President Donald Trump confirmed in an eight-minute Truth Social video that the U.S. launched a major combat operation today. The Pentagon named this mission “Operation Epic Fury” after recent nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran proved unsuccessful.
Significantly, some of the first strikes against Iran landed near the offices of the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Consequently, this military escalation marks a serious turning point in the ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran this year.
Unprecedented Airpower in Broad Daylight
The U.S. military has built up its largest concentration of regional airpower since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Forces launched the operation in broad daylight at 9:45 a.m. in Tehran on February 28, or 1:15 a.m. Eastern. Furthermore, “Epic Fury” unfurled in tight coordination with a parallel Israeli offensive dubbed “Operation Roaring Lion” across the region. This massive display of force signals a significant departure from previous clandestine strikes often conducted under the cover of night.
Intelligence and Targeted Strikes
Israel and the U.S. acted based on intelligence identifying the precise location of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. These reports followed a total failure to progress toward a settlement regarding Iran’s nuclear arms and ballistic missile programs. Specifically, the Trump administration has now formalised a series of recent aggressive operations against regional adversaries and allies alike. For instance, last year’s nuclear site strikes were “Operation Midnight Hammer,” while the seizure of Nicolás Maduro was “Operation Absolute Resolve.”
The Path to Military Escalation
The move comes as the U.S. seeks to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions after diplomatic channels were exhausted by negotiators. Consequently, the administration believes that direct military action is necessary to ensure regional stability and national security for Americans. While the strikes near Khamenei’s offices were prominent, the Pentagon continues to assess the overall damage across the country. Therefore, the global community is now watching closely as the results of these historic air strikes begin to emerge.
Deployed Military Assets
The coalition has utilized a mix of stealth, long-range, and experimental platforms to dismantle Iranian infrastructure.
United States (Operation Epic Fury)
- Strategic Bombers: B-2 Spirit (from Diego Garcia using GBU-57 MOP bunker-busters) and B-52H Stratofortress for heavy strikes on missile and C3 sites.
- Carrier Strike Groups: USS Gerald R. Ford (Eastern Mediterranean) and USS Abraham Lincoln (North Arabian Sea) deploying F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, and F-35C fighters.Stealth & Precision: F-22 Raptors (deployed from Ovda airbase) for air superiority and Tomahawk Block V cruise missiles from over 14 destroyers and submarines.
- New Tech: First combat deployment of LUCAS One-Way Attack UAVs (low-cost attritable drones) and HIMARS-launched Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM).
Israel (Operation Roaring Lion)
- Air Force: Roughly 200 fighter jets including F-35I “Adir” for stealth penetration and F-15I “Ra’am” for heavy strikes.
- Missile Defense: Arrow 3 (recorded first-ever exo-atmospheric intercept) and the Iron Beam laser system for cost-effective drone and rocket neutralization.
International Diplomatic Reactions
United Kingdom: Initially hesitant, the UK shifted to permitting the use of British bases for defensive actions after an attack on its Cyprus base.
Condemnation & Critical Nations
- Russia & China: Both powers have opposed the action along with several European nations including France, Italy and Spain
- Internal U.S. Criticism: Legal analysts and some lawmakers have questioned the legality of the strikes, citing a lack of Congressional authorization under Article I.
Strategic Neutrality
Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Oman are attempting to maintain neutrality.
- India: Balancing ties by calling for restraint and dialogue to protect its energy security and diaspora in the region
Expert Q&A: Understanding Operation Epic Fury
Q: Why was the military operation launched at this specific time?
A: The strikes occurred after nuclear talks failed and intelligence identified the precise location of the Iranian Supreme Leader.
Q: How does this airpower compare to previous Middle Eastern conflicts?
A: This is the largest concentration of U.S. airpower in the region since the invasion of Iraq over two decades ago.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the official name of the U.S. military operation?
The Pentagon has officially named the current combat mission in Iran “Operation Epic Fury.”
Was Israel involved in the strikes on Iran?
Yes, the U.S. coordinated closely with a parallel Israeli offensive known as “Operation Roaring Lion.”
What were the primary targets of the first strikes?
The initial strikes specifically targeted areas near the offices of the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
What other operations has the Trump administration formalised?
Previous operations include “Operation Midnight Hammer” in Iran and “Operation Absolute Resolve” in Venezuela earlier this year.
When exactly did Operation Epic Fury begin?
The operation was launched in broad daylight at 9:45 a.m. Tehran time on February 28.
