U.S. Launches Operation Epic Fury Against Iran's Missile Capabilities

On March 1, 2026, President Donald Trump authorized Operation Epic Fury, a military campaign aimed at neutralizing Iran's ballistic missile capabilities. This decision followed intelligence reports indicating that Iran was preparing to launch missiles either preemptively or in response to U.S. actions. The operation marks a significant escalation in U.S.-Iran tensions, with the U.S. and Israeli militaries conducting joint airstrikes against Iranian missile facilities.

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The primary objective of Operation Epic Fury is to dismantle Iran's missile arsenal and production capabilities. President Trump emphasized the importance of this mission, stating that destroying Iran’s missile capabilities is a top priority. However, experts note that completely eliminating Iran's missile infrastructure poses considerable challenges. Many of these facilities are underground and fortified, making them difficult targets for airstrikes. U.S. Central Command reported using B-2 stealth bombers to target these hardened sites, but the complexity of the operation raises questions about its long-term effectiveness.

New York Times

A senior U.S. official explained that the decision to act was driven by the need to prevent potential missile attacks on American forces in the region. The official stated, “We cannot continue to live in a world where these people not only possess missiles but the ability to make 100 of them a month.” This perspective reflects a shift in the Trump administration's focus from Iran's nuclear ambitions to its missile capabilities, which are viewed as an immediate threat to U.S. military personnel and allies.

Times of Israel

Iranian officials have maintained that they would only deploy their missile arsenal in response to an attack. Following the initiation of Operation Epic Fury, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi suggested that Israel had manipulated the U.S. into the conflict. In response, U.S. officials denied these claims, asserting that the operation was undertaken in the national interest of the United States. The military campaign has already led to retaliatory strikes by Iran against neighboring Arab states, further complicating the regional dynamics.

Times of Israel

Critics of the operation argue that the military campaign could exacerbate tensions in the region and lead to unintended consequences. A senior Arab diplomat noted that Iran's survival would be considered a victory for the regime, suggesting that Tehran may seek to prolong the conflict to undermine U.S. objectives. The ongoing military actions have raised concerns about the potential for a broader regional conflict.

Times of Israel

As Operation Epic Fury unfolds, U.S. officials anticipate that the campaign may last several weeks, depending on the effectiveness of their strikes and the resilience of Iranian defenses. The situation remains fluid, with both military and diplomatic efforts continuing to evolve in response to the conflict.

Times of Israel

• “The president decided he was not going to sit back and allow American forces in the region to absorb attacks from conventional missiles,” — Senior U.S. Official

Times of Israel

• “We are not going to be held hostage by them, and we are not going to let them hit us first because it would have substantially increased the risk to our troops in the region and to our allies,” — Senior U.S. Official

Times of Israel

• “Mere survival, at this point, would be considered a victory” — Senior Arab Diplomat

Times of Israel