Key Dates In The Israel-Iran Conflict: A Timeline Of Escalation

Tensions have escalated between arch-rivals Israel and Iran since the outbreak of the conflict in Gaza, sparked by Hamas's unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Here is a timeline of key events leading up to Iran's missile barrage against Israel on October 1, 2023:

Hamas's Initial Attack

On October 8, 2023, Iran's then-President Ebrahim Raisi expressed support for the Palestinian "right to defend themselves," condemning Israel's "security threats" in the region. In Tehran, pro-Palestinian banners were displayed. On October 28, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that 90% of Hamas's military budget comes from Iran, stating that Tehran funds and directs the group.

Escalation of Violence

On December 25, 2023, Iran accused Israel of killing a senior Quds Force officer, Razi Moussavi, in an attack in Syria. In January 2024, a strike in Damascus attributed to Israel killed five Revolutionary Guards members, including the group's intelligence chief for Syria. Iranian President Raisi threatened retaliation.

Targeted Strikes

On April 1, 2024, an airstrike blamed on Israel destroyed Iran's diplomatic mission in Damascus, killing seven Revolutionary Guards members, including two generals. The Israeli military described the casualties as "terrorists." Iran and Syria accused Israel of the attack.

Iran's Response

On April 13, 2024, Iran launched a wave of missiles and drones at Israel, marking its first direct assault on Israeli territory since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979. Most projectiles were intercepted by Israel and other nations. The Israeli government vowed to retaliate.

Revenge Strikes

On April 19, explosions were reported in central Iran, with US media citing officials claiming Israel conducted revenge strikes. Iran downplayed the impact of the explosions and did not directly accuse Israel.

Hamas Leader Killed

On July 31, Hamas announced that its political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in an overnight strike in Iran. Iranian media reported that he was killed by an air-launched missile while attending the inauguration of new President Masoud Pezeshkian. Hamas and Iran blamed Israel for the attack.

Hezbollah Leader Killed

On September 27, an Israeli strike on Hezbollah's stronghold in southern Beirut killed Hassan Nasrallah, the group's leader, along with an Iranian general. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed that Nasrallah's death "will not be in vain."

Iran's Retaliatory Strike

On October 1, 2024, Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel in response to the killings of Nasrallah and Haniyeh. The attack came after Israel announced limited ground operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. An Israeli military spokesperson stated that the Iranian attack "will have consequences" and emphasized that "we have plans to operate at the time and place we decide."