Tony Stark (Codename: "Iron Man") is kidnapped by a mysterious Afghanistan-based terrorist organization known as "The Ten Rings" (?) in April of 2008, killing his entire envoy of soldiers assigned to protect him. Stark's body is riddled with shrapnel, causing serious injury. Motive for killing Stark is unclear. Something to do with making Weapons for The Ten Rings?
With the help of Prof. Ho Yinsen (Deceased), Stark built an arc reactor to prolong his life for as long as possible, and then took it a step further and built a semi-functioning suit of armor to avenge his partner, devastate The Ten Rings' fortress and escape. Stark is soon found by Lt. Col. James Rhodes (Codename: "War Machine"), and brought back to U.S. Upon his return, Stark controversially reveals that Stark Industries will no longer sell weapons to The U.S. Military. Stock market goes crazy as a direct result.
Soon after, The Iron Man appears again in Gulmira, Afghanistan to defend its populace against its attack, perpetrated by The Ten Rings in misguided sense of revenge against the late Yinsen for aiding in Stark's escape. In interview with Christine Everhart, citizens confirm The Ten Rings lost. BADLY. Jets near the area crash due to a "training exercise." Yeah, right.
Here's what doesn't make any sense: remaining members of The Ten Rings in the country are found a few miles away from Gulmira later on by U.S. Military at their makeshift camp, all deceased. The strike on Gulmira was clearly their last chance to preserve themselves, based on the severe lack of food, water, medicine, porn, etc. World is arguably better place for it.
Possible final strike on behalf of The Iron Man. Unlikely, since they were all killed via "headache medication" applied directly to the skull. AKA bullets. Perhaps rival faction, in-fighting was responsible?
Later on, reports indicate ANOTHER suit of armor showed up in Malibu, California, presumably to offer up a challenger to Stark. Suit is retroactively referred to as "The Iron Monger" by Stark AND the media. He blames former business partner, Obadiah Stane, for attempting to kill him with said suit. His estate has furiously denied this, although with the evidence Stark's former secretary produced (pretty much perfectly confirming his involvement) is pretty damning. The fact Stane disappeared around the same time is pretty damning as well.
Final major event that occurs as a result is that in the press conference for the event is on May 2nd, 2008. During the press conference called to explain exactly went down at Stark Industries that caused the massive explosion which sent a massive EMP throughout the Malibu area was another "training exercise." Yeah, I'm calling bullshit on that. But then - get this - with four words, Stark changes the world as we know it:
"I am Iron Man."
You know, it's guys like him why Trish tried to convince me to call myself "Jewel."