Details Emerge on 'Operation Epic Fury'
The U.S. military campaign against Iran, codenamed “Operation Epic Fury,” began with a nine-word order from President Trump to launch an “unprecedented” wave of strikes. However, the administration's stated objectives have shifted from degrading missile programs to broader deterrence, raising concerns of mission creep.
The operation was initiated on February 28, 2026, in coordination with Israel, which code-named its part of the campaign "Operation Roaring Lion". The combined forces targeted key Iranian military and leadership infrastructure, including command and control facilities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), air defense systems, and missile and drone launch sites. One of the most significant outcomes of the initial strikes was the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an attack on a leadership meeting in Tehran. This event has created a significant leadership vacuum in Iran. In the first 48 hours of the operation, over 1,250 targets in Iran were struck. The U.S. deployed a formidable array of military assets for the operation, including two aircraft carrier strike groups led by the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford. The air campaign involved B-1 and B-2 stealth bombers, F-35 fighters, and for the first time in combat, new low-cost "kamikaze" drones called LUCAS (Low-Cost Unmanned Combat Attack System). In response to the offensive, Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes against U.S. military bases in several Middle Eastern countries, including Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE, as well as civilian sites. The U.S. military has reported American casualties as a result of these counter-attacks. The stated goals of the operation include the permanent prevention of Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon, the destruction of its ballistic missile capabilities and production, and the crippling of its naval forces. However, some analysts suggest the ultimate goal may be regime change, a notion fueled by public celebrations within Iran following the news of Khamenei's death. Domestically, public opinion in the United States on "Operation Epic Fury" appears to be divided. Initial polls show a near-even split between those who support the airstrikes and those who believe diplomatic negotiations should have continued. There is a significant partisan divide in opinions, with Republicans largely supporting the action and Democrats overwhelmingly disapproving. The nine-word order from President Trump to initiate the strikes was revealed by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine. Aboard Air Force One, the President reportedly said, "Operation Epic Fury is approved. No aborts. Good luck." The international community is bracing for the wider geopolitical implications of the conflict. Iran's retaliatory strikes have targeted not just military installations but also civilian infrastructure in allied nations, raising concerns of a broader regional war. Meanwhile, the U.S. has emphasized its readiness for a prolonged campaign.
