US-Iran War: What Has Happened in 31 Days of Conflict?

The United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026, under Operation Epic Fury. The Middle East conflict has since widened into Lebanon, the Gulf, and Iraq. Independent organisations estimate between 3,500 and 6,900 deaths in Iran, including over 1,500 civilians.

How Did the US-Iran War Start?

Operation Epic Fury began on February 28, 2026, during active nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran. The strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior officials. Omani foreign minister Badr Al-Busaidi had said a deal was within reach days before the strikes.

How Has Iran Retaliated?

Iran launched hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles at Israel and US military bases across Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The Pentagon confirmed the loss of at least 15 US soldiers and damage to 17 military sites. A US submarine sank an Iranian Navy frigate south of Sri Lanka, killing 104 Iranian sailors, according to the Iranian army. On March 31, Iran hit a Kuwaiti oil tanker, Al Salmi, at Dubai port in the latest Iran-Israel escalation.

What Is the Human and Military Toll?

HRANA and Hengaw estimate between 3,500 and 6,900 deaths in Iran, including over 1,500 civilians. The Iranian Health Ministry reports higher figures. The Pentagon estimates approximately 6,000 Iranian military personnel killed in the US-Iran war to date.

What Is the UNIFIL Crisis in Lebanon?

Hezbollah has fired rockets at Israel since March 2 as the IDF advances toward the Litani River. Three Indonesian UNIFIL peacekeepers were killed during IDF ground operations in southern Lebanon: one by a projectile near Adchit al-Qusayr, two by a vehicle explosion near Bani Hayyan. Guterres said the attacks on UNIFIL peacekeepers may amount to war crimes.

Where Do Diplomacy Efforts Stand?

The Trump administration proposed a 15-point ceasefire plan during Islamabad talks involving Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected it, calling it excessive. This Iran-Israel and US standoff leaves Pakistan as the sole active mediator.

Where Does the US-Iran War Stand Right Now?

Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz to adversaries while collecting tolls in Chinese Yuan from friendly nations. Mojtaba Khamenei has been elected as the new Supreme Leader in Tehran. The Trump administration has submitted a $200 billion supplemental funding request to Congress. The broader Middle East conflict shows no sign of resolution.

(With inputs from yMedia)