Operation Epic Fury: U.S. and Israel Launch Massive Joint Strikes on Iran

On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched a major joint military operation against Iran, marking a dramatic escalation in long-standing tensions over Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missile capabilities, and support for regional proxies.

Codenamed Operation Epic Fury by the U.S. Department of Defense and Roaring Lion by Israel, the strikes began in the early morning hours (local time in Iran) with waves of airstrikes targeting sites across the country. Reports indicate that approximately 200 Israeli fighter jets participated in the initial phase, striking around 500 targets. These included military installations, air defense systems, ballistic missile facilities, nuclear-related sites in areas like Isfahan, Qom, and Karaj, as well as locations in Tehran such as the Ministry of Defense, Atomic Energy headquarters, and compounds linked to senior leadership.

President Donald Trump announced the beginning of “major combat operations” in a video statement, framing the action as necessary to eliminate imminent threats from the Iranian regime, destroy its nuclear ambitions, devastate its missile and naval capabilities, and ultimately pave the way for regime change. Trump directly addressed the Iranian people, urging them to “seize control of your destiny” and “take over your government” once U.S. and Israeli forces complete their objectives, describing it as a potential “hour of your freedom.”

President Trump hints at a “very big decision” ahead:

“We have a very big decision to make. We have a country that’s been, for 47 years, blowing people’s legs off, arms off. It’s been terrible.”

He never said Iran—but the message was clear. pic.twitter.com/MkinvFN5dj

— Brandon Straka #WalkAway (@BrandonStraka) February 28, 2026

BREAKING: Steve Crowder breaks down exactly how Iran is America’s problem. pic.twitter.com/o07Zab1X9I

— Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) February 27, 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the strikes as pre-emptive, aimed at removing an “existential threat” to Israel. Netanyahu suggested there were indications that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei may have been killed or seriously targeted, though Iran’s foreign minister stated that both Khamenei and the president were alive “as far as I know.” Israeli officials reported that several senior political and military figures were eliminated in strikes focused on leadership compounds.

Iran responded swiftly with retaliatory missile and drone attacks, targeting Israel directly as well as U.S. military assets and interests in neighboring countries including Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Iranian state media reported significant casualties from the incoming strikes, with Iran’s Red Crescent citing at least 201 killed and over 700 injured across multiple provinces. Incidents included damage to civilian areas, such as reports of a strike affecting a girls’ school and a high-rise in Bahrain catching fire from Iranian drones.

The operation follows a previous round of U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in June 2025, which had targeted missile stockpiles and nuclear facilities but ended in a ceasefire. This latest campaign appears broader in scope, with U.S. officials indicating it could continue for several days.

The strikes have triggered widespread regional disruption: Israel declared a state of emergency, airspace closures affected multiple countries, and flights were canceled across the Middle East. Global reactions ranged from condemnation by Russia (calling it “unprovoked aggression”) to expressions of concern and calls for de-escalation from various nations. Oil markets and Gulf states braced for potential further instability.

As the situation remains fluid and ongoing, the strikes represent one of the most significant direct military confrontations involving the U.S. in the region in recent decades, with profound implications for Middle East security, global energy markets, and the balance of power.