February 28 marked the beginning of US-Iran military confrontation
US-Iran conflict origin: February 28, 2026 Israeli-American bombing campaign.
Event / Conflict
US-Iran Nuclear Crisis
Ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran over Iran's nuclear program, including military escalations, diplomatic negotiations attempts, and strategic concerns regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
9 reported locations
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2026-08-13 to 2026-11-10 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 27 Jul, 08:48 UTC
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What happened
Trump halts planned military strikes against Iran to pursue diplomacy
Trump decided to cancel a planned major military strike against Iran that was scheduled for Sunday, which he described as potentially the largest US military operation since World War II. The decision came after requests from Gulf allies Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as from unnamed Iranian officials asking the administration not to attack.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman influences Trump's decision to pause strikes
Trump spoke by phone with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Saturday regarding the planned military strikes. Saudi officials conveyed that escalation in fighting could severely impact the global economy if Iran responded by targeting US Gulf allies, and expressed preference for a diplomatic deal over military action. This conversation was a key factor in Trump's decision to halt the planned strikes.
Trump announces planned negotiations with Iran on nuclear program and Strait of Hormuz access
President Donald Trump announced that negotiations with Iran are planned to begin within the next day or two. The talks aim to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as a first phase, followed by a second phase focused on Iran's denuclearization. Trump stated that Iran cannot be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.
Iran disputes Trump's claim of ongoing negotiations
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated on August 3 that negotiations with the United States are not currently happening. However, Iran is engaged in talks with Oman. Baghaei also stated that the Strait of Hormuz will not return to its pre-war situation.
Strait of Hormuz opening scheduled for August 4 as first phase of talks
Trump indicated that the first phase of planned negotiations with Iran includes the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, which he stated would occur on August 4. Trump claimed the United States maintains total naval control of the Middle East through a blockade he compared to a wall of steel.
US military has decimated Iranian air force and navy leadership
During the conflict that began February 28, Trump has overseen US military operations that have decimated layers of Tehran's leadership and caused widespread devastation to Iran's air force and navy.
US-Iran conflict began on February 28, 2026
The military conflict between the United States and Iran began on February 28, 2026. Throughout the conflict, Trump has repeatedly halted and restarted military strikes while pursuing negotiations, with a focus on preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Two-thirds of US adults oppose the war with Iran
According to polling from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, approximately two-thirds of US adults say the war with Iran has not been worthwhile. This includes the vast majority of Democrats and independents, as well as about 37% of Republicans.
Iran has attacked vessels in Strait of Hormuz without authorization
Iran has repeatedly attacked vessels attempting to transit through the Strait of Hormuz without its authorization as part of its conflict with the United States.
Trump and Netanyahu discussed paths to curb Iran's nuclear program
Israeli officials confirmed that Trump and Netanyahu met on Tuesday in Washington, where they explored all possible paths to curb Iran's nuclear program, including diplomacy, economic pressure, and military force.
Trump calls off planned military strikes on Iran
President Donald Trump announced on August 2 that he had called off planned military strikes on Iran the night before at the urging of regional allies Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Iran itself. Trump stated the planned strike "would have been by far the biggest attack since World War II" and that the United States remains ready to execute the military option if diplomacy fails.
Saudi oil tankers cross Red Sea amid Houthi threats
Two tankers laden with Saudi oil crossed the Bab el-Mandeb strait over the weekend despite Houthi threats against Saudi oil exports in the Red Sea.
Vessel incident reported in Strait of Hormuz
A tanker reported an explosion nearby in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre confirmed the vessel and crew were all safe.
Iran and Oman discussing new route through Strait of Hormuz
Iran's foreign ministry reported that negotiations with Oman over a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz were in final stages. Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated a deal was close and emphasized that any agreement would respect the sovereign rights of both sides and would not return the strait to its status before February 28th.
Shipping traffic slows in Strait of Hormuz
Shipping data showed that traffic in the Strait of Hormuz slowed following reports of vessel attacks. The strategic waterway, which carries approximately 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas, has been largely closed by Iran.
Oil prices fall following Trump's announcement
Brent crude oil prices dropped more than 4% to approximately $83 per barrel at the opening of Asian trade on Monday following Trump's announcement of planned negotiations with Iran rather than military strikes.
Trump announces Iran negotiations to begin Monday
President Trump announced that negotiations with Iran will begin on Monday afternoon following the cancellation of military strikes. Trump declined to set a deadline for reaching an agreement or provide details about the location or participants in the talks.
Israel's energy minister reaffirms commitment to counter Iran's nuclear program
Israel's energy minister Eli Cohen stated that Israel maintains close security and intelligence coordination with the United States on regional developments and warned that regardless of any agreement, if Iran attempts to renew its nuclear programme or advance its ballistic missile industries, Israel will take action.
Pause in US airstrikes on Iran extends to third consecutive night
No US bombardments were reported against Iran since Friday evening, July 24, marking a three-day pause in hostilities following two weeks of unprecedented airstrikes since a ceasefire agreement in April.
Iran warns US against continued military escalation during Netanyahu visit
Iranian military spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia warned that if the US allows itself to be "deceived again" by Israel and insists on continuing the war through airstrikes, hostilities will expand geographically. Akraminia suggested the US is in a difficult situation and seeking a new strategy.
Read the coverage
2 alternative perspectives
Two-thirds of Americans oppose Iran war amid escalating conflict
Majority of Americans oppose Iran war as military operations escalate.
Iran attacks vessels in Strait as US targets military leadership
Iran attacks Strait vessels; US strikes Iranian military leadership in renewed escalation.
Saudi pressure stalls Iran nuclear talks as opening date slips
Saudi Arabia's influence slows Iran nuclear diplomacy as both sides dispute whether talks have actually begun.
Israel and US coordinate strategy to counter Iran nuclear ambitions
Israel and US coordinate nuclear containment strategy against Iran amid ongoing crisis.
Strait of Hormuz tensions rise as shipping slows and routes shift
Strait of Hormuz shipping slows; Iran-Oman explore alternative routes amid vessel incidents.
Trump halts Iran strikes, announces negotiations to begin Monday
Trump cancels Iran strikes, announces negotiations starting Monday.
Saudi-Houthi tensions reignite as Iran and Oman discuss maritime security
Houthis resume Saudi attacks as Iran-Oman maritime talks signal regional realignment.
Oil prices fall as conflict pause reshapes economic outlook
Oil prices fall as military pause reduces conflict-driven energy market pressure.
US-Iran peace protocol unravels within one month as blockade returns
US-Iran peace protocol fails within a month; US restarts port blockade.
US and Iran pause military operations as diplomatic channels open
US and Iran pause military operations as both signal readiness for diplomatic engagement.