Full timeline synthesis
Apr 12, 2021 – Sep 2, 2026The conflict began with Iranian accusations that Israel attacked the Natanz nuclear site in April 2021. Tensions escalated through 2023 and early 2024 via drone attacks in Isfahan and Israeli strikes in Damascus that killed five IRGC members. On April 1, 2024, an Israeli strike on Iran’s consulate in Syria killed two IRGC generals, leading to further Israeli air strikes on Iranian military targets in October 2024. In June 2025, the conflict entered a period of intense direct engagement. Israel conducted coordinated airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities and commanders, killing nuclear scientists. Iran responded by launching 30 drones at an Israeli air base in the Negev. This triggered a cycle of retaliation, including Israeli strikes on the Qom and Fordow nuclear sites and Iranian missile strikes on Tel Aviv and Haifa. Israel subsequently struck Iranian state television and Quds Force weapon sites in Tehran. By late June, the conflict expanded as the United States joined the region, and Israel targeted the Evin prison and the Fordow enrichment site, which Israel claimed was rendered inoperable. Hostilities continued into 2026 with significant casualties and leadership changes. A US-Israeli airstrike killed Ali Khamenei on February 28, 2026, leading to the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei. Following a fragile April truce, Iran broke the ceasefire on June 7, 2026, by launching 30 missiles at the Negev air base. Israel responded with airstrikes against Iranian military installations. On June 8, Iran launched missiles at Israel, citing Israeli targeting of Lebanon, while Israel struck western Iran and strategic defense systems. A subsequent Israeli strike on Tyre, Lebanon, caused 14 deaths despite Iranian warnings. This led to a rift between President Trump, who sought a nuclear deal, and Prime Minister Netanyahu, who continued strikes in Lebanon. In late summer 2026, the conflict surged again. Iran launched repeated drone attacks on the Negev air base, prompting US retaliatory strikes in Jordan and the UAE. On September 2, 2026, Iran launched 30 drones at the Negev facility, which the US met with a missile strike on Iranian assets in eastern Syria. The conflict currently stands in a state of high-intensity military engagement, with the Israeli Defense Minister promising a 'great force' response to ongoing Iranian strikes.