What began as a joint US-Israeli preemptive strike on Iran has rapidly spiralled into a full-scale regional military confrontation, with Iran launching retaliatory missile attacks against four US military bases across the Middle East, striking targets in Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE and Bahrain — as explosions continue to rock cities across Iran.
The operation — officially named Operation Epic Fury by the United States — is now confirmed to be a multi-day campaign, with US military planners signalling the offensive will last several days.
The Operation Has a Name — and It's Bigger Than First Reported
The US has named the joint operation "Operation Epic Fury." Trump described it as "major combat operations in Iran," framing it as a historic moment and cataloguing Iran's offences going back to the 1979 hostage crisis. NBC News
Trump was blunt about the military's objectives.
"We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground." — President Donald Trump
Two sources told CNN that the US military is planning for several days of strikes, with one official describing the campaign as "not a small strike." The attack is primarily targeting Iran's ballistic missiles and missile launchers. CNN
Iran Retaliates — Hits Four US Bases
In the most alarming new development, Iran has dramatically widened its retaliation beyond Israel.
Iran conducted missile attacks on the US Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain. Separately, the IRGC announced it had targeted four US military bases across the region: Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, and the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain. CNN
A Qatari official confirmed that Qatar intercepted two Iranian missiles over its territory. CNN
The US Embassy in Bahrain's capital, Manama, issued an urgent security alert warning of an "imminent drone and missile attack in Bahrain." CNBC
A senior Iranian official left no ambiguity about Tehran's posture.
"All American and Israeli assets and interests in the Middle East have become a legitimate target. There are no red lines after this aggression." — Senior Iranian Official, via Al Jazeera
The Operation Is Codenamed 'Shield of Judah' by Israel
Israel has codenamed its component of the operation "Operation Shield of Judah." Among the targets were the district in Tehran where Supreme Leader Khamenei normally resides, as well as the presidential palace and the National Security Council. Seven missiles were confirmed to have struck that area. Wikipedia
The IDF also issued a direct warning to Iranian civilians near military sites.
"You are near dangerous facilities and interests. For your safety and security, we ask you to evacuate these areas immediately and stay away until further notice. Your presence in these areas puts your life at risk." — IDF Persian-Language Spokesman Lt. Col. Kamal Penhasi
Netanyahu: This Is About an 'Existential Threat'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation and framed the strikes in sweeping historical terms.
"Our joint action will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands." — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
CNN noted that the joint strikes could shore up Netanyahu's domestic political standing ahead of elections officially scheduled for October 2026, as security crises in Israel typically produce a rally-around-the-flag effect. CNN
Internet Cut Off in Iran, Schools Shut
Internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported that internet access in Iran has been almost completely severed following the start of the strikes. NBC News
Iranian authorities ordered schools shut and activated remote learning. Iran has also closed its airspace to all civilian flights. CNN
Iran's Exiled Crown Prince Calls on Military to Switch Sides
In a dramatic intervention, Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi released a video message directed at Iran's armed forces.
"Now that the Islamic Republic is collapsing, your duty is to defend the people, not a regime that has taken our homeland hostage through repression and crime. Join the people and help bring about a stable and secure transition. Otherwise, you will go down with Khamenei's sinking ship and his regime." — Reza Pahlavi, Exiled Crown Prince of Iran
Pahlavi also appealed to Trump to protect Iranian civilians, urging him to "exercise the utmost caution to preserve the lives of civilians."
Iran's Foreign Ministry Condemns Strikes as 'Armed Aggression'
Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a formal statement condemning the strikes as "a gross violation of Iran's territorial integrity and national sovereignty," accusing the US and Israel of violating the United Nations Charter with "clear armed aggression." CBS News
The statement was unambiguous about Iran's intentions.
"The armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will use all their might and resources to confront this criminal aggression and repel the enemy's evil. Now is the time to defend the homeland and confront the enemy's military aggression." — Iran Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Background: Why Now?
Trump referenced "Operation Midnight Hammer" — US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities last June — in his address, saying Iran had been warned never to resume its nuclear programme. He said Iran refused to make a deal and instead attempted to rebuild its nuclear capabilities and develop long-range missiles capable of threatening Europe and eventually the United States. CNBC
A senior Middle East diplomat with direct knowledge of the recent nuclear talks offered a pointed assessment of the timing.
"Yet again, when negotiations get close to success, Israel has intervened to preempt diplomacy." — Senior Middle East Diplomat, via MS Now
What Happens Next
Military officials, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine, had privately raised concerns before the strikes about the scale and complexity of a prolonged conflict with Iran — and the potential for US casualties. Despite those concerns, the US military has been massing Air Force and Naval assets in the region for weeks in anticipation of a possible strike order from Trump. CNN
With Iran now striking US bases across four countries, the conflict shows no signs of de-escalation. The world is watching.
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Sources: CNN, NBC News, Al Jazeera, CBS News, Times of Israel, Reuters, Associated Press, Wikipedia
