US-Israel Strikes on Iran: A Deep Dive into Operation Epic Fury

A joint military operation between the United States and Israel, dubbed Operation Epic Fury by Israel and Operation Rising Lion, has escalated tensions in the Middle East, resulting in strikes against Iranian military and security infrastructure. The operation, initiated on February 28, 2026, follows the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader for nearly four decades, and has sparked retaliatory attacks from Iran targeting Israel, U.S. Interests, and regional allies.

The Scope of the Strikes

The U.S. Has reportedly struck nearly 2,000 targets as part of a strategy to dismantle Iran’s security infrastructure and eliminate threats . Israel has focused on internal security command centers controlled by the Iranian regime, specifically targeting the Basij and other internal security forces responsible for suppressing protests and maintaining control over the population . Strikes have hit locations in western Tehran, including the Natanz nuclear facility, though Iranian media reports indicate no radioactive leakage .

Iranian Retaliation and Regional Impact

Iran has responded with over 500 ballistic missiles and 2,000 drones, targeting Israel, U.S. Facilities, and Gulf nations . Attacks have hit the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia and struck near the U.S. Consulate in Dubai, United Arab Emirates . Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. Military base in the Middle East, located in Qatar, was also hit by a ballistic missile, though no injuries were reported . Israel is intensifying its strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon, resulting in a rising death toll, with at least 50 killed and over 300 injured as of March 3, 2026 . The U.S. Embassy in Jordan has issued a shelter-in-place order .

The Question of Regime Change

Both U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have suggested the possibility of regime change in Iran, encouraging the Iranian people to “rid themselves of the yoke of tyranny” and “seize control of your destiny” . However, experts like Ali Vaez, director of the Iran project at the International Crisis Group, caution that achieving regime change through airstrikes and popular uprising lacks a clear historical precedent and underestimates the resilience of the Iranian regime . The regime maintains a monopoly on weapons, and the Basij militia continues to patrol the streets.

Uncertain Leadership Succession

The death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has created uncertainty regarding Iran’s future leadership. Israel has warned that any successor who continues to threaten Israel, the U.S., and regional allies will be considered a target for elimination .