The United States and Israel have begun a major coordinated military campaign against Iran in an operation dubbed Epic Fury by U.S. officials. This action marks a significant escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran, with both nations trading attacks and warnings that could reshape regional security.
Joint Military Offensive Begins
On February 28, 2026, U.S. and Israeli forces launched a series of airstrikes against multiple targets in Iran, with the stated aim of dismantling Iranian military capabilities and pressuring Tehran’s leadership. The offensive came after weeks of escalating hostilities and failed negotiations over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional behavior.
President Donald Trump announced the start of the operation in a recorded message, describing it as necessary to prevent what he labeled “a very wicked, radical dictatorship” from threatening American national security and its allies. He urged Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and military forces to lay down their arms to avoid further destruction.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed Trump’s message, saying that the joint campaign was designed to eliminate what his government calls an “existential threat.” Israeli military pilots struck “dozens of military targets,” according to official statements from the Israel Defense Forces.
Civilian Impact and Immediate Retaliation
Iran responded swiftly to the attacks, launching ballistic missiles toward Israel and U.S. military positions across the Gulf region. Reports indicate that missiles targeted bases in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.
Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the strikes as a serious violation of its sovereignty and declared that all U.S. and Israeli interests were legitimate targets. Explosions were widely reported in Tehran, and state media in Iran broadcast scenes of smoke rising from parts of the capital. Details on casualties and the full extent of the damage remain unclear.
The strikes reportedly hit a girls’ school in Iran, resulting in the deaths of young students and injuries to others, a claim that Iranian news agencies circulated shortly after the attacks. Though details have not been independently verified, the reports have fueled international concern over civilian harm in the conflict.
Trump’s Call for Regime Change
Beyond military goals, President Trump used his address to call directly on the Iranian people to seize this moment to overthrow their government. He said, “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take.”
The president framed the campaign not only as a defensive move but as a rare opportunity for Iranians seeking freedom from a regime he criticized for decades.
Trump maintained that the United States had repeatedly worked toward a diplomatic solution with Iran, but he claimed those efforts had failed due to Tehran’s rigid stance on its nuclear ambitions. The president praised U.S. servicemembers involved in the operation, calling their service noble.
Regional Security and Airspace Closures
As the conflict unfolded, Israel closed its airspace to all civilian flights, and a 48-hour state of emergency was declared. Air raid sirens sounded throughout Israeli cities, and authorities instructed residents to seek shelter in bomb-protected areas.
Israeli air defenses engaged Iranian missiles heading toward Israeli territory, and smoke was seen over urban centers as intercept systems worked to protect civilian areas. Hospitals in central regions began relocating operations to fortified underground facilities to maintain readiness against further threats.
International Reactions and Broader Implications
Global reactions have been mixed, with some nations calling for restraint and urging both sides to de-escalate. Experts warn that the conflict could trigger wider instability in the Middle East, affecting oil markets, trade routes, and international diplomacy. Some countries fear that the violence might spread beyond the initial strike zones due to existing alliances and regional rivalries.
The U.S. military buildup in the region preceding the strikes involved significant deployment of naval and air assets, signaling that Washington was preparing for a sustained campaign if necessary. Some analysts describe this buildup as the largest U.S. military concentration in the Middle East since the early 2000s.
Potential Escalation and Long-Term Effects
While the initial goal of Operation Epic Fury focuses on degrading Iran’s missile and military infrastructure, the long-term objectives remain uncertain. Trump’s calls for internal upheaval in Iran suggest that U.S. strategy extends beyond mere military deterrence toward encouraging political change.
Iranian officials have vowed to continue attacking U.S. and Israeli interests, hinting at a prolonged conflict rather than a short operation. The possibility of more severe confrontations in the coming days has increased fears of a larger regional war that could involve additional parties aligned with Iran or its adversaries.
