US, Israel bomb Iran: A timeline of talks and threats leading up to attacks

Al Jazeera ConflictNews ReportEN 4 min read 100% complete by Al Jazeera StaffFebruary 28, 2026 at 12:31 PM

Part of Story

Destruction in Beirut as bombing and mass displacement continue

AI Summary

long article 4 min

In February 2026, the US and Israel launched military strikes on Iran, escalating tensions despite recent US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva. Israel targeted Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure, prompting Iran to respond with missile and air strikes across the region, including Israel and several Gulf states. President Trump declared a "major combat operation" aimed at eliminating threats from Iran. This escalation follows a period of heightened conflict that began in June 2025 with Israeli air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which led to retaliatory attacks by Iran and subsequent US strikes. A US-brokered ceasefire had previously ended 12 days of fighting in June 2025.

Article Analysis

Framing Angle

Conflict

Primary framing

National Security

Secondary framing

Mixed Tone

Sensationalism

Factual

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OpinionFactual

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Key Claims (5)

AI-Extracted

A US-brokered ceasefire took effect between Iran and Israel, ending all hostilities after 12 days of fighting.

factual — Article100% confidence

President Donald Trump said Washington has begun a “major combat operation” in Iran.

quote — Donald Trump100% confidence

Iran responded with missile and air strikes across the region, including in Israel, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE and Iraq.

factual — Article100% confidence

US and Israel launched strikes on Iran despite ongoing talks over Iran’s nuclear programme.

factual — Article100% confidence

The US-Israel attack marks the most serious escalation since the brief but intense June 2025 war.

factual — Article90% confidence

Claims are automatically extracted and should be independently verified. Attribution indicates the stated source of the claim.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Bahrain 30% Iraq 30% United Arab Emirates 30% Saudi Arabia 30% Washington 40% Qatar ×240% Tehran ×250% June 2025 war ×260% Donald Trump ×270% United States ×990% Israel ×790% Iran ×13100%

Keywords

iran 90% us-iran conflict 90% israel 80% military strikes 80% nuclear programme 70% us-iran talks 70% missile strikes 60% escalation 60% combat operations 50% airspace closure 40%