U.S., Israel Launch Major Strikes on Iran in Operation Epic Fury
The first explosions that rocked Iranian military sites on February 28, 2026, did more than destroy buildings and infrastructure. They shattered any remaining hope that the long-simmering conflict with Iran could be contained through diplomacy alone.
In a coordinated operation dubbed Operation Epic Fury by the United States — with Israel conducting parallel strikes under its own codename — American and Israeli forces hit dozens of targets across Iran. The strikes focused on nuclear facilities, ballistic missile sites, air defense systems, and military command centers. U.S. and Israeli officials described the action as a necessary step to neutralize what they called an imminent threat from Iran’s advancing nuclear program and its network of regional proxies.
Inside Tehran, chaos unfolded as commanders scrambled to evaluate the damage. Iranian state media reported intercepted missiles while acknowledging strikes on key installations. Officials vowed “devastating revenge,” raising immediate fears of a broader regional war. Images of smoke rising over damaged compounds spread rapidly online.
Global markets reacted sharply to the news, with oil prices surging amid concerns over potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. European governments and others called for restraint, warning that escalation could destabilize the entire Middle East.
As families in Tehran, Tel Aviv, and beyond huddled near shelters and followed developments on their phones, diplomats worked urgently behind the scenes to prevent further fallout. The operation marked a dangerous new phase in the conflict, shifting from shadow wars and proxy battles to direct confrontation between major powers and Iran.
The coming hours and days will determine whether this remains a limited campaign or ignites a wider war with unpredictable consequences for the region and the world.
