Trump Announces “Operation Epic Fury,” Says U.S. Is Conducting Major Combat Operations in Iran to Stop Nuclear Threat
President Donald Trump announced on February 28, 2026, that the United States has begun “major combat operations” in Iran, naming the campaign Operation Epic Fury and saying it aims to halt Tehran’s nuclear, missile and proxy threats.
- Major combat operations announced as Operation Epic Fury; President posted a video of the President’s remarks.
- Stated objectives: destroy missiles and missile industry, degrade naval forces, and dismantle proxy networks (CBS News live coverage; Politico reporting).
- U.S. and Israel coordinated: Israel focused on leadership targets while U.S. struck sites tied to imminent threats, including nuclear-related facilities struck by B-2 bombers and stealth fighters.
- Iran has launched missiles at Israel and at least two major U.S. bases in the region, raising escalation risks.
What Trump announced and why
In a Truth Social post and accompanying video, Trump described Iran as a “very wicked, radical dictatorship” responsible for “mass terror” across the region. He said the United States is acting now to defend Americans and remove “imminent threats” posed by Iran’s nuclear program, long-range missiles and proxy groups. The President urged members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, military and police to lay down weapons and offered immunity to those who surrender; he also called on Iranian civilians to rise up against the regime.
“The U.S. will destroy Iran’s missiles and missile industry, annihilate its navy, and dismantle proxy networks that destabilize the region.” — President Donald Trump (video: video of the President’s remarks)
Trump acknowledged the risk of U.S. casualties but framed the operation as a noble mission to protect future generations and prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
U.S. and Israeli roles in the operation
U.S. officials described a clear division of labor: Israel is reported to be focusing on Iranian leadership targets, while U.S. forces targeted facilities presenting imminent threats — including sites connected to nuclear work and long-range missile capabilities. Officials cited use of B-2 stealth bombers, F-22s and F-35s, supported by other air assets, along with long-range missiles, cyber operations and psychological campaigns (CBS News live coverage; Politico reporting).
Pentagon planners said they reduced the U.S. footprint to limit targets and lower the risk of a broader ground conflict, signaling a focus on surgical strikes rather than large-scale invasion.
How we got here: recent history and escalation
The strikes follow weeks of failed diplomacy and rising tensions. In January 2026, mass protests in Iran and a harsh security crackdown heightened international concern. Trump publicly warned the U.S. might respond to brutal repression with military action if Tehran did not change course (CBS News live coverage).
On January 28, Trump threatened attacks “far worse” than prior strikes on nuclear-related targets unless Iran returned to talks to halt enrichment, and deployed a what he called a “massive Armada” to the Persian Gulf as leverage (Politico reporting).
Behind the scenes, Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in December he would support strikes on Iranian ballistic missiles if negotiations failed. As talks faltered in late February and Iran refused to halt missile work, the President pressed for punishing options despite military cautions about escalation risk (Politico reporting).
Military methods and limits
The campaign relies on modern air power and precision strike capabilities. Reports cite B-2 stealth bombers and next-generation fighters striking hardened sites connected to Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure. Cyber tools and psychological operations were used to degrade command-and-control and influence public sentiment inside Iran (CBS News live coverage).
Pentagon planners emphasized a reduced force presence in some locations to minimize U.S. casualties and avoid presenting easy targets for retaliation — a posture indicating preference for limited, targeted strikes rather than occupation.
Iran’s response and regional fallout
Iran’s armed forces launched missiles at Israeli territory and at least two major U.S. bases in the region, according to officials. The exchanges have prompted heightened alerts among U.S. forces and raised the prospect of further escalation as both sides assess damage and consider next steps (CBS News live coverage).
Implications for the United States
Economic impact: Markets reacted with volatility; energy prices are likely to rise short-term as the Persian Gulf remains a critical conduit for global oil. Businesses with regional ties may face disruptions while defense contractors could see increased demand.
National security and homeland risk: The White House framed the operation as necessary to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran. U.S. intelligence and military agencies will monitor and counter threats to American assets globally, and homeland defense postures may be strengthened (Politico reporting).
Political consequences: The campaign will intensify debate over presidential war powers, congressional oversight, and the potential costs of intervention. Lawmakers are expected to seek briefings and potential votes on funding and oversight.
Social effects: The prospect of American casualties and extended engagement may strain military families and base communities, even as many Americans support action framed as preventing a nuclear-armed adversary (CBS News live coverage).
Practical impacts: Travel advisories may change, security measures around installations may increase, and energy price shifts could affect household budgets.
Sources and attribution
- Politico reporting on White House decisions and diplomacy
- CBS News live coverage of U.S. and Israeli strikes and official statements
- Video of President Trump’s Truth Social remarks
Further developments are likely as officials on both sides assess damage, pursue follow-up actions and continue diplomatic and military planning.
