Fact-check analysisVerified as of March 12, 2026Curated by FactVerify
False

Iran started the war with the U.S and Israel.

The claim that Iran started the war with the U.S. And Israel is false because multiple reliable sources confirm that the conflict began with coordinated military strikes by Israel and the United States against Iranian targets, not initiated by Iran.

The road to the Israel-Iran war - Brookings

The road to the Israel-Iran war - Brookings

Source: brookings.edu

At a glance

Key Evidence

Verified March 12, 2026
  • Brookings confirms Israel struck first targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites.

  • House of Commons Library and AJC report coordinated US-Israel strikes beginning February 28, 2026.

  • BBC documents Iranian missile attacks as retaliatory actions after initial US-Israel strikes.

The reporting

What the Evidence Shows

According to the evidence from multiple authoritative sources, the war between Iran and the U.S. -Israel coalition began with preemptive strikes launched by Israel, followed shortly by U.S. Military actions.

The Brookings Institution states that Israel initiated the conflict by striking Iranian military and nuclear sites, with the U.S. Joining in bombing Iranian nuclear facilities soon after. The House of Commons Library briefing and AJC also confirm that on February 28, 2026, Israel and the United States began coordinated attacks on Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure.brookings.edubrookings.eduThe road to the Israel-Iran warcommonslibrary.parliament.ukcommonslibrary.parliament.ukUS-Israel strikes on Iran: February/March 2026

The BBC reports Iranian missile retaliations against Israeli civilian areas occurred after these strikes, indicating Iran responded rather than started hostilities. The Guardian highlights that both sides claim defensive motives but experts view the initial attacks as coming from Israel and the U.S., not Iran.bbc.combbc.comWhy did US and Israel attack Iran and how long could the war last?

There is no credible evidence in these sources that Iran initiated the war; rather, it was responding to attacks on its territory and assets.

Primary trail

Verified Sources5

The road to the Israel-Iran war

brookings.edu
Open source

US-Israel strikes on Iran: February/March 2026

commonslibrary.parliament.uk
Open source

Why did US and Israel attack Iran and how long could the war last?

bbc.com
Open source
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