U.S. & Israel Launch Major Strikes on Iran
The United States and Israel have launched a joint military operation against Iran, codenamed “Epic Fury,” with explosions reported in Tehran. Israel’s defense ministry called the attack a “preemptive strike” amid heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear program. In a televised address, former President Trump called for regime change, stating the U.S. is carrying out “major combat operations.” Initial reports indicate the death toll has risen to 60 as the international community calls for de-escalation.
The U.S. military has named its assault "Operation Epic Fury," while Israel's parallel mission is codenamed "Operation Roaring Lion." According to officials, the U.S. is focusing on military and ballistic missile sites that pose an "imminent threat," while Israeli forces are targeting Iranian leadership, including commanders in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This escalation follows a 12-day war between Israel and Iran in June 2025, which drew direct U.S. military involvement. During that conflict, the U.S. executed "Operation Midnight Hammer," striking three key nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan with B-2 stealth bombers and Tomahawk missiles. In response to the current attacks, Iran has launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes across the region. It has targeted multiple U.S. military installations, including Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, and the Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain. The strikes were preceded by months of rising tension, including widespread anti-government protests across Iran that began in December 2025. In January 2026, the Trump administration began a noticeable military buildup in the region as it voiced support for the protesters. An Israeli security source revealed the joint operation was planned for months, with the daytime timing chosen to surprise Tehran. Targets have reportedly included the compound of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was moved to a secure location, in addition to military sites in cities like Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. The military action occurred despite recent Omani-mediated talks between U.S. and Iranian officials aimed at de-escalating the nuclear dispute. Iran's foreign ministry condemned the strikes as a "gross violation of Iran's territorial integrity" launched while a "diplomatic process" was still underway. International reaction has been swift, with Russia's Foreign Ministry calling the strikes an "unprovoked act of armed aggression." United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the escalation and called for an immediate halt to the hostilities.
