Iran Under Attack: Inside "Operation Epic Fury" and the Growing Middle East Conflict
The world woke up to a dramatically shifted geopolitical landscape on February 28, 2026, as the United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Dubbed "Operation Epic Fury" by the Pentagon, this massive bombardment marks a significant escalation from years of proxy warfare to direct confrontation . With explosions reported in Tehran and retaliatory strikes across the Middle East, the question on everyone’s mind is: Are we at war with Iran?
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Why is the US Attacking Iran Now?
The strikes did not come entirely without warning, though their scale has shocked international observers. According to reports from CNN, the immediate trigger was the failure of last-ditch nuclear negotiations between American and Iranian officials . President Donald Trump, in a video address posted to Truth Social, stated that the military's objective is to completely destroy Iran's missile capabilities and raze its defense industry .
Specifically, the initial waves of attacks targeted Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) facilities, focusing on ballistic missile bases in cities like Tabriz and Kermanshah, as well as the Parchin military complex . US Central Command utilized stealth bombers, including the B-2 Spirit, dropping GBU-57 "bunker-buster" bombs designed to destroy the deeply buried "missile cities" Iran has carved into the Zagros Mountains .
The Hunt for Leadership: Is Khamenei a Target?
Perhaps the most volatile aspect of this operation is the targeting of Iran's leadership. Xinhua and The Week report that Israel has stated it "will not rule out" targeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei . Early Saturday morning, seven missiles reportedly hit a location near the presidential palace in Shemiran, north of Tehran, close to Khamenei's compound .
However, according to Reuters, the Supreme Leader has been moved to a "safer location" and is not currently in Tehran . Despite this, Israeli sources suggest that the first phase of attacks, which may last four days, includes strikes on the leadership chain, including military chief of staff Sayyid Abdolrahim Mousavi and President Masoud Pezeshkian .
President Trump has amplified the pressure by directly addressing the Iranian people. In a move reminiscent of his previous policies, he urged citizens to "take over your government," claiming that the US operation will pave the way for regime change . The US Agency for Global Media confirmed it is boosting satellite broadcasts of this message into Iran, attempting to bypass regime-imposed internet blackouts .
Iran Retaliates: A Multi-Front War
Contrary to initial hopes of a one-off strike, the conflict is already expanding. Despite the heavy bombing, Iran has demonstrated that its military capabilities are not yet destroyed. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has launched waves of ballistic missiles toward Israel and US bases in the Gulf .
CNN reporters on the ground have geolocated videos showing missiles striking a US Navy base in Bahrain. Explosions and interceptions have also been reported in Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE, leading to the suspension of all flights at Dubai International Airport . The Iranian Foreign Ministry has issued a stark warning, stating they "will not hesitate" to respond, signaling that this is just the opening salvo in what could be a prolonged campaign .
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Global Reaction: Condemnation and Calls for Restraint
The international community is racing to respond to the crisis, with fears of World War III trending on social media.
· Russia has strongly condemned the "reckless airstrikes," calling them a "premeditated and unprovoked act of armed aggression" and has called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting .
· The E3 (France, Germany, and the UK) expressed "strong concern," urging restraint and the protection of civilians, while also condemning Iran's retaliatory attacks .
· China, through outlets like CGTN, reported on the volatility, highlighting the concerns of neighboring countries like Qatar, which condemned the violation of its sovereignty by Iranian missile strikes .
· Regional actors like the UAE have called this an "historic moment" of failure in global diplomacy, while Norway’s Foreign Minister noted that the attack appears "inconsistent with international law" .
The Strategic Goal: Can Missile Bases Be Destroyed?
Military analysts are skeptical about the feasibility of the stated US goals. While the damage inflicted on Iran is severe, the complete eradication of its missile program is a tactical nightmare. Iran has spent decades hardening its assets.
For instance, the US has heavily bombed facilities, but immediate retaliation from the IRGC proves that not all launch capabilities are gone . As noted by WION, because a single wave of strikes cannot eliminate the entire network, US officials are now preparing the public for a "multi-day or weeks-long campaign" .
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What Happens Next? The Risk of Escalation
With airspace over Iran, Iraq, and parts of the region closed, the world is holding its breath . The key variables to watch are:
1. The Survival of Leadership: If Ayatollah Khamenei is confirmed killed or injured, the retaliation will be unprecedented.
2. Proxy Involvement: Will Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed militias launch coordinated attacks to open new fronts against Israel?
3. Domestic Unrest in Iran: Will Trump's call for a popular uprising gain traction, or will the "rally around the flag" effect strengthen the regime?
For now, "Operation Epic Fury" is far from over. What began as a strike on missile bases has evolved into a direct challenge to the survival of the Iranian regime itself.
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