2024 – The 12‑day war between Israel and Iran sees Iran launch hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israeli towns, killing at least 28 people and exposing Tehran’s rapid missile‑evasion capability, which it later rebuilds [1].

June 2025 – A brief but intense clash erupts among Iran, Israel and the United States, underscoring the volatility of regional security and foreshadowing future confrontations over Iran’s missile and proxy activities [5].

Dec 28, 2025 – Protests ignite in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar over economic hardship, quickly spreading to dozens of Iranian cities, prompting clashes, property damage and dozens of reported fatalities, marking the start of a nationwide unrest that draws regional attention [4].

Jan 5, 2026 – President Trump warns Iran it will be “hit very hard” if more protesters die, while Netanyahu approves a new military plan called Operation Iron Strike and publicly backs Iranian protesters’ aspirations for freedom, linking domestic unrest to potential Israeli action [5].

Jan 5, 2026 – Protests expand to 222 locations across 26 provinces, with HRANA reporting at least 19 demonstrators and one security member killed, intensifying internal pressure on Tehran and raising the stakes for external powers [5].

Jan 5, 2026 – Tehran’s foreign ministry accuses the United States and Israel of inciting violence and violating international norms, with spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei asserting that external remarks constitute unlawful interference [5].

Jan 9, 2026 – Iran’s UN ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani sends a letter to UN leaders condemning the United States and Israel for “interfering” and “encouraging instability,” warning that such rhetoric could turn peaceful demonstrations into violent disorder [4].

Jan 9, 2026 – President Trump signals a possible U.S. intervention if Iranian security forces kill more protesters, framing the issue as preventing violence and warning Tehran not to escalate [4].

Jan 9, 2026 – Netanyahu tells his cabinet that Israel identifies with the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom, offering moral support without direct threats, reflecting a restrained public posture amid rising tensions [4].

Jan 11, 2026 – Netanyahu tells a weekly cabinet meeting that Israel closely monitors the Iranian protests, hails the demonstrators as heroes, and hopes for a post‑tyranny relationship, while the IDF says no new civilian shelter guidelines are needed [6].

Jan 11, 2026 – Netanyahu holds an overnight call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss Iran, underscoring high‑level coordination despite limited public detail [6].

Jan 11, 2026 – Former Israeli intelligence officials caution that Israel is unlikely to rush an attack on Iran, preferring to watch how the protests evolve before deciding on any military move [6].

Jan 11, 2026 – Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warns that any U.S. or Israeli strike would create “legitimate targets,” and anti‑American chants echo in the parliamentary chamber, signaling Tehran’s readiness to retaliate [6].

Jan 13, 2026 – Israel adopts a quiet stance as Iranian protests spread to over 180 cities, with Netanyahu’s office instructing ministers to remain silent to avoid giving Tehran a pretext for rallying domestic support [2].

Jan 13, 2026 – At a weekly government meeting, Netanyahu publicly says Israel monitors the Iranian situation and supports the protesters’ fight for freedom, offering no threats toward Tehran and reinforcing a restrained diplomatic tone [2].

Jan 13, 2026 – The IDF downplays any immediate risk of an Iranian missile attack, keeping municipal shelters open as a precaution while stating updates will follow if conditions change, aiming to prevent public alarm [2].

Jan 13, 2026 – Analysts highlight that the United States’ forthcoming decision on Iran will shape Israel’s calculus, noting that a shift in U.S. policy could prompt Israeli intervention or retaliation [2].

Jan 15, 2026 – President Trump threatens direct strikes against Iran if the regime rebuilds its military, while the White House and Pentagon refrain from confirming any attack plans, and regional flight cancellations and aircraft refueling hint at possible preparations [3].

Jan 15, 2026 – Retired IDF Lt. Gen. Amir Avivi says Israel would likely join a U.S.-led Iran strike in defense and intelligence roles, and could take on a larger role if Washington leads, emphasizing coordination and timing [3].

Jan 15, 2026 – Netanyahu continues to view a decisive Iran‑related victory as a way to bolster his legacy amid domestic political challenges, suggesting that toppling Tehran could reshape his public image [3].

Jan 15, 2026 – Analysts argue Israel is unlikely to fire first, preferring the United States to lead any strike, and warn that post‑regime scenarios could range from a new protest‑driven leadership to an insurgency, underscoring uncertainty about Iran’s future [3].

Jan 31, 2026 – Netanyahu privately urges the United States to pursue a maximalist strike on Iran, describing the Gulf buildup as a “golden moment” he cannot forgo, while publicly remaining silent to preserve diplomatic flexibility [1].

Jan 31, 2026 – Israeli military intelligence chief Shlomi Binder meets U.S. intelligence officials in Washington to discuss potential strike targets inside Iran, signaling deep coordination despite Netanyahu’s muted public comments [1].

Jan 31, 2026 – President Trump weighs a spectrum of options from limited symbolic attacks to a full regime‑change effort, linking any deal to the cessation of Iran’s uranium enrichment, proxy support, and ballistic‑missile program [1].

Jan 31, 2026 – Israeli analysts argue that removing Iran’s government would cripple Hezbollah’s missile arsenal—estimated at up to 25,000 rockets—thereby neutralizing a major regional threat [1].

Jan 31, 2026 – Recent polls show a solid majority of Jewish Israelis support military action against Iran, reinforcing Netanyahu’s security narrative ahead of upcoming elections [1].

Early Feb 2026 (expected) – The United States is anticipated to announce its decision on the scope of action against Iran, a move that analysts say will dictate whether Israel proceeds with a U.S.-led strike or pursues independent options [2].