Joint US-Israeli military operation against Iran — February 28, 2026
Operation Epic Fury is the codename for the largest joint US-Israeli military operation in modern history, launched in the early hours of February 28, 2026. The campaign involves coordinated air and missile strikes against Iranian military infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and IRGC command centres. US assets deployed include B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, carrier-based strike groups in the Arabian Sea, and Tomahawk cruise missile salvos from guided-missile destroyers and submarines positioned across the region.
Israel's contribution centres on its F-35I Adir fleet and long-range precision munitions, with sorties launched from Israeli airspace crossing Saudi and Jordanian corridors under pre-arranged overflight agreements. The operation specifically targets Iran's integrated air defence system, ballistic missile production complexes, drone manufacturing facilities, and hardened underground nuclear enrichment plants at Natanz and Fordow. Pentagon sources describe the operation as "the most complex air campaign since the opening of the Iraq War in 2003."
The military significance of Operation Epic Fury extends beyond the immediate damage to Iranian capabilities. By systematically dismantling Iran's layered air defence network and striking IRGC command nodes, the coalition aims to degrade Tehran's ability to coordinate retaliatory operations and project force through its proxy network across the Middle East. However, Iran's rapid retaliatory missile launches against Israel, UAE, Bahrain, and US bases in the Gulf demonstrate that significant offensive capability remains intact.
Yemen's Houthi movement declared readiness to support Iran in any escalation, announcing they stand ready for 'any necessary development' in the conflict with the United States and Israel.
Iran's IRGC released footage claiming successful missile strikes on four major US military installations: Al Udeid Air Base (Qatar), Al Salem (Kuwait), Al Dhafra (UAE), and the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.
An Iranian drone struck Kuwait International Airport, damaging the terminal building and injuring several workers. Kuwait closed its airspace and activated all defense systems.
Satellite imagery reveals direct damage to Ayatollah Khamenei's compound in Tehran. Iran's Foreign Minister confirms both Khamenei and President Pezeshkian remain alive following the strikes.
Israel reveals its own codename for the strikes: Operation Lion's Roar. 200 Israeli Air Force fighter jets participated in the initial wave, striking over 500 targets in the largest IAF operation in history.
An airstrike struck a girls' school in Minab in southern Iran, killing at least 85 students. The strike is the deadliest single incident of the conflict, drawing international condemnation.
The United States and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes on Iranian military installations and nuclear facilities in what the Pentagon has designated Operation Epic Fury. Targets included sites in Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, and Karaj.
Iran's IRGC launched three waves of ballistic missiles and drones targeting US military bases and allied nations across the Persian Gulf, striking at targets in the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan.
The UAE Armed Forces confirmed successful interception of three waves of Iranian ballistic missiles. However, missile debris impacted several areas in Abu Dhabi, killing at least one person and injuring dozens.
Defense Secretary confirmed that US forces struck multiple Iranian nuclear facilities including sites at Isfahan and Natanz. The Pentagon stated the strikes aimed to degrade Iran's nuclear weapons program.
Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israeli population centers including Tel Aviv and Haifa. Israel's Iron Dome and Arrow defense systems activated across the country.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps released footage claiming successful missile strikes on Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military installation in the Middle East hosting over 10,000 personnel.
Operation Epic Fury is the codename for the joint US-Israeli military operation launched on February 28, 2026. The campaign targeted Iranian military installations, nuclear facilities, air defence systems, and IRGC command centres across multiple provinces using cruise missiles, stealth bombers, and standoff munitions.
Confirmed targets include Iran's air defence radar networks, IRGC command and control facilities in Tehran, ballistic missile production sites near Isfahan and Karaj, Natanz and Fordow nuclear enrichment plants, and drone manufacturing facilities. Satellite imagery confirms significant damage to multiple sites.
As of February 28, 2026, Operation Epic Fury is characterised as a limited but large-scale military campaign targeting specific military and nuclear infrastructure. It is not a ground invasion or occupation. However, Iran's retaliatory strikes across the Gulf have expanded the theatre of conflict significantly.
The US deployed B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, Tomahawk cruise missiles from naval vessels in the Arabian Sea and Mediterranean, and air-launched standoff munitions from carrier-based aircraft. Israel contributed with F-35I Adir sorties and long-range Jericho ballistic missiles targeting hardened underground facilities.