US, Israel Launch “Operation Epic Fury” Airstrikes on Iran

WASHINGTON (Azat TV) – The United States and Israel initiated “Operation Epic Fury” with massive, coordinated airstrikes across Iran on Saturday, February 28, 2026, targeting sites including areas near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other military and weapons production facilities nationwide. This joint offensive, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump and confirmed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, aims to dismantle Iran’s nuclear weapons production and long-range missile development, which both leaders described as an existential threat to regional and global security.

Iranian state media reported strikes across the country, with smoke visible rising from the capital, Tehran. The operation marks a significant escalation in tensions, following months of U.S. threats and a substantial military buildup around Iran.

“Operation Epic Fury” Objectives and Execution

President Donald Trump announced the commencement of “major combat operations in Iran” in an 8-minute video posted on Truth Social shortly after 1 a.m. Washington time. Trump stated that the U.S. had acted after Iran rejected American calls to halt its nuclear weapons production and continued developing long-range missiles capable of threatening European allies, overseas troops, and potentially the American homeland. He warned of potential American casualties, acknowledging, “the lives of courageous American heroes may be lost and we may have casualties. That often happens in war, but we’re doing this for the future.” Trump also vowed to “destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground” and “annihilate their navy.”

Following Trump’s address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the joint operation in his own social media video, asserting it was “to remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran.” Netanyahu emphasized that “This murderous terrorist regime must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity.” Shortly before the strikes, the Israeli military issued a warning in Persian via its X account, urging civilians to evacuate areas near weapons production and military facilities, stating, “Your presence in these locations puts your lives at risk.”

Sources cited by Reuters and The Times of Israel indicated that Operation Epic Fury had been planned for months in coordination between Washington and Jerusalem, with the launch date finalized weeks in advance. The initial phase of the offensive is expected to last at least four days, with the morning timing of the first strikes intended to catch Tehran off guard, as officials believed a daytime assault would be unexpected.

International Reactions to Epic Fury

The operation quickly drew reactions from U.S. lawmakers. Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a staunch supporter of President Trump, praised the decision, stating on X that “This operation has been well-planned. It will be violent, extensive and I believe, at the end of the day, successful.” He added that “the demise of the ayatollah’s regime with American blood on its hands is necessary and more than justified,” while also acknowledging the likelihood of casualties. Senator John Fetterman, D-Pa., also voiced support, saying Trump “has been willing to do what’s right and necessary to produce real peace in the region.”

However, not all reactions were supportive. Representative Thomas Massie, R-Ky., a frequent critic of Trump, posted an announcement of the attack implying it was an act of war “unauthorized by Congress.” Prior to the strikes, President Trump had engaged in one of the largest and most sustained military buildups around Iran since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, though he had suggested just a day before the strikes that a final decision had not yet been made on military action.

Iran’s Response and Regional Implications of Epic Fury

Iran’s Foreign Ministry swiftly condemned the joint strikes on Saturday, declaring that the country “will not hesitate” in its response to the renewed military aggression. A statement posted on X by the ministry read, “The time has come to defend the homeland and confront the enemy’s military assault. Just as we were prepared for negotiations, we have been even more prepared for defense at all times. The armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will decisively respond to the aggressors with full authority.”

In anticipation of such an attack, Iranian officials reportedly met with allied Iran-backed militias in Iraq two months prior to plan a response. Anonymous officials from these militias told The Associated Press that tasks were distributed among Iraqi armed groups, with plans to target U.S. forces and interests in Iraq’s semi-autonomous northern Kurdish region and neighboring Jordan. While U.S. troops had vacated central Iraqi bases following an agreement to end the American-led coalition’s mission against the Islamic State, forces remain stationed in the Kurdish region. Kataib Hezbollah, a prominent Iraqi militia, publicly urged its fighters to “be prepared to engage in a war of attrition that may be prolonged.”

President Trump also made a direct appeal to the people of Iran, urging them to “take over your government” once the strikes conclude, advising them to “Stay sheltered. Don’t leave your home. It’s very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will probably be your only chance for generations.” He directly warned the Tehran regime to “lay down your weapons and have complete immunity, or, in the alternative, face certain death.”

The launch of Operation Epic Fury underscores a dramatic shift in the geopolitical landscape, marking the culmination of prolonged tensions and signaling a new phase of direct military confrontation aimed at fundamentally altering Iran’s strategic capabilities and regional influence.