[Discussion] U.S. And Israel Launch Operation Epic Fury Against Iran

[Uncrowned Guard]

Operation Epic Fury Launched After Iranian Missile Strike

On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel initiated Operation Epic Fury, a coordinated multi-domain strike campaign targeting Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure. The operation was followed by Iranian missile launches toward Israeli territory earlier in the day, according to Reuters and U.S. defense officials.

The Pentagon confirmed the operation’s designation and stated that its objectives include dismantling Iran’s ballistic missile architecture and disrupting elements of its nuclear program that could support weapons development. President Donald Trump said the strikes were intended to eliminate what he described as an imminent security threat and prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon after recent negotiations collapsed.

Target Sets Include Leadership and Strategic Infrastructure

According to sources cited by Reuters, the first wave of strikes focused in part on senior Iranian leadership and command structures. An Israeli official stated that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian were among those targeted, though their status remained unclear. A source familiar with the matter said Khamenei had been moved to a secure location outside Tehran. An Iranian source reported that several senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders were killed, though this has not been independently verified.

Operationally, the campaign appears structured around two parallel objectives: degrading Iran’s missile employment cycle and disrupting nuclear infrastructure. Likely targets include transporter-erector-launchers, fixed launch sites, underground storage facilities, command centers, and integrated air defense systems.

Nuclear-related facilities believed to be included in the strike packages comprise enrichment complexes, centrifuge production workshops, and research centers associated with advanced nuclear development. Such hardened sites typically require deep-penetration precision munitions delivered by long-range aircraft or sea-launched cruise missiles.

Regional Retaliation and Escalation Risks

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced retaliatory missile and drone launches against Israel and warned that U.S. bases in the region were within range. Bahrain reported that the U.S. Fifth Fleet service center was struck by a missile, while witnesses in Abu Dhabi described multiple explosions. Qatar stated that its air defenses intercepted incoming missiles.

Explosions were also reported near Iran’s Kharg Island, the primary export terminal for approximately 90 percent of Iranian crude oil shipped through the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf states heightened alert levels, and global airlines suspended or rerouted flights across the region.

Iranian officials told Reuters that preparations were underway for further retaliation. Tehran has historically maintained asymmetric response options, including proxy militia operations, cyber activities, and maritime disruption.

Diplomatic Breakdown Preceded Military Action

The operation follows the failure of renewed U.S.-Iran negotiations aimed at limiting uranium enrichment, restricting advanced centrifuge deployment, and addressing ballistic missile development. A third round of indirect talks this week ended without agreement. Iran has denied seeking nuclear weapons but has resisted linking missile constraints to nuclear discussions.

Israeli defense officials said planning for the operation had been underway for months in coordination with Washington, with the launch date finalized weeks in advance. Israel closed its airspace and suspended non-essential activities following the strikes.

Operation Epic Fury represents one of the most direct U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran’s strategic infrastructure. Its duration and long-term impact on Iran’s missile capabilities, nuclear timeline, and regional deterrence dynamics remain uncertain as hostilities continue.

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