Iran launched Operation True Promise 4 on 28 February 2026, soon after US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it through IRNA. Notably, it targeted Israel and US bases across the Gulf. Some outlets also reported the name “Fatah Khyber” for the first wave. For India, it hit the diaspora, energy imports and shipping.
How the War Began
First, Israel and the United States hit Iranian nuclear and government sites. The US called its campaign Operation Epic Fury, while Israel chose Operation Roaring Lion. Soon, the conflict spread across the wider region.
Gulf Bases Iran Targeted
In response, the IRGC fired “heavy missiles” at several US bases, according to Nour News. Targets included Al Udeid (Qatar), Ali Al Salem (Kuwait) and Al Dhafra (UAE). Also, a missile struck a US Fifth Fleet service centre in Bahrain. Besides, Iran targeted Riyadh, while Jordan said it shot down two Iranian missiles.
India’s Advisories and Diplomacy
Meanwhile, Indian missions in Iran, Israel and the Gulf issued advisories the same day. In Tehran, the embassy urged Indians to “remain indoors as far as possible.” Also, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called for restraint and de-escalation. Then, PM Narendra Modi spoke with Israeli and Gulf leaders on 2 and 3 March.
Hormuz, Oil and the Indian Diaspora
Soon, Iran also shut the Strait of Hormuz, the main exit for Gulf oil and gas. As a result, India’s crude oil and LPG supplies came under pressure. Moreover, officials said about 2.2 lakh Indians returned from Gulf countries by 16 March.
Latest Update
On 7–8 April 2026, the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire mediated by Pakistan. Later, President Donald Trump extended the truce on 21 April. Even so, fighting resumed, and Trump declared the ceasefire “over” on 8 July. On 30 July, MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh said 2,557 Indians had left Iran via Armenia and Azerbaijan. Sadly, he told the Rajya Sabha that 16 Indians, including 10 seafarers, had died.
Operation True Promise 4: Key Facts for Revision
- Date: 28 February 2026
- Launched by: Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran
- US and Israeli operations: Epic Fury (US) and Roaring Lion (Israel)
- Gulf targets: US bases in Qatar, Kuwait, UAE and Bahrain
- Ceasefire: Two-week truce from 7–8 April 2026, mediated by Pakistan
Why Operation True Promise 4 Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, this war tested India’s energy security. So, remember the operation names, the Gulf bases and the Strait of Hormuz. Also, link it with India’s de-escalation diplomacy. For official updates, also visit the Ministry of External Affairs. Next, for a related story, read about India’s evacuation operations.
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