A synthesis of reports from February 28 to mid-April 2026.
Overview
On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched a large-scale military offensive against Iran, aiming to degrade its military, nuclear, and missile capabilities. The operation, named "Operation Epic Fury" by the US, led to widespread destruction across Iran and triggered a massive retaliatory campaign by Iran against Israel, US forces in the region, and Gulf Arab states.
The conflict caused thousands of casualties, displaced millions, and severely disrupted global energy markets due to Iran's effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. After several weeks of intense fighting, a series of provisional ceasefires were brokered, primarily by Pakistan, leading to a temporary halt in hostilities between the US and Iran and a separate 10-day truce between Israel and Lebanon. However, the terms of these agreements remained hotly disputed.
The Outbreak of War (Late February - Early March 2026)
Initiation of Hostilities: On February 28, 2026, the US and Israel launched a coordinated military campaign against Iran. The initial strikes reportedly killed Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other senior military and political figures. The US operation was codenamed "Operation Epic Fury."
US Justifications: US President Donald Trump stated that the strikes aimed to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, destroy its missile capabilities, and eliminate its navy. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed the military objectives included "decimating" Iran's military and destroying its defense industrial base. At times, Trump also framed the conflict in terms of regime change.
Iranian Retaliation: Iran launched massive retaliatory missile and drone attacks against Israel, US military bases in the region (including in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE), and energy infrastructure in Gulf states. Iran's stated reason was self-defense against what it called an illegal act of aggression.
Military Actions and Regional Spillover (March 2026)
Strikes on Iran: US and Israeli warplanes conducted thousands of strikes across Iran, targeting military bases, nuclear facilities (including Natanz, Isfahan, and Bushehr), missile launchers, air defense systems, oil infrastructure, and leadership compounds. A strike on the Kharg Island oil terminal severely impacted Iran's export capacity. Civilian infrastructure, including residential areas and a school in Minab, was also hit, resulting in significant civilian casualties for which responsibility was disputed.
Strikes on Israel: Iran fired hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones at Israel. While many were intercepted, some penetrated Israeli air defenses, striking communities like Arad and Dimona and causing dozens of injuries.
War in Lebanon: The conflict expanded dramatically into Lebanon, where the Iran-backed group Hezbollah opened a front against Israel. Israel launched a massive bombing campaign and a ground invasion of southern Lebanon, issuing evacuation orders that displaced over one million people. Over 2,000 people were reported killed in Lebanon.
Gulf States Under Attack: In response to the US-Israeli offensive, Iran attacked targets across the Gulf, including oil refineries in Kuwait and Bahrain, airports, and US military installations. Gulf states intercepted hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones, but debris and projectiles caused civilian casualties and damage.
Strait of Hormuz Blockade: Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to most shipping, including oil tankers, causing a global energy crisis and a surge in oil prices. The US imposed a counter-blockade on Iranian ports.
Casualties and Humanitarian Impact
- Iran: Thousands of people were killed. Reports varied, with figures exceeding 1,500 fatalities, including many civilians. Over 10,000 were reported injured, and millions were displaced.
- Israel: At least 26 people were reported killed, including civilians and soldiers.
- Lebanon: Over 2,000 people were killed and over one million displaced.
- United States: At least 13 US service members were reported killed in action or in aircraft crashes, with hundreds more wounded.
- Gulf States: More than a dozen civilians were reported killed across various Gulf countries.
Diplomatic Efforts and Ceasefires (April 2026)
Pakistan's Mediation: Pakistan emerged as a key mediator between the US and Iran. Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, played a central role in shuttling messages and proposals.
US-Iran Ceasefire (April 7): A two-week provisional ceasefire between the US and Iran was announced, effective April 7. The agreement was conditional on Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz for the ceasefire's duration. Iran's foreign minister confirmed passage would be permitted under Iranian military management. Further negotiations were planned for Islamabad.
Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire (April 17): A ten-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon was announced, beginning April 17. This followed the first direct talks between Israeli and Lebanese envoys in Washington in over 30 years. The ceasefire agreement required Lebanon to prevent Hezbollah from launching attacks on Israel. A meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun was scheduled.
Disputed Terms and Ongoing Tensions
Scope of the Ceasefire: The US and Iran disagreed on whether the US-Iran ceasefire applied to the conflict in Lebanon. The US and Israel stated it did not, while Iran and Pakistan maintained it did. This dispute led to continued Israeli strikes on Hezbollah, which Iran condemned as ceasefire violations.
Israel's Position: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the ceasefire with Iran did not extend to Lebanon and that operations against Hezbollah would continue. He also said Israel would not withdraw from a security buffer zone in southern Lebanon and insisted on Hezbollah's disarmament as a condition for any permanent peace.
Iran's Position: Iran's leadership, including the newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, framed the conflict as a war of survival and rejected US "maximalist" demands for a permanent end to its nuclear program. Iran insisted on retaining control over the Strait of Hormuz and demanded the lifting of all sanctions and reparations. Iran's foreign minister denied that direct talks with the US had occurred, despite Trump's claims to the contrary.
US Position: President Trump threatened to resume bombing if a permanent deal was not reached and stated the US naval blockade would remain. He claimed a framework for a deal was close, while also demanding Iran’s "unconditional surrender." The US rejected Iranian demands for control of the Strait of Hormuz and continued enrichment.
Strait of Hormuz Stalemate: Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz for commercial vessels following the ceasefire but reimposed restrictions when the US blockade remained. Iran stated the strait would remain under its control and warned that ships would be charged tolls. The US continued its blockade and rejected any payment to Iran.
Role of Other Nations: France, the UK, and other European nations called for a lasting resolution and a secure Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and China were involved in various diplomatic efforts to support the Pakistan-led mediation.