President Donald Trump was warned that a military strike on Iran would be a 'high risk, high reward' operation before launching what the Pentagon called Operation Epic Fury. Briefings from senior national security officials outlined the possibility of significant United States casualties and retaliatory attacks on American bases across the region, while also presenting the potential for a major geopolitical shift in favor of United States interests. Despite the risks, Trump framed the mission as necessary for long term security and regional change.

United States and Israeli forces struck multiple sites across Iran, prompting retaliatory missile attacks against Israel and Gulf Arab countries. Officials acknowledged limits in regional air defenses and warned that Iranian missiles, proxy forces, drones and cyber capabilities could inflict damage despite the military buildup. Experts cautioned that the conflict could escalate unpredictably, with no guarantee of a decisive outcome.

Trump outlined sweeping objectives, including dismantling Iran's missile capabilities, crippling its navy and preventing it from developing a nuclear weapon, which Iran denies seeking. He also called on the Iranian public to rise against its leadership, though analysts noted that the opposition remains fragmented and uncertain. Former officials described the campaign as a major gamble that could still leave Iran capable of striking back.