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War That Began on February 28 Remains Unresolved
Formal talks between the United States and Iran on Tehran’s nuclear programme were under way in Geneva, Switzerland, in the final week of February 2026, with Oman acting as a mediator, when the US and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran on February 28, 2026 . Six months later, the conflict has produced neither an Iranian surrender nor the political transformation Washington initially sought.
Timeline of Key Events
February 28 — War Begins
The US and Israel launched a large-scale air campaign named “Epic Fury” with over 100 aircraft targeting Iranian leadership, military command structures, missile capabilities, and nuclear facilities. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the initial strikes, along with IRGC chief Mohammad Pakpour and Armed Forces Chief Abdolrahim Mousavi. A school in Minab was struck, killing 156 people including 120 children.
March — Hormuz Effectively Closed
Iran launched immediate retaliation against Israel and US facilities in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. The Strait of Hormuz was effectively closed, disrupting one-fifth of global oil and LNG supplies. US crude prices rose 36% in one week.
April — Ceasefire and Pakistan’s Mediation
Pakistan brokered a two-week ceasefire on April 8, with US and Iranian delegations travelling to Islamabad for negotiations that lasted 21 hours but failed to produce a permanent agreement.
June — Islamabad MoU Signed
Washington and Tehran agreed on a framework to extend the ceasefire for 60 days, signing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding with Pakistan as mediator. A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was also reached on June 19.
July — Fighting Resumes
The ceasefire collapsed as the US launched 11 consecutive nights of air strikes against Iran.
August — Economic Pressure Intensifies
The 60-day negotiation period expired without a permanent peace agreement. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced plans for “the toughest sanctions in history” against Iran. On August 24, Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Tehran for talks. Qatar launched a fresh mediation effort on August 27.
The Current Stalemate
Six months on, neither side has achieved a decisive victory. The US has inflicted significant damage on Iran’s military capabilities and killed senior leaders, but Iran’s political system has survived and the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed. The conflict has shifted from the battlefield to economic and diplomatic fronts, with Pakistan, Qatar, and Oman continuing mediation efforts.
