Timeline: US Involvement and Escalation In The Iran-Israel Conflict Since Hamas Attack, October 7, 2023

On June 21, 2025, the United States launched airstrikes targeting three of Iran's most significant nuclear facilities-Fordo, Natanz and Esfahan-marking a dramatic and unprecedented escalation in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. President Donald Trump announced the operation as a "very successful attack," confirming that U.S. B-2 stealth bombers, capable of carrying massive bunker-busting bombs, had executed precision strikes, and all aircraft had safely exited Iranian airspace.

Here is a timeline of key events in the Iran-Israel conflict, with US involvement, following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023:

October 7, 2023

Hamas launches a large-scale attack on Israel from Gaza, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking hostages.

Israel responds with a major military operation in Gaza.

US President Joe Biden pledges support for Israel's defense and begins moving military assets to the region.

October 8, 2023

Hezbollah begins attacks on northern Israel in solidarity with Hamas, escalating the conflict.

US reinforces its commitment to Israel's security and starts coordinating with regional allies.

October 26, 2023

US orders airstrikes on two Iran-backed facilities in Iraq and Syria in response to attacks on US and Israeli targets by Iran-backed proxies.

Over 200 attacks on US and Israeli targets in Iraq and Syria are reported since the start of the Gaza war.

February 2, 2024

US conducts airstrikes on 85 Iran-affiliated targets in Iraq and Syria, further responding to proxy attacks.

April 1, 2024

Suspected Israeli airstrike on an Iranian consular building in Damascus kills two Iranian generals and five military advisors.

Iran retaliates with over 300 drones and missiles fired at Israel, marking the first direct Iranian missile attack on Israel.

US, along with a coalition, helps Israel intercept most of the incoming projectiles.

October 1, 2024

Iran launches a second direct attack on Israel, with most missiles intercepted by a US-led coalition and Israeli defenses.

President Biden reiterates US readiness to assist Israel in defending against Iranian aggression.

June 13, 2025

Israel launches 'Operation Rising Lion,' its largest attack on Iran since the 1980s, targeting nuclear facilities, missile factories, and military leadership.

Iran declares the attack "an act of war" and retaliates with waves of drones and ballistic missiles against Israel.

US begins evacuating embassy staff and families from Israel as tensions escalate.

June 16-18, 2025

Iranian missiles strike Tel Aviv and Haifa, killing civilians and damaging infrastructure, including the US Embassy.

Israel claims to have destroyed a significant portion of Iran's missile launchers and maintains aerial superiority.

Trump administration reviews military options and considers direct US involvement but holds off pending Iran's response.

June 21-22, 2025

US President Donald Trump authorizes direct airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites (Fordo, Natanz, Esfahan), marking formal US military entry into the conflict.

US B-2 bombers and Tomahawk missiles are deployed; Trump announces the operation as "very successful."

Iran warns that US personnel and interests in the region are now targets.

Iran launches retaliatory missile attacks on Israel on June 22, 2025.