U.S. & Israel Launch Strikes on Iran
The U.S. and Israel have launched a coordinated military campaign on Iran dubbed "Epic Fury," with explosions rocking Tehran. The conflict appears to be escalating regionally, with subsequent explosions reported in Dubai and Riyadh. In a video message, President Trump called for the Iranian people to overthrow their government, while Iran declared a state of emergency. Markets have reacted sharply, with oil prices spiking and stocks sinking on fears of a wider war.
The current military operation follows a period of escalating tensions, including a direct 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran in June 2025. That war, which also saw U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, ended with a ceasefire brokered by Qatar. Subsequent months were marked by heightened rhetoric, additional sanctions, and stalled diplomatic efforts. Today's strikes, dubbed "Operation Epic Fury" by the U.S. and "The Roar of the Lion" by Israel, were preceded by a significant U.S. military buildup in the region, including the deployment of over a dozen naval ships and aircraft. The operation reportedly targets Iran's missile production industry and navy, with Israeli forces focusing on destroying Iran's missile program. The daytime attack was a strategic choice to maintain an element of surprise. The attacks commenced just two days after a round of indirect U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations in Geneva, mediated by Oman, ended without an agreement. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who had been mediating, expressed dismay at the military action, stating that "active and serious negotiations have yet again been undermined." Just hours before the strikes, he had told CBS News that a "peace deal is within our reach." International reactions have been swift and varied. Russia condemned the strikes as a "preplanned and unprovoked act of armed aggression." The European Union described the situation as "perilous," while Norway called the attack a violation of international law. The UK, France, and Germany issued a joint statement condemning Iran's subsequent retaliatory missile strikes on countries in the region. Iran has responded to the joint U.S.-Israeli operation by launching missiles at multiple targets. The U.S. military in Iraq intercepted at least one missile, and approximately 40 missiles have reportedly landed in Israel. Iran has also targeted U.S. military bases across the Middle East, including in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The long-strained relationship between the U.S. and Iran dates back to the 1953 CIA-assisted coup that overthrew Iran's prime minister and solidified the Shah's power. Formal diplomatic ties were severed following the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the subsequent hostage crisis at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. Israel has long viewed Iran as an existential threat, citing its nuclear program and support for proxy groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. This proxy conflict has included Israeli airstrikes on Iranian allies in Syria and assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists. The conflict escalated to direct confrontations in 2024, leading to the brief war in June 2025. This military action represents a significant escalation, moving beyond the long-standing proxy war to a direct, multi-front conflict. Analysts anticipate a sharp spike in oil prices, with some suggesting a surge to $80 or even $100 a barrel depending on the duration and scale of the conflict and whether it disrupts traffic through the critical Strait of Hormuz.
