No, the Iran war is not over. The conflict that began with US and Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026, has had a ceasefire and a peace memorandum, but the truce collapsed in July. Talks are stalled, the US is blockading Iranian ports, and attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz are at their highest level of the war.
This weekend, President Trump threatened to "soon finish the job" against Iran "unless they change their ways rapidly," and Russia's foreign minister flew to Tehran offering to help.
How did the war start?
On February 28, a day after Trump authorised them, US and Israeli strikes hit Iran during nuclear negotiations, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior officials. Iran answered with missiles and drones against Israel, Gulf states and US bases, and began disrupting shipping through Hormuz.
His son Mojtaba Khamenei was named supreme leader on March 8.
Iran war timeline
| When | What happened |
|---|---|
| Feb. 28 | US-Israeli strikes kill Ali Khamenei |
| March | US strikes Kharg Island; Israel hits South Pars gas field; Iran strikes Qatar's LNG plant; Hezbollah and the Houthis join |
| April 8 | Two-week ceasefire begins |
| April 12–13 | Talks in Islamabad fail; US imposes naval blockade |
| June 17 | US and Iranian presidents sign a memorandum to end the war |
| June 28 | Sides agree to stop exchanging attacks |
| July 8 | Truce collapses after Iranian attacks on ships in Hormuz |
| July–Sept. | Houthis resume war with Saudi Arabia |
| October | Record attacks in Hormuz; Lavrov visits Tehran |
What is the human cost?
| Killed | |
|---|---|
| Iran (Iranian figures / HRANA) | about 3,500 / 3,700 |
| Israel | about 40 soldiers and 31 civilians |
| United States | 19 service members and 1 contractor |
| Hezbollah (internal sources) | 1,000+ fighters |
Figures are as compiled on Wikipedia from official and rights-group sources, and vary.
Where do things stand now?
At sea. There have been 23 attacks on ships near Hormuz since October 1, and Iran says two supertankers hit mines last week. Read our Hormuz explainer.
In the Gulf. The Iran-aligned Houthis are firing near-daily missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia, and Egypt is weighing whether to send forces. Read more.
In Washington. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says Iran must choose between giving up its "nuclear ambitions" in negotiations or facing devastating military action. Trump, endorsing Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, called him a partner "in combatting the Islamic Republic of Iran."
In Tehran. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi blames the US-Israeli war and the blockade for the "insecurity" in Hormuz.
Who is trying to end it?
- Russia: Lavrov visited Tehran on Monday, said Moscow would honour its economic deals with Iran, and proposed a Gulf security arrangement including Iran and the GCC.
- Egypt and Pakistan: Calling for US-Iran talks to resume; Egypt's foreign minister met Araghchi in Baghdad on Saturday.
- Oman: A long-time channel between Washington and Tehran.
What to watch
A new round of talks. Any announcement of renewed US-Iran negotiations would be the first real sign of de-escalation since July.
US military action. Trump and Hegseth have both threatened further strikes.
Israel's election on October 27. The vote could shape how Israel approaches the war in the months ahead. Read our election guide.
