The US/Iran War - full breakdown

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How it started

The war began when the US and Israel launched airstrikes in Operation Epic Fury alongside Israel’s Operation Roaring Lion on Iran targeting military and government sites and assassinating several Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The surprise attacks were launched during negotiations between Iran and the US regarding Iran's nuclear program. Iran responded with missile and drone strikes against Israel, US bases, and US-allied countries and Iran further responded with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global trade, and increasing gas prices.

So why did this happen?

The US and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28, 2026, in the result of their failed diplomacy concerning Iran's nuclear program. The US motivations included “neutralizing an imminent threat” meaning the US was trying to prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons and possibly using them on the US, and seizing Iran’s oil reserves, among other reasons. Critics of the war have described the US attacks as illegal under US law, an act of imperialism, and a violation of Iran's sovereignty under international law.

Why has this been going on for so long?

Iran gained control and closed off the Strait of Hormuz, a very vital oil transport area where around 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) usually passes through the strait. This sent global fuel prices soaring, for example, right now in California, gas prices are $6.131 for regular, $6.353 for mid grade, $6.545 for premium, and $7.498 for diesel. 

US President Donald Trump has controversially claimed victory several times and said the Iranian military had been destroyed. Trump then repeatedly threatened to destroy Iran's infrastructure and "civilization" if they did not make a deal with the US and re-open the Strait of Hormuz. 

The Strait of Hormuz

The two week ceasefire

After the threats by US President Donald Trump, Iran, the US and Israel agreed to a two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan, beginning on the 8th of April. The ceasefire came under strain as Iran refused to re-open the Hormuz strait, blaming the Israeli strikes in Lebanon. After the failure of the Islamabad Talks, Trump said he no longer cared about negotiations, and announced a naval blockade of Iran from 13 April. Then, Iran announced that commercial shipping would be allowed through the Hormuz strait during this ceasefire, but re-imposed restrictions when the US refused to lift its naval blockade. The US Navy seized an Iranian cargo ship, which Iran called a truce violation, and Trump ordered the US Navy to destroy any Iranian boats laying mines in the strait. 

This has led to a "dual blockade", with the US Navy blockading Iran and Iran blockading the Persian Gulf. 

Why people are mad at President Donald Trump for this war?

After years of condemning the Iraq War and even branding himself the “peace” candidate, US President Donald Trump has now embraced the kind of regime change conflict he long criticized. Allies once praised him for avoiding new wars, including politicians like JD Vance, while contrasting him with “past hawks” like Hillary Clinton, who infamously backed the Iraq War as a senator.