The 2026 Iran War: A Complete Timeline from Feb 28 to Today
The 2026 Iran War: A Complete Timeline
The world changed on February 28, 2026. What began as coordinated US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran has escalated into the most significant military conflict since the Iraq War — with global economic consequences that surpass even the 1970s oil crisis.
Here is the complete timeline.
February 25-26: The Prelude
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Israel. India and Israel announce 16 agreements and elevate ties to a 'special strategic partnership.' Modi tells the Knesset: 'India stands with Israel, firmly, with full conviction.'
Less than 48 hours later, the significance of that timing becomes apparent.
February 28: Operation Epic Fury Begins
The United States and Israel launch coordinated airstrikes on Iran under the codename Operation Epic Fury. Targets include:
- Military installations across 14 provinces
- Nuclear enrichment facilities at Natanz and Fordow
- IRGC command centers
- Leadership targets in Tehran
The strikes result in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — the most consequential targeted killing since Osama bin Laden.
The world enters a new reality.
March 1-3: Iran Retaliates
Iran launches massive missile barrages targeting:
- Israeli cities including Tel Aviv and Haifa
- US military bases in UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain
- Saudi oil infrastructure
15 people are killed in Israel. Casualties are reported at US bases across the Gulf. Iran declares the Strait of Hormuz closed to US, Israeli, and allied shipping.
Oil prices spike from $67 to $111 per barrel in days — the fastest surge in 40 years.
March 5-7: The Hormuz Blockade Takes Hold
Iran's IRGC makes 21 confirmed attacks on merchant ships attempting to transit the Strait. Tanker traffic drops 70%. Over 150 ships anchor outside the strait, unable to pass.
The IRGC announces: 'Not a litre of oil will pass through the Strait of Hormuz.' Iran states the closure applies only to US, Israeli, and Western allied shipping — but the risk deters nearly all vessels.
India's LPG prices rise Rs 60 per cylinder overnight.
March 8-10: Global Energy Emergency
The International Energy Agency declares a global energy emergency and agrees to release a record 400 million barrels from strategic reserves.
IEA chief Fatih Birol says the situation is 'very severe' and 'worse than the two energy crises of the 1970s combined.'
India invokes the Essential Commodities Act. Raids begin on LPG hoarders — 12,000 raids, 15,000 cylinders seized.
March 11-13: Selective Passage Begins
Iran allows a Turkish ship through the Strait. Indian-flagged gas carriers and a Saudi tanker bound for India are also permitted passage — a diplomatic signal that Iran wants to maintain relations with non-aligned nations.
Trump gives Iran an ultimatum: reopen the Strait or face strikes on power plants.
March 14-16: NATO Refuses
US-aligned NATO nations in Europe reject Trump's call to provide military support for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Trump publicly rebukes allies.
PM Modi speaks to leaders of UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. India evacuates over 1,000 Indians from Iran and announces more than 3 lakh Indians have returned from affected Gulf countries.
March 17-20: Diplomatic Window
Trump extends his deadline, claiming 'very good and productive conversations' could lead to resolution. Iran's Foreign Ministry denies any dialogue.
The US Treasury issues a 30-day sanctions waiver for Iranian oil already at sea — a signal of the economic pressure Washington itself faces.
India considers resuming crude oil imports from Iran.
March 21-24: Unprecedented Escalation
Israel and the US launch what Al Jazeera calls 'unprecedented' strikes across Iran — the heaviest bombardment since the war began. Tehran reports explosions across the capital.
Iran's death toll surpasses 1,500. Iran's military declares readiness to close the Strait indefinitely if Trump carries out threats against power plants.
PM Modi addresses Rajya Sabha, stating India has 'sufficient crude oil' and that the government is in continuous communication with all parties.
Where We Stand Today
As of March 24, 2026:
- Oil: Trading above $100/barrel with extreme volatility
- Strait of Hormuz: Partially open but extremely dangerous
- India: LPG at Rs 913/cylinder, commercial LPG allocations slashed 80%
- Global markets: S&P 500 down 8% from pre-war levels
- Diplomacy: No ceasefire in sight
- Humanitarian: 1,500+ dead in Iran, hundreds of thousands displaced
This crisis is far from over.
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