US & Israel Launch Major Strikes on Iran
The U.S. and Israel have launched a coordinated military offensive against Iran, dubbed "Operation Epic Fury," in a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions. Explosions were reported in Tehran, while Israel's Defence Ministry warned of an "extremely serious" threat. In a video, former President Trump said the U.S. is conducting "major combat operations" and called for the Iranian people to "take over their government." Following the attacks, Iran declared a state of emergency.
This escalation follows the recent collapse of renewed nuclear negotiations, for which President Trump had set a 10-day deadline. In the weeks leading up to the strikes, the U.S. amassed its largest military presence in the region since the 2003 Iraq invasion, with roughly 40,000 servicemembers, two aircraft carriers, and over 150 aircraft deployed. The offensive targets critical Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure, including missile production sites, naval installations, and command centers. U.S. officials have confirmed the use of Tomahawk cruise missiles fired from Navy ships and a large array of fighter jets in an operation expected to last several days. A source involved in the strikes stated that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was among the initial targets. This is the most significant direct confrontation since a 12-day war in June 2025, when Israel and the U.S. both conducted strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. That conflict, which ended in a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, was itself an escalation of direct tit-for-tat missile exchanges between Iran and Israel that began in 2024. The conflict is rooted in the 2018 U.S. withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or the Iran nuclear deal. After the U.S. left the agreement and re-imposed sanctions, Iran accelerated its uranium enrichment and limited access for international inspectors. Iran has responded with barrages of ballistic missiles aimed at Israel and has activated its network of regional proxies. Attacks have been reported on U.S. military assets across the Middle East, including Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which hosts U.S. Central Command forward headquarters, and facilities in Bahrain. The UAE has confirmed intercepting Iranian missiles, with debris causing at least one civilian death. The conflict threatens the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint between Oman and Iran. Approximately 20-25% of the world's total oil consumption and about one-fifth of global liquefied natural gas passes through the strait daily. International reaction has been swift but divided. The UK, France, and Germany issued a joint statement condemning Iran's retaliatory strikes and urging a return to negotiations, clarifying they did not participate in the offensive. Russia's foreign ministry condemned the
