• U.S. launches Operation Epic Fury targeting Iran's nuclear program, missiles, navy, and proxy networks after failed diplomacy.
  • Global oil markets face disruption risks as Iran's naval assets are hit, with Saudi Arabia and Israel involved as allies.
  • Congressional Republicans praise the operation as necessary for security, while Democrats criticize it as illegal without full authorization.

President Trump authorized Operation Epic Fury, a major U.S. military campaign against Iran launched around March 1, 2026, to eliminate imminent threats from its nuclear program, ballistic missiles, navy, and proxy terror networks. In a video address, Trump stated that Iran refused diplomacy despite warnings, emphasizing "they will never have a nuclear weapon" and offering immunity to Iranian forces who surrender. According to people familiar with the matter, the operation builds on prior efforts like Operation Midnight Hammer in June 2025, which targeted nuclear facilities, signaling an escalation in U.S. strategy after years of sanctions and diplomatic stalemates.

U.S. forces, partnered with allies such as Israel and Saudi Arabia, began precise strikes to destroy key assets, risking closures of the Strait of Hormuz that could spike oil prices amid Middle East instability. Efforts to stabilize supply short-term are underway, with Saudi involvement noted as a potential buffer, but market volatility is expected as the situation unfolds. The operation aims to further degrade Iran's missile and terror funding, leveraging prior Trump-era sanctions that had already weakened its economy, according to sources briefed on the plans.

Congressional Republicans like Sen. Ted Budd and Reps. Rick Crawford and Dan Crenshaw praised the operation as necessary for U.S. security, framing it as "peace through strength." In contrast, Rep. Don Beyer criticized it as illegal, unconstitutional, and risky without congressional approval under the War Powers Resolution. Trump briefed the Gang of 8, but lacks full authorization, drawing accusations from Democrats of overreach and potential for endless war, echoing past conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Iran's 47-year history of anti-U.S. actions, including terrorism sponsorship and nuclear pursuits despite deals like the JCPOA, which Trump exited, provides context for the current escalation. The operation signals U.S. resolve against Iran's "axis of resistance," with Trump predicting regime collapse and urging Iranian civilians to rise up. Short-term, the mission focuses on obliterating capabilities, but risks wider conflict or retaliation via proxies like Hezbollah, potentially sparking refugee flows and regional instability.

In a brief update, officials clarified that the operation's timeline is fluid, with ongoing assessments of impact on Iran's military infrastructure. Attempts to reach Iranian representatives for comment were unsuccessful, highlighting the tense diplomatic backdrop. As developments continue, analysts note that attrition strategies may hollow Iran's power, but critics warn of quagmire risks, underscoring the high stakes for global security and energy markets.