image sourced from original article at Israel and the United States launched a joint preemptive operation, striking Iranian military and nuclear-linked facilities in Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz. The campaign, named Operation Roaring Lion by Israel and Operation Epic Fury by the United States, marked a sharp escalation in regional tensions. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israel and later targeted United States military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, widening the conflict.
The offensive relied on advanced weaponry, including Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from naval platforms, stealth F-35I Adir and F-15I Ra'am strike aircraft, and stand-off missiles such as Delilah and Rampage. Precision-guided munitions, including SPICE kits and Joint Direct Attack Munition systems, were used alongside GBU-28 bunker-buster bombs designed to penetrate fortified underground sites. Long-endurance drones such as Heron and Eitan supported surveillance and strike missions.
Iran's retaliation featured Shahab-3 and Ghadr medium-range ballistic missiles, as well as the precision-guided Emad missile. The strikes followed a major United States military buildup in the region ordered by President Donald Trump, though lawmakers have questioned the lack of a public address outlining the rationale for the conflict.
