The U.S. military initiated a substantial air campaign against Iran on February 28, known as Operation Epic Fury, marking a significant escalation in military action in the region. Coordinated with Israel’s Operation Roaring Lion, the campaign commenced with over 1,000 strikes aimed at key Iranian military targets, including the headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and critical command centers. This operation is the largest concentration of U.S. air power in the area since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
The launch of the operation was confirmed by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which stated that the airstrikes were executed based on intelligence pinpointing the location of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The military action was deemed essential as diplomatic efforts regarding Iran’s nuclear program had stalled.
President Donald Trump made the announcement via social media, proclaiming a forceful assault while encouraging the Iranian populace to resist their government. Despite the intensity of the U.S.-Israeli offensive, Iranian forces retaliated with missile strikes targeting U.S. military bases and civilian infrastructure in allied countries. Reports indicate that three American service members lost their lives in these counterattacks, which also resulted in civilian casualties.
CENTCOM’s mission recalled strategies from the Gulf War, targeting pivotal aspects of Iran’s military capabilities. The operation involved various aircraft types, including B-2 bombers deployed for missions against hardened targets and fighter jets like the F-35 Lightning II, which were drawn from various bases to bolster air operations in the region.
Multiple squadrons of F-22 Raptors, F-16s, and A-10s also contributed to the strikes, showcasing a robust air presence supported by advanced surveillance and electronic warfare platforms. Notably, the use of LUCAS drones, marking a historical deployment of one-way attack combat drones, reflects a new approach to modern warfare, modeled after Iranian technologies but developed for U.S. military objectives.
The air campaign continued into its second day with sustained attacks from both U.S. and Israeli sorties, suggesting an ongoing commitment to undermining Iran’s military infrastructure. As the situation unfolds, the complexities of the U.S.-Iran relationship and implications for regional stability remain critical points of concern in this evolving scenario.