In late February 2026, the United States and Israel launched a large-scale military operation against Iran, known as Operation Epic Fury, with extensive airstrikes on Iranian military and government targets after Tehran repeatedly refused to dismantle its nuclear program. U.S. President Donald Trump framed the campaign as necessary to eliminate imminent threats posed by Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was reportedly killed during the initial strikes—a development confirmed by Iranian state media and acknowledged by U.S. leadership. This event significantly escalated tensions.
In retaliation, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks against U.S. military bases and interests across the Middle East, including Gulf states such as Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar. These strikes have caused both military and infrastructure damage, with at least four U.S. service members killed in one attack, and reports of additional American casualties emerging as fighting continues.
The conflict has extended beyond direct battlefield engagements. Iranian drones also struck the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, causing limited damage. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has declared that the Strait of Hormuz is closed, threatening to fire on any ship attempting passage—a key development with global oil market implications.
These hostilities reflect the breakdown of earlier diplomatic efforts. Iran has publicly stated it will not negotiate with the United States, rejecting proposed talks and emphasizing that Washington crossed a “dangerous red line” with its military actions.
From the U.S. perspective, intelligence agencies warn that Iran and its allied forces may continue targeting American interests, including potential cyberattacks or smaller, focused strikes against U.S. infrastructure or personnel.
International reactions have been mixed. China condemned U.S. strikes as “brazen aggression”, urging a diplomatic solution to avoid further escalation and regional destabilization.
