Will Trump Attack Iran During Ramadan?

Last Updated:February 25, 2026, 12:56 IST

History offers a sobering reminder – the sanctity of Ramadan has neither been a deterrent for military action nor an advocate for ceasefire, even among Muslim nations

Could Donald Trump attack Iran during the holy Islamic month of Ramadan? The ominous question is weighing heavy in Washington as well as capitals across the Middle East as the United States amasses its largest military build-up in the region in over 20 years. Two American aircraft carriers, more than a dozen warships and hundreds of warplanes are said to have been positioned within striking distance of Iran.

US diplomats as well as allies in the Middle East have been praying that the question is answered in the negative. An American attack on a Muslim nation during the sacred month of fasting – which began on February 18 and concludes around March 18 – would inflame sentiments across the Islamic world, allies or otherwise. Such an attack would not only destabilise the region but also anger Gulf partners the US would need to rely on for any post-conflict settlement.

And yet, history offers a sobering reminder – the sanctity of Ramadan has neither been a deterrent for military action nor an advocate for ceasefire, even among Muslim nations.

Previous Wars During Ramadan

In 1973, the Arab-Israeli War came to be known, at least in the Islamic world, as the ‘Ramadan War’. It was fought from October 6 to 25 between Israel and joint Egypt-Syria forces when the latter launched surprise attacks on the 10th day of the holy month. The Muslim nations chose to launch the attacks during Ramadan based on the strategic calculation that Israel would be caught off guard during its own Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur.

Iran itself was caught in a war against Iraq during Ramadan in 1982. Tehran, in fact, was the aggressor, launching a military offensive against Iraq in Basra on the first day of Ramadan, even codenaming the action as ‘Operation Ramadan’.

What Would Trump Do?

The US President has never been one for symbolism. For him, the question is more complex. Given the escalating cost of maintaining two aircraft carriers, dozen-plus destroyers, and hundreds of aircraft in Middle East, some analysts believe Trump’s impatience for decisive action will eventually win over.

Trump has previously said he is “considering" limited military strikes against Tehran and that he expects to decide “within 10 to 15 days" — a window that squarely falls within Ramadan.

According to CNN reports, he has privately argued for and against action, polling advisers and allies on what he should do. His administration has reportedly pointed to Iran’s accelerating fortification of nuclear sites — burying key facilities under concrete and soil — as evidence that diplomatic time is running out.

What If Talks Fail?

Talks between American and Iranian negotiators in Geneva have been going on, but offer neither resolution nor the hope of one.

Trump threatened military action in January in response to the Iranian government’s fierce crackdown on national protests before shifting his focus to Tehran’s disputed nuclear program and warning it to make a deal. Another round of nuclear talks is planned for later this week.

According to Associated Press, it remains unclear just what Iran could offer Trump. Tehran has insisted it wants to continue enriching uranium, something Trump has repeatedly said must stop. It also has refused to discuss its ballistic missile arsenal or its support of regional proxy forces, another Trump demand.

According to The Jerusalem Post, some analysts believe the US could strike Tehran almost immediately after March 19 — once Ramadan has passed. The timeline could help Trump claim to the world that he showed restraint while still applying maximum pressure.

Iranians have been watching the situation with growing concern, some by surreptitiously getting around internet restrictions or watching satellite news channels.

Ramadan alone has rarely stopped a determined military from acting. There is also no religious restriction that forbids military conflict during the holy fasting. What it may do this time is shape the optics.

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