Month of Iran war unleashes raging conflict with regional ripple effect

The United States and Israel launched a large-scale military campaign against Iran on Feb. 28, 2026, targeting the country’s leadership, nuclear program and military infrastructure, triggering a rapidly escalating regional conflict marked by sustained airstrikes, retaliatory attacks and mounting civilian casualties.

Now, into a second month, the war has transformed the Middle East with its severe human, political, and economic repercussions. Here’s a detailed timeline, tracing the major developments of the regional conflict.

Feb. 28, 2026 — War begins

• The United States and Israel launch coordinated airstrikes across Iran, hitting nuclear facilities, military bases and leadership compounds.
• Initial strikes reportedly kill senior Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
• Civilian areas, including a school and sports hall, are hit, causing mass casualties.
• Iran responds with missile and drone attacks across Israel and U.S. positions in the region.

March 1, 2026 — Escalation across Iran

• U.S. and Israeli forces conduct dozens of additional strikes across multiple provinces, targeting military and security infrastructure.
• U.S. bombers and naval forces strike hardened missile facilities and command centers.
• Civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and residential areas, is damaged.
• Iran launches retaliatory strikes, including attacks on Israeli cities that kill civilians.

March 2–5, 2026 — Campaign expands

• Continued U.S.-Israeli bombardment targets Tehran and key state institutions.
• Iran retaliates by striking U.S. military bases across the Gulf region.
• Regional tensions rise as neighboring countries begin intercepting missiles and drones.

  

  

March 6–8, 2026 — Regional spillover

• Airstrikes intensify on Iran’s command centers and energy infrastructure, including oil facilities.
• Iran and allied groups expand attacks to Israel and neighboring countries, widening the conflict.
• Civilian casualties mount across Iran as strikes continue in urban areas.

March 9–11, 2026 — Humanitarian toll rises

• Reports highlight large-scale civilian casualties and damage to hospitals and public infrastructure in Iran.
• Global oil markets are disrupted as fighting threatens shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

March 12–14, 2026 — Intensification

• U.S. officials describe a peak in strike intensity, with continued attacks on missile production and military sites.
• Additional U.S. forces are deployed to the region as the campaign broadens.
• Iran continues missile barrages against Israel and U.S. assets.

  

Mid-March (March 15–20) — Sustained offensive

• Thousands of strikes are recorded across most Iranian provinces, with Tehran heavily targeted.
• U.S. and Israeli forces continue focusing on missile systems, nuclear infrastructure and energy facilities.
• The conflict spreads across multiple countries, with attacks reported throughout the region.

Late March (March 21–27) — Leadership targeting

• Israeli operations increasingly focus on targeted killings of Iranian officials, supported by U.S. intelligence and coordination.
• Hundreds of Iranian officials are reported killed in precision strikes.
• Despite leadership losses, Iran maintains governmental continuity.

March 28–30, 2026 — War enters second month

• Iranian officials accuse the United States of preparing for a possible ground offensive while continuing air operations.
• The U.S. signals interest in targeting Iran’s oil infrastructure, including key export hubs.
• Israel continues sustained strikes, including leadership decapitation operations and infrastructure attacks.
• Economic forecasts in Israel reflect expectations of prolonged conflict.