Military operations launched by the United States and Israel against Iran mark the most serious escalation since the brief but intense June 2025 war and despite several rounds of indirect nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Iran retaliated with missile and air strikes across the region, including targets in Israel and Gulf nations such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Iraq. Below is a verified timeline of diplomatic engagements, military confrontations and political developments leading up to the February 28, 2026 strikes.
June 13, 2025 — Israel Launches Major Air Campaign
Israel carries out extensive air strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities while indirect US–Iran talks are ongoing.
Iran responds within hours with large-scale missile and drone attacks on Israeli cities.
June 22, 2025 — US Enters the Conflict
The United States conducts strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities at Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan.
US President Donald Trump says the operation significantly degraded Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Iranian officials acknowledge damage but state that the programme was not destroyed.
June 23, 2025 — Iranian Retaliation Against US Assets
Iran fires missiles toward Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which houses US troops. The missiles are intercepted and no casualties are reported.
June 24, 2025 — Ceasefire Takes Effect
After 12 days of hostilities, a US-brokered ceasefire between Iran and Israel takes effect.
Iran reports at least 610 fatalities during the conflict, while Israel reports 28 deaths.
July 2, 2025 — Iran Suspends IAEA Cooperation
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signs legislation halting cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), limiting inspectors’ access to nuclear facilities unless specifically authorised by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
July 22, 2025 — Iran Reaffirms Enrichment Policy
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi states that Tehran will not abandon its uranium enrichment programme, despite temporary operational disruptions caused by the June conflict.
August 2025 — Rising Tensions and Sanctions
- August 12: Iranian authorities arrest thousands in connection with the 12-day war, according to state media.
- August 22: Iran agrees to resume nuclear discussions with the United Kingdom, France and Germany.
- August 28: The three European nations trigger a UN mechanism reinstating sanctions on Iran.
November 2025 — Diplomatic Signals
- November 1: Oman urges both the US and Iran to return to negotiations.
- November 7: President Trump states that Iran has requested sanctions relief and signals openness to talks.
December 2025 – January 2026 — Domestic Unrest in Iran
- December 28: Protests erupt in major Iranian cities over economic conditions as the rial weakens sharply.
- January 8: Authorities impose a nationwide internet shutdown amid expanding protests.
- January 13: President Trump publicly encourages Iranian protesters and signals that the US may consider further intervention.
The US increases its military presence near Iran during this period.
February 2026 — Renewed Nuclear Talks
- February 6: Indirect US–Iran nuclear negotiations resume in Geneva, mediated by Oman.
- February 17: High-level talks continue.
- February 22: Oman describes a “positive push,” though major disagreements remain.
- February 26: A third round concludes, with Omani officials reporting “significant progress.”
- February 27: Oman announces that Iran has agreed to reduce enriched uranium stockpiles to lower levels. President Trump states that diplomacy is preferred but warns that “all options remain on the table.”
February 28, 2026 — Strikes Resume
Israel launches coordinated strikes on Iranian military and nuclear-linked targets, including locations in and around Tehran.
President Trump announces that the United States has begun a “major combat operation” aimed at eliminating perceived threats from the Iranian government.
Iran responds with missile and air strikes across Israel and several Gulf states. Multiple countries temporarily close their airspace as tensions surge.
Why This Escalation Is Significant
The February 28 strikes mark:
- The most serious military escalation since the June 2025 war
- A breakdown in momentum from indirect diplomatic negotiations
- A widening regional security crisis involving multiple Gulf states
- Increased risk of prolonged direct confrontation
Despite several rounds of negotiations mediated by Oman, military action resumed just days after reports of diplomatic progress.
Conclusion By Factcheck India
The US–Israel strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026 followed months of fluctuating diplomacy, renewed sanctions, internal unrest in Iran and warnings from Washington that military options remained available. Although indirect talks had shown signs of limited progress, the renewed military action represents a sharp escalation in regional tensions and underscores the fragile state of diplomatic efforts surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme. The situation remains fluid, with regional security and global diplomatic implications continuing to evolve.