Operation Epic Fury: US and Israel Launch Extensive Strikes Against Iran
Washington D.C. – The United States and Israel are conducting a large-scale military operation, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury,” against targets in Iran, marking a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East. The operation, which began on February 28, 2026, involves a substantial deployment of US forces and has resulted in nearly 2,000 Iranian targets being struck, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
Deployment and Scale of Operation
CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper announced the deployment of over 50,000 troops, 200 fighter aircraft, and two aircraft carriers, alongside US bombers, representing the largest US military buildup in the Middle East in a generation [CENTCOM Press Release]. The operation aims to eliminate Iran’s ability to threaten Americans, a goal pursued for “nearly half a century” [Israel National News].
Initial Strikes and Iranian Response
In the opening hours of Operation Epic Fury, US and Israeli forces delivered “overwhelming and unprecedented strikes” into Iran [Israel National News]. These initial 24 hours of strikes were nearly double the scale of previous operations, with continuous attacks occurring “from seabed to space and cyberspace” [Israel National News].
Iran responded to the strikes with a large-scale counterattack, launching over 500 ballistic missiles and more than 2,000 drones [CENTCOM Press Release]. Although, CENTCOM forces successfully defended against these attacks, and have been actively “hunting” remaining mobile ballistic missile launchers [Ynetnews].
Targets and Casualties
US forces have struck nearly 2,000 targets within Iran, destroying missiles, ships, and air defenses [Israel National News]. CENTCOM reported destroying 17 Iranian ships [CENTCOM Press Release]. The strikes have “severely degraded Iran’s air defenses” and eliminated hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones [Ynetnews].
The attacks have resulted in casualties on both sides. Adm. Cooper expressed condolences for American service members killed in action and offered prayers for the wounded [Israel National News]. Reports from the Iranian Red Crescent indicate at least 787 deaths resulting from the US-Israeli attacks.
Strategic Implications
Adm. Brad Cooper stated that the operation marks a shift from “deterrence into active combat” and that those involved would “change the course of human history” [Task & Purpose]. He emphasized that the operation is ongoing, stating, “We’ve just begun” [Ynetnews]. The US military has also deployed suicide drones, originally Iranian-made, causing significant damage [Ynetnews].
The operation was ordered by President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth [Israel National News].