Full Breakdown
U.S. and Israel Launch Operation Epic Fury Against Iran
3/1/2026, 6:17:16 AM
Escalation of Military Action
On Saturday, February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel initiated Operation Epic Fury, a military campaign targeting Iran's leadership, including a strike that reportedly killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This operation has heightened tensions in the Middle East and prompted a heated exchange at the United Nations Security Council, where U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz and Iranian Ambassador Amir-Saeid Iravani confronted each other over the legality and implications of the strikes.
Diplomatic Confrontation at the UN
During the emergency session of the UN Security Council, Iravani condemned the U.S. military action as a violation of international law, asserting that it undermined global stability. He stated, "Neither the charter nor international law recognize internal matters of a state as justification for the use of force by other states." In response, Waltz defended the strikes as lawful, aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and ensuring global security. He criticized Iran's regime for its history of oppression, stating, “This representative sits here, in this body, representing a regime that has killed tens of thousands of its own people.”
Official Statements and Responses
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres characterized the U.S. and Israeli strikes as a "grave threat to international peace and security," calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations. He emphasized the need for peaceful resolutions to international disputes, warning that the military actions could lead to uncontrollable chaos in the region. In contrast, President Donald Trump justified the operation as necessary to defend the American people from imminent threats posed by Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Iran's Response and Promises of Self-Defense
In the wake of the strikes, Iravani vowed that Iran would exercise its right to self-defense decisively. He described the U.S. actions as "unprovoked and premeditated aggression" and accused Washington of pursuing regime change in Iran. He stated, "Iran will continue to exercise its right of self-defense decisively and without hesitation until the aggression ceases in full and unequivocal terms."
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While the U.S. and Israeli sources confirmed the death of Khamenei and other high-ranking officials, the exact number of casualties and the broader impact of the strikes remain contested. Guterres condemned Iran's retaliatory actions against neighboring countries, including Bahrain, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, which he described as violations of their sovereignty.
What's Next
The situation remains volatile, with both sides preparing for potential escalations. The U.S. has indicated that further military actions may be necessary if Iran continues its nuclear development. Meanwhile, Iran has promised to respond decisively to any further aggression, setting the stage for a potentially prolonged conflict in the region.
