US and Israel Launch Strikes on Iran
The U.S. and Israel have launched coordinated military strikes on Iran in an operation dubbed "Epic Fury," with explosions reported in and around Tehran. President Trump announced the "major combat operations," urging the Iranian people to "take over their government." The strikes immediately caused oil prices to spike amid fears of a broader regional conflict.
The joint military operation is the culmination of weeks of escalating tensions and a significant U.S. military buildup in the region. This followed a breakdown in nuclear negotiations just two days prior in Geneva, which were being mediated by Oman. The strikes also come eight months after a previous 12-day conflict in June 2025, during which both the U.S. and Israel struck Iranian nuclear facilities. While the U.S. has named its mission "Operation Epic Fury," Israel is calling its coordinated offensive "Operation Roaring Lion." Officials state the multi-day operation involves targeting Iranian leadership, military sites, and ballistic missile installations deemed an "imminent threat." The attacks, which began in the morning for an element of surprise, utilize advanced aircraft, including Israeli F-35s and F-15s. Iran's Foreign Ministry immediately condemned the strikes as a "gross violation of Iran's territorial integrity and national sovereignty" and vowed a "decisive and definitive" response. Tehran has appealed to the United Nations Security Council to act. Russia also condemned the attack as a "pre-planned and unprovoked act of armed aggression." Tehran swiftly retaliated by launching dozens of missiles at multiple U.S. military facilities across the Middle East. Targets included Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, and bases in Iraq, Kuwait, and the UAE. At least one death was reported in the UAE from falling debris after a missile was intercepted. The conflict has caused immediate and widespread disruption to air travel. Numerous countries in the region, including Iran, Israel, Kuwait, Iraq, Bahrain, and Qatar, have closed their airspace. Major airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways have suspended flights, and others have been forced to cancel or reroute. This marks the second time the Trump administration has used military force against Iran in eight months. The administration's stated grievances extend beyond the nuclear program, referencing the 1979 Islamic Revolution. President Trump's stated goal is to "annihilate" the Iranian navy and eliminate regional proxies supported by Tehran. International reaction has been mixed. The European Union described the situation as "perilous," while Norway and Spain condemned the strikes as a violation of international law. Oman, which had been mediating talks, expressed dismay at the military action, stating it undermined "active and serious negotiations."
