What Happened to U.S. Military Strikes Against Iran?

The trajectory of U.S. military strikes against Iran has been marked by periods of heightened tension and direct confrontation, escalating into a full-blown conflict in 2026. Prior to this, notable incidents included the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani in January 2020, which prompted Iranian missile retaliation against U.S. bases in Iraq. In June 2025, the U.S. intervened in the 'Twelve-Day War' between Israel and Iran, striking Iranian nuclear sites.

However, the most significant escalation began in early 2026. Amidst a substantial U.S. military buildup in the Middle East and intensifying tensions over Iran's nuclear program and its crackdown on domestic protests, the U.S. and Israel launched 'Operation Epic Fury' on February 28, 2026. This massive, synchronized air campaign involved nearly 900 strikes in the first 12 hours, targeting Iranian missiles, air defenses, military infrastructure, and leadership, including the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The strikes also caused civilian casualties and significant damage to Iranian cities.

Iran swiftly retaliated with extensive missile and drone strikes against Israel, U.S. embassies, military installations, and oil infrastructure across the Middle East, including in Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. This period also saw Iran blockading the crucial Strait of Hormuz, severely disrupting global oil supplies and causing a fuel crisis. The conflict led to thousands of deaths, millions displaced, and substantial damage across the region.

Diplomatic efforts led to a two-week ceasefire on April 8, 2026, mediated by Pakistan, which was later extended indefinitely. Further negotiations culminated in the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 17, 2026, by U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. This interim agreement aimed to formalize the ceasefire, restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and establish a 60-day negotiation period for a final deal on Iran's nuclear program.

Despite the MoU, the ceasefire has proven fragile. On June 25, 2026, an Iranian drone attacked the commercial vessel M/V Ever Lovely in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting immediate U.S. condemnation and President Trump labeling it a 'foolish violation' of the ceasefire. In response, on June 26, 2026, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted retaliatory strikes against Iranian missile and drone storage locations and coastal radar sites. This latest action underscores the ongoing volatility and the precarious nature of the current truce, with U.S. military presence in the Gulf increasingly viewed as a political burden and discussions ongoing about potentially relocating some U.S. bases to Israel due to damage from Iranian retaliatory strikes.