Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. code name for its joint military campaign with Israel against Iran, officially commenced at 1:15 AM EDT on February 28, 2026. The operation involved coordinated strikes targeting Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure, including command and control centers, missile and drone launch sites, air defense systems, and naval assets. Israel simultaneously launched its own campaign, dubbed Operation Roaring Lion, in coordination with U.S. forces.
Context and Objectives
The operation was launched in response to Iran’s nuclear activities and missile threats, with the stated goal of dismantling the Iranian regime’s security apparatus and preventing the development of nuclear weapons capable of threatening the United States and its allies. The opening strikes targeted high-value locations, including the offices of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and senior IRGC commanders, and triggered retaliatory missile and drone attacks from Iran.
Initial Execution
The first wave of strikes included precision munitions launched from air, land, and sea, and marked the first combat use of low-cost one-way attack drones by CENTCOM’s Task Force Scorpion Strike. The operation represented the largest regional concentration of American military firepower in a generation, with over 1,700 U.S. sorties and thousands of munitions deployed in the opening 48 hours.
Summary
In short, Operation Epic Fury started on February 28, 2026, with a massive, coordinated U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran’s strategic and nuclear infrastructure, marking a significant escalation in regional military operations.