2026 Iran war

2026 Iran war

Since February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel have been in a conflict with Iran and its regional allies. The fighting began after US-Israeli airstrikes during talks about Iran's nuclear program.

The war is linked to a larger crisis in the Middle East that started with the Gaza war. It followed the Twelve-Day War and the biggest US military buildup in the region since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The US said the war was needed to respond to Iran's actions, stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons, and control Iran's oil and gas.

Iran attacked Israel, US military bases, and US allies with missiles and drones. They also blocked the Strait of Hormuz. Other countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain also took part in the conflict. Fighting continued between Hezbollah and Israel. The war caused many deaths and disrupted the global oil market, affecting many industries and causing financial problems.

International reactions were mixed; some countries condemned the US-Israeli actions, while others criticized Iran. A ceasefire began in April but faced challenges. Diplomatic efforts continued, and by July, the US and Iran agreed to stop attacking each other, though tensions stayed high.

Names

Western media call this the Iran war. The United States named its first strikes Operation Epic Fury. Israel called its strikes Operation Roaring Lion. Iran called its response Operation True Promise IV.

Some also call this the "Third Gulf War" because it is the third big war in that area, after the Gulf War and the Iraq War. Iranian media call it the "Third Imposed War". Because it started during Ramadan, some call it the "Ramadan War".

Background

Further information: Middle Eastern crisis (2023–present)

See also: Rationale for the 2026 Iran war and Regime change efforts in the 2026 Iran war

Iran's relations with the United States and Israel

Further information: Iran–United States relations and Iran–Israel relations

Long ago, in 1953, the United States helped a group take control of Iran. This made the leader, the Shah, very powerful. Later, in 1979, people in Iran rebelled and removed the Shah. They made a new government and stopped working with the United States and Israel.

During a big fight between Iran and Iraq, the United States helped Iraq. Iran started making missiles to protect itself. Over time, Iran got involved in many conflicts in the Middle East.

In 2002, people found out that Iran was working on a secret nuclear plan. The United States and Israel tried many things to stop Iran.

In 2020, the United States killed a top Iranian military leader. Tensions kept growing, especially after attacks on Israel in 2024 and 2025. In early 2026, the United States and Israel decided to work together to attack Iran.

Nuclear activity in the Middle East

Iranian nuclear program

Main article: Nuclear program of Iran

See also: Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons § Iran, and Iran and weapons of mass destruction § Nuclear weapons

For many years, Iran has worked on nuclear technology. They say it is to make electricity, but many people worry they want to make weapons. The United States and others have put many rules on Iran to stop this.

In 2025, reports said Iran was not following the rules about nuclear weapons.

Israel and nuclear weapons

Further information: Israel and nuclear weapons and Middle East nuclear weapon free zone

Many believe Israel has nuclear weapons but they do not say it openly. Some think this is why Iran wants nuclear weapons too, to balance power. Israel does not want to join agreements to stop nuclear weapons, which makes it hard for others to agree.

Prelude

Hostilities

The conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran began in February 2026. It started after US and Israeli airstrikes targeted several Iranian officials. These strikes happened during talks about Iran's nuclear program.

The fighting led to many attacks across the Middle East. Both sides launched missiles and drones at each other's targets. This caused damage to military bases, infrastructure, and some civilian areas. The situation also disrupted shipping and raised concerns about more problems in the region.

Casualties and damages

Main articles: Casualties of the 2026 Iran war and List of aviation shootdowns and accidents during the 2026 Iran war

Further information: List of ships attacked during the 2026 Iran war

See also: Separatism in Iran and Air campaign in Iranian Kurdistan

The war between the United States, Israel, and Iran started with a surprise attack. Many important Iranian leaders were together, thinking they were safe. This let the US and Israel attack them quickly.

Buildings and equipment at US bases were damaged. Some US soldiers were hurt, including in attacks by Iranian drones.

Direct impacts

United States

The United States' oil reserves dropped very low, which could cause problems if it keeps happening.

The war showed that the US had fewer weapons than expected. In less than five months, the US almost ran out of weapons. This might affect the US ability to stop other countries. Many missiles used to block Iranian attacks were used up. The US gave a big contract to make more missiles because of the crisis. The US used almost all of its advanced weapons and lost many drones. The US faced a serious shortage of missiles and had to move weapons from other places. The shortage of missiles led to changes in plans.

Iran

The leader of Iran died, and a new leader was chosen. Life in Iran became very hard. Many buildings were damaged, and schools were closed. The internet stopped working for a long time. Some people tried to protest, but they were stopped.

There were worries that very young people might be used to support the war. Iran brought in allies for help.

Many important historic places in Iran were damaged during the war.

Israel

Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency, closing schools and workplaces. Iran sent many missiles to Israel.

Palestine

Israel closed several aid crossings in the Gaza Strip. There were also reports of increased violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

Lebanese displacements

Lebanon said that over one million people had to leave their homes.

Persian Gulf Arab states

Countries around the Persian Gulf arrested people for sharing unproven rumors about the Iranian attacks. The United States threatened Oman after reports of talks between Iran and Oman about the Strait of Hormuz.

Economic impacts

See also: Red Sea crisis and Cyberwarfare during the 2026 Iran war

The war changed the world’s economy. Prices for oil and gas went up, making travel and tourism harder. Money markets were upset because of the fighting. Leaders said it was a big challenge for energy security.

Countries around the world felt these effects. Some had to pay more for fuel. Shipping in some parts of the world was also affected. The war caused problems for businesses and everyday life in many places.

Environmental impacts

Main article: Environmental impact of war

The airstrikes have spread harmful chemicals into the air and water. This has made some places unsafe for people to live in. The pollution can make people sick over time.

Because of the fighting, oil prices have gone up a lot. This has led oil companies to produce more oil instead of focusing on protecting the environment. Experts worry this could warm the Earth and cause big problems for everyone.

Reactions

Main article: Reactions to the 2026 Iran war

Further information: Protests against the 2026 Iran war

The war between Iran and some other countries changed the world in many ways. Oil prices rose, making many things cost more. People in the United States noticed that their money did not buy as much as before during this time.

Diplomatic efforts

See also: Islamabad Talks and Islamabad Memorandum

June 2026 Memorandum of Understanding

Main article: Islamabad Memorandum

Leaders decided that fighting could hurt their economies. On 17 June 2026, Donald Trump signed an agreement for the United States at the Palace of Versailles. Other leaders had signed it online earlier. The agreement stopped fighting for 60 days. Plans were made for lasting peace, and the United States agreed to help Iran in important ways.

Analysis

Some leaders have talked about possibly damaging important buildings in Iran. Experts say that doing this might break important rules and could cause big legal problems.