<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>This weekend's </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/us-israel-launch-attack-on-iran-live-updates-us-begins-major-combat-operations--israel-launches-attack-on-irans-capital/2a7ce3d3-dbba-413c-9053-397468cc6bec" rel="" target="" title="strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran"><span>strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran</span></a><span>, resulting in the </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/us-israel-strike-on-iran-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei/14563354-250d-40b4-8330-645799b4e899" rel="" target="" title="assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei"><span>assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</span></a><span>, come on the back of months of tensions ratcheting up in the </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/middle-east" rel="" target="" title="Middle East"><span>Middle East</span></a><span>.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>But the events leading up to the dramatic military action date back far further, </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/donald-trump" rel="" target="" title="US President Donald Trump"><span>US President Donald Trump</span></a><span> ordering a increased armed presence in the region, instead reaching back almost three-quarters of a century ago.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Here's how we got here.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>LIVE UPDATES:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/us-israel-launch-attack-on-iran-live-updates-us-begins-major-combat-operations--israel-launches-attack-on-irans-capital/2a7ce3d3-dbba-413c-9053-397468cc6bec" rel="" target="" title="US and Israel attack Iran, Tehran retaliates with strikes throughout Middle East"><strong><span>US and Israel attack Iran, Tehran retaliates with strikes throughout Middle East</span></strong></a><span></span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><strong><span>1953</span></strong></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Iranian Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh is overthrown in a UK-instigated, US-supported coup aimed at protecting British oil interests.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>His removal strengthens the power of the monarchy under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, but also anti-American and anti-British sentiment in the country.</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/world/us-israel-attacks-iran-timline-events/ff4273f6-5e5f-40cf-949d-28907f8dfc21" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/us-israel-attacks-iran-world-leaders-countries-reactions/27dfca37-6809-4f2c-9d2b-1d2d15da269b"><strong><span>'Iran can end this now': World leaders react to US-Israel strikes</span></strong></a><strong><span></span></strong></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><strong><span>1979</span></strong></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The shah, who is by now deeply unpopular, is overthrown in the 1979 Iranian Revolution. The Islamic Republic of Iran is formally established, with Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini its first supreme leader.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Under the new Islamic Republic, the rights of women are heavily restricted.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/us-israel-attack-iran-oil-prices-trump/af5440a0-4709-4cc9-9b6f-4fb4ed6be0ad"><strong><span>Potential oil price hike could impact petrol cost in Australia</span></strong></a><strong><span></span></strong></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><strong><span>1981</span></strong></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Ali Khamenei becomes the president of Iran. He is sworn in wearing a sling for his right arm, which was paralysed in a failed assassination attempt in 198.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><strong><span>1989</span></strong></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Khomeini dies. Khamenei replaces him, becoming Iran's second supreme leader.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Around this time, it establishes a plan to develop nuclear weapons, known as Project AMAD.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>WATCH:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/state-tv-presenter-cries-while-announcing-the-death-of-irans-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamene/1cf2a70d-6f91-4212-b700-d3f806ace659"><strong><span>State TV presenter cries while announcing the death of Iran's supreme leader</span></strong></a><strong><span></span></strong></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><strong><span>1995</span></strong></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Iran is subjected to oil and trade sanctions by the US over state terrorism sponsorship and the desire for a nuclear weapon. Further sanctions are applied in the coming decades.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><strong><span>1999</span></strong></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Student protests break out in response to the closure of reformist newspaper Salam. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>In the largest demonstrations since the days of the revolution, at least four students are killed, hundreds are wounded and more than 1000 are arrested in the crackdown by authorities.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/us-israel-attack-iran-dubai-airport-damaged/587e641f-3607-45f9-a9db-69a065d2050e"><strong><span>Dubai Airport damaged in reported strike, four hurt</span></strong></a><strong><span></span></strong></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><strong><span>2003</span></strong></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Project AMAD is shelved, although Iran's nuclear program, including civilian uses, continues.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Iran signs the Tehran Agreement, which included pledges to temporarily suspend uranium enrichment and reprocessing, and more intrusive inspections by international authorities, although its cooperation with those commitments is frequently questioned.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><span>2009, June</span></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Protests in major cities break out in response to the 2009 presidential elections, after incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is declared the winner over two reformist opposition candidates, who claim the result is fraudulent. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Dozens are killed and thousands arrested in the ensuing crackdown.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>TRAVEL CHAOS:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/us-israel-attacks-iran-will-my-flight-be-cancelled-what-to-know-about-conflict-in-the-middle-east-and-flight-plans/e327c055-0a17-4046-9360-bcd08ae5ec50"><strong><span>Will my flight be cancelled? What to know about conflict in the Middle East and flight plans</span></strong></a><span></span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><strong><span>2009, September</span></strong></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Iran admits it is building a uranium enrichment plant, but insists it is for civilian purposes. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Separately, it test-fires a range of medium- and long-range missiles that could reach Israel and US military bases in the region.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><span>2015</span></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Iran signs the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with the United States under President Barack Obama, as well as China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and Germany.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The agreement limits Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/australian-flights-to-middle-eastern-diruptions-airspace-closures/5c77fb0b-c942-4669-8f69-7f29d8952cc9"><strong><span>Australian travellers stranded as closed airspace causes flight cancellations</span></strong></a><strong><span></span></strong></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><strong><span>2018</span></strong></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>US President Donald Trump withdraws from the nuclear deal.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><strong><span>2020</span></strong></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard's elite Quds Force, </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/why-was-qassem-soleimani-killed-and-will-there-be-a-us-iran-war/1cd352ee-9e90-4b22-b92b-75f7807decf7" rel="" target="" title="Qassem Soleimani, is assassinated in a US drone strike"><span>Qassem Soleimani, is assassinated in a US drone strike</span></a><span>.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><strong><span>2022</span></strong></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/iran-protests-five-dead-over-rallies-mahsa-amini-woman-dead-in-police-custody/dc185bc8-78a1-41b3-a2cb-7f50dee41ecc" rel="" target="" title="Massive protests erupt following the death of young woman Mahsa Amini"><span>Massive protests erupt following the death of young woman Mahsa Amini</span></a><span> in a suspected case of police brutality for not wearing a hijab properly. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>More than 550 people are killed in the crackdown, and almost 20,000 arrested.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/us-israel-strike-on-iran-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei/14563354-250d-40b4-8330-645799b4e899" rel="" target="" title=""><strong><span>Trump declares Khamenei, 'one of most evil people in history', is dead</span></strong></a><strong><span></span></strong></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><strong><span>2023</span></strong></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Iranian proxy Hamas carries out the </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/israel-hamas-conflict" rel="" target="" title="deadly October 7 attacks on Israel from Gaza"><span>deadly October 7 attacks on Israel from Gaza</span></a><span>. Nearly 1200 are killed and more than 200 hostages taken, and the Israeli retaliation leaves Hamas and fellow Iranian-backed group Hezbollah massively weakened.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><strong><span>2025, June 13-24</span></strong></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Israel carries out surprise strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, starting what becomes known as the 12-Day War. Iran responds with missile strikes against Israel, most of which are intercepted. The </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/iran-update-irans-foreign-ministry-says-nuclear-facilities-badly-damaged-by-us-strikes/1c33e394-76d1-4f6c-86a3-674b6ec9f430" rel="" target="" title="US carries out bombing attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities"><span>US carries out bombing attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities</span></a><span>, which Trump claims are "completely and totally obliterated".</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><strong><span>2025, December 28</span></strong></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Protests break out in Tehran </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/iran-protests-currency-timeline-everything-to-know-explainer/806bc084-6b24-418e-ae63-5ceae92d78c4" rel="" target="" title="over the collapsing currency, the rial"><span>over the collapsing currency, the rial</span></a><span>.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><strong><span>2026, early January</span></strong></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The protests grow into nationwide demonstrations, the largest in Iran since the revolution. </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/iran-protests-donald-trump-urges-iranians-to-keep-protesting-says-help-is-on-its-way/4db46743-931d-4828-a9f2-269df80c7e87" rel="" target="" title='Trump tells civilians to "keep protesting" and that "help is on the way"'><span>Trump tells civilians to "keep protesting" and that "help is on the way"</span></a><span>.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>However, the US does not take military action in Iran.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/iran-death-toll-protests-government-crackdown/9fd7a8d6-5943-404e-938d-3f411dc5443d" rel="" target="" title="Thousands are killed by authorities"><span>Thousands are killed by authorities</span></a><span>. Exact casualty figures remain unknown, but one reputable human rights agency said about 7000 are dead, while others claim the death toll is higher than 30,000.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/usa-israel-attack-iran-anthony-alabanese-statement-australia/8994873d-8665-41cf-ad9e-b63836ba6fde"><strong><span>PM's brutal message after confirmed death of Iranian leader</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><strong><span>2026, February 19</span></strong></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>As the </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/iran-and-the-us-will-hold-nuclear-talks-friday-in-oman-iranian-foreign-minister-says/9c0330af-b9ee-46f3-882a-b992b30da3f1" rel="" target="" title="US and Iran hold talks over the latter's nuclear program"><span>US and Iran hold talks over the latter's nuclear program</span></a><span>, Trump says he'll decide on whether to take military action in the next 10 or 15 days. The US has </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/us-increases-military-pressure-on-iran-ahead-of-talks/22330d65-102d-4034-983f-30de6d0dd560" rel="" target="" title="built up a massive armed presence in the area"><span>built up a massive armed presence in the area</span></a><span>, with two aircraft carrier groups in the region.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><strong><span>2026, February 28</span></strong></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Israel and the US launch massive, widespread airstrikes on Iran. Iran responds with strikes on Israel and US bases in the Middle East. </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/us-israel-strike-on-iran-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei/14563354-250d-40b4-8330-645799b4e899" rel="" target="" title="Supreme Leader Khamenei is killed in the strikes"><span>Supreme Leader Khamenei is killed in the strikes</span></a><span>, along with the head of the Revolutionary Guard and other senior leaders.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><em><span>NEVER MISS A STORY:</span></em></strong><span> </span><strong><em><span>Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.</span></em></strong></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><ul><li><strong><em><span>Download the 9NEWS App here via</span></em></strong><span> </span><a href="https://apps.apple.com/au/app/9news/id1010533727" target="_blank"><strong><em><span>Apple</span></em></strong></a><span> </span><strong><em><span>and</span></em></strong><span> </span><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nineNewsAlerts.nine.com&amp;hl=en_AU&amp;pli=1" target="_blank"><strong><em><span>Google Play</span></em></strong></a></li><li><strong><em><span>Make 9News your preferred source on Google by</span></em></strong><span> </span><a href="https://9.nine.com.au/8x987w" target="_blank"><strong><em><span>ticking this box here</span></em></strong></a></li><li><strong><em><span>Sign up to</span></em></strong><span> </span><a href="https://login.nine.com.au/edm?client_id=nineatnine" target="_blank"><strong><em><span>our breaking newsletter here</span></em></strong></a></li></ul></div></div>