The most recent large‑scale “Iran war” – meaning the 2026 U.S.–Israel–Iran conflict – started on Friday, February 28, 2026.

Which “Iran war” are you asking about?

People sometimes mean different conflicts when they say “the Iran war.” Here are the main ones and their start dates:

War / Conflict name| Main parties involved| Start date (day–month–year)
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2026 Iran War (current conflict)| Iran vs. U.S. + Israel| 28 February 2026 17
Twelve‑Day War (Israel–Iran)| Israel vs. Iran| 13 June 2025 310
Iran–Iraq War (long‑term war)| Iran vs. Iraq| 22 September 1980 258

Quick scoop on the 2026 war

  • The 2026 Iran war began when the United States and Israel launched a coordinated wave of airstrikes across Iran in the early hours of February 28, 2026 , targeting missile sites, air defenses, military infrastructure, and leadership.
  • Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israel, U.S. bases in the region, and several allied countries, rapidly turning the opening strikes into a broader regional war.

If you clarify which Iran war you mean (e.g., vs. Iraq, vs. Israel, or the 2026 conflict), the answer can be narrowed further.