The United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes on Iran early Saturday, opening a new phase in a rapidly expanding regional conflict. President Donald Trump confirmed the start of what the U.S. military has named “Operation Epic Fury,” describing it as a large-scale effort targeting Iran’s military and strategic infrastructure.
In a video statement, Trump said the objective was to prevent Iran from threatening U.S. national security interests and to curb its nuclear and missile capabilities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel’s parallel campaign, referred to as “The Roar of the Lion,” aims to remove what he called an existential threat posed by Iran’s leadership.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks as a violation of its sovereignty and said its armed forces would respond. Within hours, Iranian missiles were launched toward Israel, triggering air defense interceptions and emergency alerts across the country. Israeli officials reported multiple barrages but said interception systems were engaged.
U.S. military installations across the Middle East were also placed on heightened alert. Missiles were reported targeting bases in Bahrain and Jordan, and air defenses were activated near a U.S. base in Erbil, Iraq. Bahrain confirmed a missile attack targeting the headquarters of the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Manama. The U.S. Embassy in Bahrain announced it would close Sunday amid ongoing missile threats.
Regional governments reacted quickly. Lebanon’s prime minister said his country would not be drawn into a wider war. The European Union called for maximum restraint and urged all sides to protect civilians and respect international law. Russia described the strikes as an unprovoked act of aggression and demanded an immediate halt to the bombing.
The escalation follows weeks of mounting pressure over Iran’s nuclear program. Indirect talks between U.S. and Iranian negotiators, mediated in part by Oman, had continued through February. Omani officials previously said progress had been made toward a potential agreement limiting Iran’s nuclear activities, including assurances that Iran would not pursue a nuclear weapon and would allow international inspections.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran had accumulated significant quantities of uranium enriched up to 60% purity before earlier U.S. strikes in June 2025. While that level is below weapons-grade, it is technically close. U.S. officials have said Iran is not currently enriching uranium but have expressed concern about its long-term intentions.
Ahead of the latest strikes, the U.S. repositioned naval assets in the region, including two aircraft carriers and multiple destroyers. Additional aircraft and support units were deployed toward Europe and the Middle East.
Airspace closures quickly followed the attacks. Iran, Israel and Iraq suspended civilian flights, and several international airlines canceled routes across the region. Reports also indicated a sharp drop in internet connectivity inside Iran during the early hours of the conflict.
Iranian state media claimed a strike hit a girls’ elementary school in the southern city of Minab, alleging dozens of students were killed. Those reports have not been independently verified, and U.S. military officials said they had no immediate comment.
As exchanges of fire continued, governments worldwide called for de-escalation. The situation remains fluid, with military operations ongoing and regional security conditions deteriorating by the hour.
