Intensified Military Action: US and Israel Target Iran in Operation Epic Fury
Overview of the Operation
The United States, in collaboration with Israel, has initiated a series of military strikes against Iran, termed Operation Epic Fury by the US Department of War. Reports indicate that explosions have been detected in various Iranian cities, including Tehran, Qom, Isfahan, Kermanshah, and Karaj. This operation has raised concerns about a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, as the ongoing conflict between Washington, Tel Aviv, and Tehran appears to be transitioning into full-scale military engagement. The root of the discord lies in Iran's nuclear ambitions, its ballistic missile program, and its backing of militant groups across the region.
Initiation of the Strikes
How the Operation Began
The offensive commenced with Israeli aircraft executing a 'pre-emptive' strike, followed by American forces joining in to target Iranian installations. According to US officials cited by a major news outlet, American Navy vessels in the vicinity launched Tomahawk cruise missiles aimed at Iranian sites. Shortly after the attacks began, President Donald Trump released an eight-minute video on the social media platform Truth Social, announcing that American forces had commenced 'major combat operations in Iran.' He characterized the operation as extensive and ongoing, outlining its goals to neutralize perceived threats from the Iranian regime, dismantle its missile capabilities, weaken its naval strength, and thwart its nuclear aspirations. Trump also suggested that the operation could lead to a change in Iran's government, emphasizing the potential sacrifice of American lives for a greater cause.
Call for Support and Response
Trump urged the Iranian populace and security forces to disarm and oppose their government, promising immunity for those who comply, even as they remain sheltered during the ongoing strikes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed these sentiments, stating that the primary objective of the attacks was to eliminate the 'existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran' and encouraged Iranians to rise against their leadership.
Context of the Strikes
What Led to the Strikes
The military actions come in the wake of heightened US military presence in the region, which includes two carrier strike groups, warships, and numerous fighter jets, aimed at pressuring Iran into negotiating limits on its nuclear program. Previous limited strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities were conducted by US and Israeli forces in June 2025. Recent diplomatic efforts, including nuclear discussions involving Oman and other nations, have failed to produce meaningful outcomes, leading Trump to express his dissatisfaction with the negotiations. According to US officials, Operation Epic Fury is anticipated to unfold over several days, marking one of the most significant direct military engagements by the US in the Middle East since the withdrawal from Afghanistan.