IRAN
WAR

B-2 stealth bombers, B-1 Lancers, B-52s and Tomahawk cruise missiles. HIMARS deployed. CENTCOM directed to “dismantle the Iranian regime’s security apparatus.” ~7,800 targets struck by Day 22.

Israeli jets dropped 30 bombs plus Blue Sparrow ALBMs on Khamenei’s compound with CIA intel support. Death confirmed by Iranian state media March 1. Son Mojtaba named Supreme Leader by Assembly of Experts on March 9 (election March 3–8).

Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ school destroyed adjacent to military complex. 175–180 killed (mostly girls aged 7–12), 95 wounded. NYT, BBC Verify, NPR concluded US “likely” responsible, possibly due to dated intelligence.

Sports hall struck at ~5pm during teenage girls’ volleyball/basketball/gymnastics training. At least 18 civilians killed.

Cumulative first-week total: 500+ missiles, ~2,000 drones (~40% at Israel, ~60% at US targets). Bahrain Seef struck; Dubai Palm/Burj Khalifa area; Kuwait airport; Qatar Al Udeid AFB (2 direct hits); Saudi Riyadh; Iraq PMF.

Hezbollah launched missile/rocket/drone barrages on Israel to avenge Khamenei’s assassination. Ceasefire collapsed; new Lebanon war killed 1,000+, displaced 1 million.

IRGC declared strait “closed to unfriendly nations.” Tanker traffic dropped ~70%. By March 11: 21 confirmed attacks on merchant ships. US destroyed 44 Iranian mine-laying vessels.

USS Charlotte (Los Angeles-class sub) sank Iranian frigate IRIS Dena with Mark 48 torpedoes. Ship was returning from International Fleet Review 2026 in India. 87 bodies recovered; 32 rescued by Sri Lankan Navy.

IRGC Aerospace struck Port of Fujairah with ballistic missiles. Bushehr struck (no reactor damage). US struck Iraq PMF — 61 killed in Iraq.

Israel struck South Pars (world’s largest gas field) on March 18. Iran retaliated March 19, striking Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG and Mesaieed. 17% output cut for up to 5 years. Brent crude: ~$119/bbl.

IDF hit 130+ sites: missile launchers, UAVs, air defenses across Tehran, Parchin, Kerman, Arak, Bandar Lengeh, Yazd, Borazjan, Ahvaz. CENTCOM struck Karaj Surface-to-Surface Missile Plant. 4 IRGC commanders eliminated.

19 separate ballistic missile waves. Fragments fell 350m from Al-Aqsa Mosque causing extensive damage. Al-Aqsa closed for Eid prayers for first time since 1967. 300 total attack waves since Day 1.

First direct targeting of Dimona — Israel’s Negev Nuclear Research Center. Two direct hits after interceptors failed. 180+ wounded. IAEA: no nuclear facility damage, no abnormal radiation. Total Iranian deaths by Day 22: 1,444 including 204 children.

Iran fired 2 intermediate-range ballistic missiles (~4,000km range) at the US-UK joint base at Diego Garcia. One fell short/failed, one intercepted. Neither struck the base. Demonstrated European capitals within range.

Trump on Truth Social: “If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN the Strait of Hormuz within 48 HOURS, the US will hit and obliterate their POWER PLANTS.” Iran responded: all US/Israeli energy infrastructure and desalination plants in the region would be targeted. Iran threatened to “completely close” the strait if power plants are hit.

Israel launched simultaneous “wide-scale” waves of strikes on Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon, hitting 200+ targets. Largest single wave since the war began. Eastern Tehran hit with “unprecedented” explosions. US destroyed Iran’s turbine engine production plant. State Dept issued worldwide “exercise increased caution” advisory.

As 48-hour deadline approached, Trump instructed Pentagon to postpone all strikes on Iranian power plants for 5 days. Cited “good and productive” conversations. Iran denied any talks, claimed Trump “retreated out of fear.” UK PM Starmer convened emergency COBRA meeting — gilt yields highest since 2008. China/HK markets worst day in nearly a year.

Iranian ballistic missiles struck multiple sites in Tel Aviv causing significant building damage. 6 lightly wounded. Strikes continued despite Trump’s 5-day pause. IRGC called Trump a “deceitful American president.” Iran FM received US points via mediators but denied direct talks. 2,000+ killed across the region.

Trump administration sent 15-point plan via Pakistan: 30-day ceasefire, dismantling of nuclear facilities, handover of enriched uranium to IAEA. Iran rejected it as “maximalist.” Tehran issued 5 counter-demands: halt to aggression, Hormuz sovereignty, US base closures, reparations, keep missiles. Pakistan offered to host talks.

Pentagon ordered 2,000–3,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne’s Immediate Response Force to deploy. Two battalions plus division commander. Possible mission: seizing Kharg Island (90% of Iran’s oil exports). Marines also heading to region.

US-Israel raid on southern Tehran killed 12, wounded 28. Eastern Tehran: school and residential buildings destroyed. In Israel, David’s Sling interceptor malfunctioned — two Iranian ballistic missiles hit southern Israel, wounding dozens. Iran partially opened Hormuz to “non-hostile” ships. 82,000+ civilian structures damaged/destroyed in Iran.

Iran announced “non-hostile” ships may transit Hormuz if they coordinate with Iranian authorities. Brent crude dropped to ~$99.5/bbl. Japan announced largest-ever oil reserve release (30 days, up to 45 total). Global stock markets rallied.

Trump paused “Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days to Monday, April 6.” Second extension. Pakistan officially confirmed mediator role in “indirect talks” between US and Iran. Iran’s FM said Iran wants to end war “only on our own terms.”

Israel struck Khondab Heavy Water Complex and Ardakan yellowcake plant, plus two major steel plants. Iran retaliated with 6 ballistic missiles and 29 drones at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia — 15 US troops wounded (5 seriously). US acknowledged war may extend past 4–6 weeks. Trump considering 10,000 more troops.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels officially entered the war, launching a ballistic missile toward Israel triggering air raid sirens in Beersheba. Houthis warned they would continue until US-Israeli attacks on Iran and Hezbollah cease. Significant expansion of the conflict to include Iran’s proxy network.

Iranian missile salvo struck a busy commercial street in Tel Aviv, killing 1 and wounding several. 8 impact sites including a university. Iran demands Lebanon ceasefire be part of any deal. Regional powers plan Sunday meeting. Iran deaths: 1,900+. Lebanon: 1,189+ killed.

Ballistic missile from Iran entered Turkish airspace — intercepted by NATO air defenses. Fourth time an Iranian missile has been fired toward Turkey. Trump threatened to destroy “Electric Generating Plants, Oil Wells and Kharg Island.”

Iranian cluster warhead struck Arab town Shefa’Amr and Bazan petrochemical facilities in Haifa. Kuwaiti oil tanker hit in Dubai port. 3 UN troops killed. Rubio: US objectives in “weeks, not months.” 9 attack waves in 24 hours.

Gulf nations backed UNSC resolution authorizing “all necessary measures” to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Provides legal framework for military operations to clear the strait.

Iran shot down a US F-15E Strike Eagle with a shoulder-fired missile over Kohgiluyeh province. Both crew ejected into Iranian territory. Pilot rescued hours later by US special ops. Weapons systems officer (colonel) evaded capture in mountains for 2 days. First US aircraft lost in the war.

After 2 days evading capture with a sprained ankle, the WSO was rescued by elite US forces. Operation involved hundreds of soldiers and 155 aircraft. Israeli intelligence provided tactical support. Both crew members safe.

Iranian missile struck 6-floor residential building in Haifa, killing 4. Iran’s MoH reported 220 children under 18 killed and 1,959 injured in US-Israeli strikes. 18 attack waves toward northern Israel in the past week.

IRGC intelligence chief Maj. Gen. Majid Khademi killed in joint US-Israeli strike. Iran rejected 45-day ceasefire, demands permanent end. Sent Pakistan 10-point response: Hormuz safe passage protocol, reconstruction, sanctions lifting. Netanyahu: any deal must require Iran to surrender all enriched uranium.

US forces began strikes on Kharg Island (90% of Iran’s oil exports). Iran declared restraint on targeting regional oil infrastructure “no longer applies.” Trump: “The entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night.” Final deadline: 8 PM ET tonight. Iran adviser warned Tehran may target Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

US and Iran agreed to two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistani PM Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir. Trump delayed “bombing and attack” for two weeks. Both sides claim victory. Iran commits to stop nuclear weapons pursuit; US signals conditional sanctions relief. Delegations invited to Islamabad April 10.

Hours after ceasefire, Israel killed 254 in Lebanon. Netanyahu said ceasefire does NOT extend to Hezbollah — contradicting Pakistan’s PM who claimed it included Lebanon. Iran closed Hormuz again in response. Charging $1M+ tolls per ship — only 4 ships crossed day one.

Iran’s parliamentary speaker accused US of violating 3 parts of Iran’s 10-point proposal. Trump warned strikes will resume if Iran doesn’t agree. Hegseth: Pentagon “has done its part.” Israel to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon. Hormuz still effectively closed.

New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said Iran will bring Hormuz “into a new phase” and remains determined to “take revenge” for his slain father. Trump told NBC he asked Netanyahu to be “a little more low-key” in Lebanon. US delegation announced: Vance, Witkoff, Kushner.

Lebanese MoPH: 1,953 killed and 6,303 injured since the war began. 357 killed Wednesday alone. Iran FM warned Washington must choose “ceasefire or continued war via Israel.” Israel-Hezbollah trading new strikes. Netanyahu: no Lebanon ceasefire, wants direct talks to disarm Hezbollah.

VP JD Vance departed for Islamabad to lead US delegation. Hormuz still effectively closed despite ceasefire. Trump: Iran is “doing a very poor job” opening it. Iran charging $1M+ tolls per ship. Vance warned Iran: “Don’t try to play the US.”

First direct US-Iran summit since the war began. US: Vance + Witkoff + Kushner. Iran: FM Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf. Pakistan’s modest goal: an agreement to keep talking. US 15-point proposal vs Iran 10-point counter — vast gap on uranium, sanctions, Hormuz, regional conflicts. Ceasefire holds (until April 21).

With the Islamabad summit deadlocked over uranium, sanctions and Hormuz, Trump ordered a US naval blockade of Iran (“Operation Project Freedom”). CENTCOM said it would enforce restrictions on Iranian ports while permitting transit to non-Iranian ports — creating a “dual blockade” with Iran’s continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

A separate ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into force, halting the Lebanon front after more than 1,950 had been killed there. The truce was negotiated apart from the US-Iran track and remained fragile, with Israel reserving the right to act against Hezbollah rearmament.

The maritime crisis escalated sharply. Iranian gunboats attacked or seized multiple vessels (Sanmar Herald, CMA CGM Everglade, Epaminondas, MSC Francesca) while US Navy helicopters interdicted others (carrier Sevan). Insurers suspended Gulf coverage; Brent crude held above $120 as only a trickle of ships crossed the strait.

Officials told Axios that Washington and Tehran were nearing a single-page memorandum of understanding to end the war. The framework reportedly covered reopening Hormuz, lifting the US port blockade, and dismantling Iran’s nuclear program — including US custody of Iran’s enriched material — but sanctions sequencing remained the sticking point.

The US conducted several airstrikes on military sites in southern Iran and around Tehran after Iran targeted US warships in the Gulf. The strikes — the most significant since the April truce — underscored how brittle the ceasefire was even as memo talks advanced.

A drone struck the perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the UAE — the first attack on it since the war began — igniting a fire at an external generator in Al Dhafra. No injuries were reported and radiation levels stayed normal. The UAE said the drone was launched from Iraq and blamed “Iranian militias,” calling it a terrorist act.

Mediators circulated a 60-day proposal intended to freeze hostilities while a permanent agreement was finalized. Iranian media described a 14-point draft; key gaps remained over unfreezing Iranian assets, the pace of sanctions relief, and verification of Iran’s enriched stockpile.

Israeli strikes resumed in southern Lebanon and Western Beqaa, with daily tolls of 25–35. Tehran warned it would resume operations against Israel if the strikes continued, raising fears the separate Lebanon truce would drag the main front back into open war.

After Israel struck Beirut’s southern suburbs on June 7, Iran launched waves of ballistic missiles and drones at Israel on June 8 — the first direct exchange since the April ceasefire. Israel retaliated with an “extensive strike” on strategic defenses and petrochemical facilities in Mahshahr. Both sides announced halts the same afternoon; Trump publicly told them to stop “shooting.” Brent crude jumped above $97.

The IRGC carried out a series of attacks on US regional facilities; Israeli strikes continued in Tyre and southern Lebanon (5 killed in Tyre). A US AH-64 Apache went down near the Strait of Hormuz — both crew were rescued by an unmanned surface vessel. The IAEA Board of Governors passed a uranium-verification resolution before Trump canceled a third night of strikes.

Both governments said a settlement was near. FM Araghchi said a memorandum could be signed remotely “in the next few days,” declared Iran would guarantee safe passage through Hormuz, and claimed “Iran is the winner of the war.” US forces shot down two Iranian drones near Hormuz; oil eased back to the $88–90 range as markets priced in a truce.

Pakistan, the lead mediator, announced the Islamabad Memorandum would be digitally signed on June 14, with PM Shehbaz Sharif citing a “final, agreed-upon text.” The deal pairs a Hormuz reopening and the lifting of the US blockade with verified steps to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program — though distrust over sanctions and frozen assets left implementation uncertain.