Iran Conflict Timeline

The timeline of events in Iran reveals a series of significant escalations, particularly marked by the US strikes on nuclear sites in June 2025 during the Israel-Gaza conflict. Following a ceasefire on June 24, 2025, tensions persisted, leading to widespread protests in Iran and increased international scrutiny of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in early 2026. In December 2025, protests intensified, coinciding with US President Donald Trump's warnings regarding potential intervention should Iran harm civilians. This period set the stage for the EU's designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization and subsequent diplomatic talks between Iran and the US in Oman. The negotiations in Oman were critical, as they occurred just before the US issued a deadline to Iran. Despite ongoing discussions, the situation escalated dramatically with the US and Israel striking Iran on February 28, 2026, prompting retaliatory actions from Iran against US installations in the Gulf region. The involvement of Oman as a mediator suggested potential pathways to a diplomatic resolution, yet the military actions indicated a breakdown in negotiations. The implications of these events extend beyond the region, affecting global oil supply chains, particularly for countries like South Africa that rely on imports from the Gulf.