Timeline: How the 2026 Iran War and Strait of Hormuz Crisis Reached This Point
From the 28 February strikes to the October blockade: the key dates of the war between the United States, Israel and Iran.
28 February: The United States and Israel launch surprise airstrikes on Iran, targeting military and government sites. According to Wikipedia's account, the strikes included the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. Iran retaliates across the region and restricts the Strait of Hormuz.
8 April: A two-week ceasefire begins, mediated by Pakistan. On 11–13 April, the Islamabad Talks fail to reach a deal, and on 13 April the United States imposes a naval blockade on Iranian ports. On 17 April Iran says it will allow commercial shipping, but the blockade continues and Iran reimposes restrictions the next day.
4–6 May: The US operation known as "Project Freedom" temporarily escorts commercial ships through the strait. 17 June: The presidents of the United States and Iran sign a memorandum to end the war, lifting the dual blockade. 28 June: Both sides agree to stop exchanging attacks.
8 July: The ceasefire collapses after Iran attacks commercial vessels in the strait. 14 July: The US reinstates its naval blockade. 4 October: Iran says the strait stays closed until the US accepts its plan. 28 October: The blockade is still being enforced, and Iran says it is discussing a plan with mediators.