President Donald Trump authorized a sweeping military campaign against Iran, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, in a unilateral decision that targeted the country’s supreme leader, military leadership, and nuclear infrastructure. According to General Dan Caine, the order was given on the afternoon of February 27, with Trump declaring, 'Operation Epic Fury is approved. No aborts. Good luck.' Within hours, coordinated strikes were underway, including long-range bomber missions from the continental United States and a synchronized wave of more than one hundred aircraft operating by land and sea.

The initial assault focused on Iran’s leadership, ballistic missile systems, intelligence networks, and underground nuclear facilities. By early morning in Tehran, a large-scale daylight strike had begun, supported by cyber and space operations designed to disrupt Iran’s ability to respond. By 5:00 in the morning Eastern time, Trump announced that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed in Tehran following an Israeli strike.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and General Caine said the objective is to dismantle Iran’s military capabilities and halt its nuclear weapons development, not to pursue regime change. They acknowledged the campaign would be difficult and could result in further casualties, with four American service members confirmed dead and eighteen injured so far. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks across the Middle East.

Trump indicated the conflict could last up to four weeks, though officials have not provided a clear exit strategy. While no ground troops have been deployed inside Iran, military leaders described the operation as the result of months or years of planning and warned that additional losses may occur as the campaign continues.