What is Operation Epic Fury? US unleashes sweeping strikes against Iranian military days after Trump's warning
The US launched Operation Epic Fury against Iranian military targets after Iran refused to renounce nuclear weapons. Iran retaliated with missile strikes on US bases in the Middle East. US embassies in the region urged Americans to shelter in place amid escalating tensions.
The United States on Saturday, February 28, launched a massive military strike dubbed Operation Epic Fury, targeting key Iranian military targets just days after President Donald Trump gave Tehran 10 days to finalise the nuclear deal and warned that “bad things” would happen if it failed to comply with Washington's demands.
Hours after the US launched a "major combat' operation against Iranian military installations, US defense officials announced the name of the operation in a social media post that included an American flag emoji.
US-Israel launch strikes against Iran
On Saturday, Israel and the US began striking key targets across Iran, with Trump urging the Iranian citizens to take over the government once the military campaign comes to an end, Bloomberg reported. Addressing Iranians, Trump shared a video on his Truth Social platform and said, "The hour for your freedom is at hand. When we’re finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will probably be your only chance for generations.”
Before Trump urged the Iranians, multiple large explosions were reported in Iran's capital, Tehran. The country's state media said that it has also launched a wave of missile and drone attacks on Israel. The Israeli military said that its defensive systems were operating to intercept any attack from Tehran.
Iran refused to renounce nuclear weapons: Trump
Trump said that the military operation, which commenced on Friday (local time), comes after Iran has refused to renounce its nuclear weapons, which Tehran has consistently said that it is not pursuing. He also added that Washington will destroy the Islamic Republic's missile inventory and industry, as well as its navy.
He added, "A short time ago, the US military began major combat operations in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime," and warned that the operation might cost US lives.
According to an AP report, at least one of the strikes was reported near the office of Tehran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran's IRGC targets the US bases in the Middle East: Reports
As the US and Israel launched a joint strike on Iran and targeted its military and naval forces, Tehran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted at least four US bases, CNN reported, citing local media.
Iranian missile attacks reportedly struck Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, and the US Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain, according to Fars News Agency, citing the IRGC.
US embassies in the Middle East urge Americans to seek shelter
Multiple US embassies in the Middle East, including in Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan, have urged Americans to shelter in place. In a post on social media, US's Bahrain embassy in Manama wrote, “The U.S. Embassy in Manama urges U.S. citizens in Bahrain to shelter in place, review security plans in the event of an attack, and to stay alert in case of additional future attacks.”
About the Author
Swati Gandhi is a digital journalist with over four years of experience, specialising in international and geopolitical issues. Her work focuses on foreign policy, global power shifts, and the political and economic forces shaping international relations, with a particular emphasis on how global developments affect India. She approaches journalism with a strong belief in context-driven reporting, aiming to break down complex global events into clear, accessible narratives for a wide readership.<br><br> Previously, Swati has worked at Business Standard, where she covered a range of beats including national affairs, politics, and business. This diverse newsroom experience helped her build a strong grounding in reporting, while also strengthening her ability to work across both breaking news and in-depth explanatory stories. Covering multiple beats early in her career has helped her be informed about her current work, allowing her to connect domestic developments with wider international trends.<br><br> At Live Mint, she focuses on international and geopolitical issues through a business and economic lens, examining how global political developments, foreign policy decisions, and power shifts impact markets, industries, and India’s strategic and economic interests.<br><br> She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English (Honours) from the University of Delhi and a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. Her academic training has shaped her emphasis on precision, analytical rigour, and clarity in writing. Her interests include global political economy and the intersection of geopolitics with business.<br><br> Outside work, Swati focuses on exploring her passion and love for food. From fancy cafes to street spots, Swati explores food like a true foodie.