• U.S. President Donald Trump announces Operation Epic Fury has struck hundreds of Iranian targets, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, but warns a larger phase of military action remains ahead.
  • The operation, launched on or before March 1, 2026, targets Iran's nuclear facilities, ballistic missiles, proxy networks, and naval forces with support from Israel and Saudi Arabia.
  • With operations expected to continue for up to four weeks, Trump urges Iranian civilians to stay indoors as U.S. forces face potential troop losses and regional escalation from retaliatory attacks.

U.S. forces, partnered with Israel and Saudi Arabia, have launched Operation Epic Fury in what President Donald Trump described as a decisive move to eliminate Iran's nuclear threat and military capabilities. In videos posted on Truth Social and during a CNN interview, Trump stated that strikes are ongoing at full force and will persist until all objectives are met, warning that the "big one is coming soon" in what he termed a "big wave" of further action.

According to people familiar with the matter, the operation has already struck hundreds of targets including Revolutionary Guard facilities, ships, air defenses, and Iran's military command, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. An interim Iranian leadership council has formed in the wake of Khamenei's death, but the regime faces internal disarray as command losses mount. Trump framed the strikes as protecting civilians long-term, highlighting Khamenei's role in American and global deaths over Iran's 47-year history of aggression.

"We're striking effectively, but there's more ahead," Trump said, without providing specific timelines but indicating operations could last up to four weeks. He called the military action "very powerful" and urged Iranian civilians to stay indoors, citing risks from ongoing strikes. U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the Gang of 8 was briefed beforehand, with Republicans like Senators Ted Cruz and Representatives Dan Crenshaw and Brian Babin praising it as decisive "America First" action.

Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks hitting allies like the UAE and Qatar, prompting joint responses and coordination on missile defenses. Allies including France have condemned Iran's escalations while supporting defensive measures. In a slightly more conversational tone, one European diplomat noted, "It's a volatile situation, but the consensus is that Iran's provocations left little room for alternatives."

Efforts to restructure diplomatic engagements have hit a snag after failed negotiations and sanctions, with Trump citing an "existential threat" from Iran's long-range missiles and nuclear pursuits. Without a deal, the U.S. would be forced into continued military action, according to analysts. Heritage Foundation's Victoria Coates predicted Iran is now "defenseless," creating what she called "strategic degradation" that could empower internal overthrow.

As of early March 2026, market reactions have been muted but watchful, with oil prices ticking up slightly on supply concerns. The operation aims to fully degrade Iran's military, end nuclear and missile threats, and potentially enable regime change by empowering the Iranian people. Senator Cruz called it Trump's most important decision for U.S. safety, emphasizing no nuclear-armed Iran as a state terror sponsor.

Attempts to reach Iranian officials for comment were unsuccessful. Updates will follow as developments unfold.