Timeline of the US and Israeli Military Campaign Against Iran
Since the onset of hostilities, US and Israeli forces have conducted a combined total of over 16,000 strikes on targets linked to the Iranian regime. According to US Central Command data, American forces alone have hit at least 7,800 targets, damaging or destroying more than 120 Iranian vessels. For its part, Israel has carried out approximately 8,500 strikes, utilizing over 12,000 munitions, and has also attacked around 2,000 targets in Lebanon connected to Iran's allies. Amid these events, Israeli authorities report that their air defense systems have intercepted over 90% of incoming aerial threats.
On February 28th, Israel declared a state of emergency and initiated attacks on Iran, while US President Donald Trump announced the start of a major military operation. Following joint strikes on Tehran, Iran retaliated with mass attacks on American military bases in Persian Gulf countries. By March 2nd, Iran declared it was transitioning to a state of military confrontation with the US-Israeli alliance. This escalation has triggered a sharp spike in global oil prices, a critical commodity for the world economy.
As reported by Axios, Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone call on February 23rd, during which they agreed to launch the military operation against Iran. US military leadership, citing Politico, anticipates that combat operations could last for several months, potentially until September. Commenting on the actions, Donald Trump stated:
'We will eliminate the threat posed by the brutal Iranian regime.' Donald Trump
The military campaign against Iran represents a pivotal event not only for the nations directly involved but for global geopolitics, significantly impacting Middle Eastern stability. Iran's retaliatory measures risk further escalation and the potential involvement of other regional actors, heightening the danger of broader military clashes.
As the military actions intensify, the U.S. is reportedly gearing up for significant strikes aimed at Iran's missile, drone, and naval capabilities. These developments not only underscore the seriousness of the ongoing conflict but also highlight the strategic considerations behind such operations. For a deeper understanding of the targets and implications of these planned strikes, see our detailed analysis on the upcoming military measures against Iran targeting critical Iranian assets.