• The US has conducted over 1,700 strikes on Iranian targets since February 28, 2026, as part of Operation Epic Fury, aiming to destroy Iran's ballistic missile capabilities.
  • Israel's Operation Roaring Lion involved its largest combat sortie, with around 200 fighter jets hitting approximately 500 military targets in western and central Iran.
  • Iran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks, closing the Strait of Hormuz and disrupting global oil shipments, while the UAE intercepted most projectiles.

Escalating Military Operations

In a coordinated effort, US and Israeli forces have launched a sustained military campaign targeting Iran's ballistic missile infrastructure, with the US striking over 1,700 Iranian targets since February 28, 2026. According to people familiar with the matter, the operation, codenamed Epic Fury by the US and Roaring Lion by Israel, aims to eliminate Iran's missile capabilities before interceptor supplies are exhausted. US Central Command confirmed that B-52 strategic bombers are operating in Iran, focusing on missile manufacturing sites, underground facilities, and air defense systems.

Israeli operations have been equally aggressive, with the Israeli Air Force conducting its largest combat sortie in history, using around 200 fighter jets to strike approximately 500 military targets in western and central Iran. Efforts to restructure Iran's military assets have hit a snag as these strikes target key launchers and air defenses, reducing Iran's capacity to launch missiles. Without a deal to halt enrichment and missile development, regional tensions could spiral further.

Iranian Retaliation and Regional Fallout

Iran has responded with continued drone and ballistic missile attacks, targeting US forces and sites in Gulf countries, which led to the closure of two US embassies. The UAE reported intercepting 172 of 186 detected ballistic missiles and 755 of 812 detected drones, though some projectiles struck UAE territory. Iran has also launched strikes on civilian infrastructure, including airports and shipping ports in Kuwait, the UAE, and Oman, and has closed the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global oil and gas shipments.

In a brief statement, a US official emphasized that the campaign's objectives include preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and achieving regime change, as declared by President Donald Trump on March 1. Trump stated the operation would be completed in one month or less, but ongoing negotiations over Iran's compliance with core demands—such as ending uranium enrichment and halting support for proxy groups—remain contentious. Attempts to reach Iranian officials for comment were unsuccessful.

Intelligence Scrutiny and Strategic Implications

The operation has faced scrutiny regarding its justification, with Pentagon officials reportedly telling Congress in closed-door briefings that there was no intelligence suggesting Iran was planning to attack US forces first. American intelligence reports have suggested that alleged threats of long-range Iranian ballistic missiles capable of reaching the United States were unfounded, with such capabilities potentially not available until 2035 had Iran pursued them. This raises questions about the timing and scope of the strikes, as the campaign aims to restrict Iran's missile capacity amid tight filing deadlines for regional security agreements.

As the situation evolves, market data shows volatility in oil prices due to the Strait of Hormuz closure, with analysts monitoring for potential shifts in global energy supplies. The human toll and diplomatic fallout are becoming more apparent, with industry-specific elements like missile interceptor reserves and military partnerships playing a crucial role. For now, the focus remains on current developments, as both sides navigate a precarious path without extensive historical context overshadowing the breaking news.