Israel Launches Unprecedented Military Campaign Against Iran: Timeline, Impact, and Global Repercussions

For decades, Israeli military and intelligence agencies have warned of the potential threat posed by a nuclear-capable Iran. The specter of a nuclear-armed neighbor has influenced Israel’s defense strategy, diplomatic priorities, and covert operations for more than twenty years. Diplomacy, targeted strikes, cyber operations, and intelligence-gathering were all employed to slow what Israeli officials considered an existential threat.

Yet on February 28, 2026, Israel and the United States transitioned from containment to full-scale military action. The resulting offensive is now being recognized as the most significant Israeli military campaign since the nation’s founding. Entering its fourth week, the operation has transformed the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and caused thousands of casualties throughout the region.

This report examines the events, motivations, and consequences of the ongoing campaign.