and emboldened US-Israeli planners to consider a more decisive operation.

Who Is Involved?

US & Israel: Conducting joint airstrikes (Operation Epic Fury) targeting military, nuclear, and leadership infrastructure. Stated goals: regime change, nuclear disarmament, destruction of Iran's navy.

Iran: Retaliating with missiles and drones against Israel and 27 US bases across the Gulf. Attacking shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vows to continue.

Hezbollah (Lebanon): Resumed attacks on Israel in support of Iran. Lebanon government has banned Hezbollah's military activities.

What Does India Need to Watch?

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz directly affects India — roughly 60% of India's oil imports transit through the strait. Rising global oil prices, supply chain disruptions and a depreciating rupee are immediate concerns.

Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Philippines have already declared shortened work weeks due to the energy crisis. India has significant diaspora in the Gulf region — over 8 million Indian nationals — whose safety and remittances are at risk.

Sources Used in This Interactive

All events and figures in this interactive are drawn from verified international news organisations: Reuters, BBC, Al Jazeera, CNN, ABC News, NBC News, Associated Press, as well as institutional sources including the UK House of Commons Library, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), IMF, WHO, UN, and CENTCOM. Casualty figures reflect the most recently reported numbers, which may change as the conflict evolves. Some reports from within Iran are difficult to independently verify due to restricted media access.

Last updated: 14 March 2026 · Compiled for The Indian Express

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