US & Israel Launch 'Epic Fury' Strikes on Iran
The U.S. and Israel have launched coordinated military strikes on Iran, dubbed “Epic Fury,” in a major escalation of regional conflict. Explosions were reported in Tehran, and President Trump announced “major combat operations,” calling on the Iranian people to “take over their government” in a push for regime change. The move risks a region-wide war and has already caused oil prices to climb.
This weekend's attacks follow a significant escalation in mid-2025. In what became a 12-day war, Israel struck Iranian nuclear and military sites, and the U.S. later bombed three nuclear facilities, including those at Natanz and Fordow. The strikes, named "Operation Epic Fury" by the Pentagon and "Roaring Lion" by Israel, were planned for months and involved a massive buildup of U.S. firepower in the region. The operation utilizes advanced aircraft, including F-35 and F-15 jets from Israel and F-22 fighters deployed by the U.S. Recent negotiations have failed to break the deadlock over Iran's nuclear program. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran has been enriching uranium to 60% purity, a level close to what is needed for a nuclear weapon. Since the 2025 strikes, the IAEA has been unable to verify the size or location of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, losing its "continuity of knowledge." The agency has warned it cannot assure that Iran's nuclear program is exclusively peaceful without renewed access. The current operation explicitly targets senior Iranian leadership, with reports indicating Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian are among those targeted. This aligns with President Trump's stated goal of creating the conditions for the Iranian people to overthrow the government. In response to the attacks, Iran has launched ballistic missiles at Israel and U.S. military bases throughout the region. Air defense systems have been activated in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to intercept incoming projectiles.
