US and Israel Launch 'Epic Fury' Strikes on Iran
The U.S. and Israel have launched a sweeping joint military operation against Iran, with explosions reported in Tehran. In a video message, President Trump called for the overthrow of the Iranian regime. While the official pretext is an “extremely serious” missile threat, some U.S. intelligence sources dispute claims that Iran can strike the U.S. homeland. The attacks have already sent oil prices surging and stocks tumbling.
The military operation, dubbed "Operation Epic Fury," was planned for months and is expected to last for several days, according to an Israeli defense official. The initial phase of the joint attack is planned to last for at least four days. The daytime timing of the initial strikes was reportedly chosen to surprise the Iranians. This escalation follows a 12-day air war between Israel and Iran in June 2025, after which both the U.S. and Israel warned of further strikes if Iran continued its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Recent high-stakes nuclear talks in Geneva ended without a deal, with disagreements over uranium enrichment and the extent of facility dismantlement. Iran officially announced the termination of the 10-year-old Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in October 2025. Iran has retaliated by launching missile attacks on U.S. military assets in several Gulf countries, including Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has reportedly targeted at least four U.S. bases in the region. Iran has previously warned it could close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transport chokepoint, if attacked. The international response has been divided. Russia condemned the strikes as a "preplanned and unprovoked act of armed aggression," while the European Union expressed concern and called for restraint. The UK, France, and Germany issued a joint statement condemning Iranian attacks in the region but stated they did not participate in the US-Israeli strikes. The attacks come amid significant internal pressure within Iran. Widespread protests erupted in late 2025, driven by a deepening economic crisis, with demonstrators calling for economic and political reforms. Some analysts believe the external threat could lead the Iranian regime to become more repressive internally. Prior to the strikes, the U.S. had significantly built up its military presence in the region, deploying aircraft carriers and other warships. The U.S. and Israel have a long history of close military cooperation, including regular joint exercises. The largest of these, Juniper Oak 23.2, involved roughly 6,400 U.S. troops and over 1,500 Israeli troops.
