U.S. and Israel Launch Major Strikes on Iran
The U.S. and Israel have launched joint air and missile strikes on targets across Iran under the codename “Epic Fury.” President Trump openly called for the Iranian people to "take over their government," while oil prices spiked on fears of a wider conflict. The move follows weeks of tension, though U.S. intelligence sources reportedly dispute White House claims about the immediacy of the Iranian threat.
The daylight strikes on Iran, a joint operation planned for months, were initiated to surprise Iranian forces who likely would not have anticipated a morning attack. The initial phase of the assault is expected to last for at least four days. This follows a significant U.S. military buildup in the region, including the deployment of two of its largest warships, the Gerald R. Ford and the Abraham Lincoln. The U.S. has named its part of the mission "Operation Epic Fury," while Israel's component is dubbed "Lion's Roar." President Trump stated the objective is to eliminate "imminent threats from the Iranian regime," targeting its missile capabilities and naval forces. Explosions were reported in multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran, Tabriz, and Qom. This direct conflict follows a 12-day air war between Israel and Iran in June 2025. Tensions have been escalating for years, marked by a long-standing proxy conflict where Iran has supported groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. The U.S. has a history of imposing sanctions on Iran, dating back to 1979, with significant escalations in recent years targeting Iran's oil industry and top officials. In retaliation for the current strikes, Iran has launched missiles at U.S. military bases in the Middle East, including a key naval facility in Bahrain that serves as the headquarters for the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet. Iran has closed its airspace and vowed a decisive response to what it calls an aggression. International reactions have been mixed. Russia and China condemned the strikes, calling them an "unprovoked act of armed aggression." Key European allies of the U.S., including the U.K., France, and Germany, have called for a resumption of negotiations and have not directly commented on the strikes. Several Middle Eastern nations have expressed grave concern and urged de-escalation. The U.S. and Israel have a history of close military cooperation, including the largest-ever joint military exercise, Juniper Oak, in January 2023, which involved thousands of troops and over 140 aircraft. This long-standing partnership has included joint development of missile defense systems like the Arrow. The current annual U.S. military aid to Israel stands at a minimum of $3.8 billion.
