In the early hours of Feb. 28, 2026, hundreds of missiles struck multiple sites in Iran as part of “Operation Epic Fury,” a U.S. Department of Defense operation. These strikes followed months of U.S. Military buildup in the region and came after apparent diplomatic efforts in Oman and Geneva aimed at a peaceful resolution to tensions over Iran’s nuclear program.
The Aims of the U.S. Operation
The strikes go beyond any previous military action against Iran and appear aimed at crippling Iran’s ballistic program, a capability Washington believes allows Iran to threaten the region. Some strikes as well targeted ballistic and cruise missile launch sites, production facilities and storage locations. However, it is currently unclear who among Iran’s leadership has been killed or the extent to which Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities have been degraded.
The Trump administration’s aims appear to have expanded beyond removing Iran’s nuclear and non-nuclear military threat to include regime change. Strikes targeted a Tehran compound where the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei resides, with Israel’s prime minister confirming the 86-year-old leader was a target. President Trump has directly appealed to Iranians to “take over your government.”
This shift in strategy carries risks. Signaling a regime change operation could encourage Iranians who protested in January – with hundreds of thousands taking to the streets – but could also lead to a more aggressive response from Iran’s leaders. Iran has stated it will use “crushing” force in response to the attacks.
What Happens Next
The U.S. Strategy remains unclear: whether the initial strikes are intended to force Iran to negotiate or are merely the first phase of a larger operation. The diplomatic path appears to be closed, and the U.S. Administration has not sought Congressional authorization for “Operation Epic Fury,” relying instead on the President’s Article 2 powers as commander in chief. However, the 1973 War Powers Act means the administration will face scrutiny from Congress within 60 days.
Iran has already used ballistic missiles against nations including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. While Iran’s military capabilities appear to have been degraded, they have not been entirely eliminated. Experts note that Tehran does not possess a nuclear weapon but maintains a stockpile of drones and missiles, as well as unconventional warfare capabilities through groups like the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force, Hezbollah, the Houthis in Yemen, and Shia militias in Iraq.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the U.S. And Israeli strikes?
The strikes, part of “Operation Epic Fury,” followed months of U.S. Military buildup and came after apparent diplomatic efforts in Oman and Geneva aimed at a peaceful resolution to tensions over Iran’s nuclear program.
What is the U.S. Hoping to achieve?
The U.S. Appears to be aiming to cripple Iran’s ballistic missile program and, more broadly, to effect regime change in Iran, as indicated by President Trump’s direct appeal to the Iranian people.
What risks are associated with this operation?
The operation carries the risk of escalating the conflict, potentially leading to Iranian retaliation, including attacks by proxy groups and the possibility of American casualties, as warned by President Trump.
Given the current situation, what role will regional actors play in the coming days?
