US-Israel Strike Iran: Epic Fury Operation

On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel initiated a large-scale joint military operation against Iran, codenamed Operation Epic Fury by the U.S. Department of Defense (and referred to as Operation Roaring Lion by Israel).

OPERATION EPIC FURY 🇺🇸

— Department of War 🇺🇸 (@DeptofWar) February 28, 2026

This marked a dramatic escalation in long-standing tensions, with explosions reported across Iranian cities including Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah.

Targets included military installations, missile sites, nuclear-related facilities, and reportedly senior leadership figures such as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Iranian president, and heads of the armed forces, according to Israeli officials.

President Donald Trump announced the strikes in an eight-minute video posted on Truth Social, describing the action as “major combat operations” and a “massive and ongoing” effort to prevent Iran from threatening American national security interests.

He urged Iranians to rise up and “take over your government,” framing the strikes as an opportunity for regime change and emphasizing the destruction of Iran’s missile capabilities and nuclear ambitions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this, stating the operation would continue “as long as needed” to neutralize threats.

Iran’s Response

Iran retaliated swiftly with missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. military bases and assets across the region, including in Bahrain (home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters), Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. Explosions were reported in these locations, with air raid sirens sounding in Israel as Iranian missiles were intercepted by defenses like Iron Dome.

Airspace over much of the Gulf was closed, flights were suspended (including at Dubai airport), and regional allies condemned the Iranian strikes as violations of sovereignty.

Iranian officials vowed a “crushing” and sustained response, declaring U.S. and Israeli assets legitimate targets, as confirmed by reports from Reuters and Al Jazeera.

Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi—the son of Iran’s last Shah before the 1979 Islamic Revolution—issued a public statement addressing the strikes, which he described as promised U.S. assistance and a humanitarian intervention aimed at the Islamic Republic’s repressive regime rather than the Iranian nation or people.

He emphasized that while external aid had arrived, ultimate victory depended on Iranians themselves finishing the task through internal action, urged the country’s military, police, and security forces to defect and side with the people to ensure a stable transition (warning they would otherwise sink with Supreme Leader Khamenei’s collapsing regime), appealed to President Trump to exercise maximum caution to protect civilian lives (noting Iranians as natural allies of the U.S. and free world who would remember the help), and instructed compatriots to stay calm and safe at home for now while remaining vigilant and ready to return to the streets for final action at a time he would specify, following updates via social media, satellite, or radio if needed.

He expressed confidence that victory was very near and hoped to soon join Iranians in reclaiming and rebuilding the country.

Background

The strikes followed failed nuclear negotiations and weeks of rising friction.

In early February 2026, incidents escalated, including Iranian drones approaching U.S. carrier groups and attempts to seize American vessels.

The U.S. bolstered its military presence in the region with additional fighter jets and warships.

A final round of indirect talks, mediated by Oman and held in Geneva on February 26, collapsed over irreconcilable demands. The U.S. insisted Iran fully dismantle key nuclear sites (such as Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan), export all enriched uranium, halt ballistic missile development, cease support for proxy groups like Hezbollah and Iraqi militias, and accept near-zero enrichment with rigorous verification—offering limited sanctions relief.

Iran rejected these terms, demanding complete sanctions removal and refusing to destroy facilities or ship out uranium.

With no deal, President Trump had repeatedly warned of severe consequences, including “bad things” for Iran if diplomacy failed.

The U.S. and Israel viewed the pre-emptive strikes as defensive, aimed at neutralizing Iran’s nuclear program, missile arsenal, and regional proxy threats, as detailed in coverage from CNN and The Washington Post.

The United States and Israel initiated the direct military action on February 28, 2026, describing it as pre-emptive and necessary to counter imminent threats from Iran’s regime.

Iran portrays the strikes as unprovoked aggression, rooted in decades of animosity dating back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, amplified by events like the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal under Trump’s first term and ongoing proxy conflicts.

Broader Context and Current Status

This conflict builds on years of shadow warfare, including Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and Iranian-backed attacks on U.S. and Israeli interests.

The situation remains highly fluid, with reports of ongoing U.S. planning for multi-day operations, potential further Iranian waves of retaliation, and global market impacts (including rising oil prices and safe-haven gold surges).

World leaders have called for restraint, while the U.N. Security Council faces pressure to intervene.

The operation’s outcome—whether it leads to regime change, wider regional war, or eventual de-escalation—remains uncertain as events unfold rapidly.

Current Reactions from U.S. Government Officials on X (rapdily developing)

Congressional leaders from both parties quickly weighed in on the strikes via X, reflecting a mix of support, calls for oversight, and concerns over authorization and escalation.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R) posted strong support for the operation, stating that Iran is facing the “severe consequences of its evil actions” after decades of nuclear ambitions, terrorism sponsorship, and threats to U.S. interests. He noted briefings to congressional leadership, ongoing updates from administration officials, and prayers for U.S. servicemembers, while affirming the pursuit of diplomacy before military action. See his full post here.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D) expressed caution, stressing that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon but warning against another endless Middle East war. He criticized the lack of detailed briefings on objectives and threats, called for an immediate classified all-senators briefing, public testimony, and Senate action on a War Powers Resolution to reassert congressional authority, while praying for U.S. troops. See his full post here.

Additional reactions continue to emerge as the situation develops.

International Reactions (rapidly developing)

French President Emmanuel Macron posted a statement on X condemning the outbreak of war between the United States, Israel, and Iran as carrying grave consequences for international peace and security. He affirmed that France is taking all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens, and interests in the Middle East and stands ready to provide resources to defend its closest partners upon request. Macron described the ongoing escalation as dangerous for everyone and insisted it must stop, urging the Iranian regime to recognize it has no choice but to negotiate in good faith to halt its nuclear and ballistic programs as well as its destabilizing regional activities—for the security of the entire Middle East. He also stated that the Iranian people deserve to freely shape their future, noting that the Islamic regime’s massacres have disqualified it and require returning power to the people as soon as possible. In line with France’s principles and international duties, he called for an urgent United Nations Security Council meeting and said he was in close contact with European partners and friends in the Middle East. See his full post here.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a statement expressing Canada’s firm support for U.S. action to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and to counter threats to international peace and security. He described the Islamic Republic of Iran as the principal source of instability and terror in the Middle East, highlighted its abysmal human rights record, and reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself. Carney urged all Canadians in Iran to shelter in place and take necessary precautions, emphasized protection of civilians in the conflict, and noted that Canada is providing consular support while not participating militarily. He also stressed continued collaboration with international partners to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its destabilizing actions, support for terrorism, and human rights violations. See his full post here.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued an official statement strongly condemning and denouncing in the strongest terms what it described as blatant Iranian aggression and flagrant violations of the sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Saudi Arabia expressed full solidarity with and unwavering support for these brotherly countries, affirmed its readiness to place all its capabilities at their disposal to support any measures they may undertake, and warned of the grave consequences from continued violations of states’ sovereignty and principles of international law. The statement called on the international community to condemn these blatant attacks and take firm measures to confront Iranian violations that undermine regional security and stability. See the full post here.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a detailed statement expressing solidarity with the Iranian people in their struggle against oppression and highlighting the Iranian regime’s long history as a destabilizing force via its nuclear and missile programs, proxy support, and acts of violence, including two directed attacks on Australian soil in 2024 targeting the Jewish community. He noted Australia’s strong responses, such as expelling Iran’s ambassador, suspending embassy operations in Tehran, designating the IRGC as a terrorism sponsor, and imposing sanctions on over 200 individuals. Albanese affirmed support for U.S. actions to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to counter threats to international peace, while emphasizing the regime’s lack of legitimacy due to brutal crackdowns on its citizens. He also updated travel advisories (Do Not Travel for Iran, Israel, and Lebanon), activated Australia’s Crisis Centre for consular support, and provided emergency contact details for Australians in the region. See his full post here.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on the rapid developments in the Middle East, drawing parallels to Ukraine’s experience with Iranian-supplied Shahed drones and other weapons used by Russia in its war against Ukraine (over 57,000 Shahed-type drones deployed). He described Iran’s regime as a terrorist accomplice to Putin and stated it is fair to give the Iranian people a chance to overthrow it for the security of nations affected by Iranian-origin terror. Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s position: prioritize saving lives, prevent the expansion of war, and commended decisive U.S. action, noting that American resolve weakens global criminals (with implications for Russia). He expressed hope that the region will become safer and more stable, affirming Ukraine’s readiness to support efforts to strengthen security and justice and to reduce terrorist regimes. See his full post here.

Switzerland’s Federal Department of Foreign Affairs expressed deep alarm over today’s strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran. Switzerland called for full respect of international law, including the UN Charter and International Humanitarian Law (IHL), and urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians, and safeguard civilian infrastructure. The Swiss Embassy in the region remains operational, and Switzerland offered its offices to facilitate dialogue among the involved parties. See the full post here.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi issued a statement confirming that Israel announced a preemptive strike on Iran, followed by U.S. participation. She noted that preparations for potential risks, including early evacuation of Japanese nationals, had already been underway. Upon receiving the report, she immediately instructed the relevant ministries to intensify information-gathering and take all possible measures to ensure the safety of the remaining Japanese citizens. An “Iran Situation Information Liaison Office” was established at the Prime Minister’s Office for enhanced monitoring. The Japanese government will prepare for all risks and respond comprehensively. See her full post here.

The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the U.S. and Israeli strikes as a “pre-planned and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent UN member state,” in violation of international law. It accused Washington and Tel Aviv of using concerns about Iran’s nuclear program as a pretext while pursuing regime change goals. The statement warned of severe risks including a potential humanitarian, economic, or radiological catastrophe, and urged an immediate cessation of military actions with a return to political and diplomatic solutions. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, reiterated the condemnation, emphasized violations of international norms and threats to regional/global stability, and affirmed Russia’s readiness (including at the UN Security Council) to facilitate peaceful resolutions based on mutual respect and balance of interests. Russia offered to help broker peace and called for urgent UN involvement. See the full statement here (Telegram post: https://t.me/MID_Russia/74812).

Additional reactions continue to emerge as the situation develops.

This is a developing story based on reports as of February 28, 2026. Information will evolve quickly.

For more in-depth prior coverage on Operation Epic Fury and related developments, check out these key reports from The Dallas Express: