Iran-Israel Conflict
Full timeline synthesis
Nov 28, 2020 – Oct 26, 2026The conflict began with Iranian vows of revenge following the killing of a nuclear scientist in late 2020 and an Israeli-attributed attack on the Natanz nuclear site in 2021. Tensions escalated through 2023 and 2024 as Israel struck IRGC members in Damascus and Iran's consulate in Syria. In October 2024, Israel conducted airstrikes on Iranian military targets, prompting further Iranian threats of retaliation. A massive escalation occurred in June 2025. Israel launched coordinated airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities and commanders, killing scientists and damaging infrastructure. Iran responded by launching 30 drones at an Israeli air base in the Negev. This cycle of direct strikes continued through June 2026, involving hypersonic missiles, attacks on Tel Aviv and Haifa, and Israeli strikes on Tehran and Iranian state television. During this period, the U.S. intervened, with Donald Trump declaring a ceasefire on June 24, 2025, which Iran denied. The conflict intensified when Israel struck the Fordow enrichment site, rendering it inoperable, and later targeted the Evin prison. In early 2026, the war reached a critical turning point when a U.S.-Israeli airstrike killed Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, on February 28. His successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, vowed revenge. The conflict expanded geographically as Israel established covert bases in the Iraqi desert and conducted strikes in Lebanon. The U.S. and Israel also attempted a regime change operation to install Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, which failed. By mid-2026, the U.S. and Israel conducted strikes on Iranian vessels and missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran responded by shooting down Israeli spy drones and threatening to block the Strait. The conflict remains in a state of high-intensity volatility. Following a fragile truce in September 2026, Iran launched renewed drone and missile attacks on the Negev air base, prompting further Israeli and U.S. retaliatory strikes. While Netanyahu and Trump have clashed over military strategy and the blocking of specific operations, the situation remains unresolved. Currently, Iran has threatened to target undersea communication cables in the Persian Gulf if hostilities resume, and Hezbollah has received Iranian financial support to prepare for regional war.