War With Iran

What is Operation Epic Fury?

Answer: Operation Epic Fury represents a large-scale, multidomain campaign designed to systematically dismantle Iran’s command infrastructure, air defenses, missile forces and naval assets.

U.S. forces launched military strikes on Iranian targets on February 28, 2026, unleashing overwhelming air, sea and missile power in a coordinated operation with Israel.

Operation Epic Fury struck more than 1,000 sites across Iran within its first 24 hours, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and dozens of senior regime officials were killed in the strikes.

The barrage featured B-2 stealth bombers, F-22 and F-16 fighter jets, A-10 attack aircraft, EA-18G electronic warfare planes, and an array of airborne early warning and communications platforms, CENTCOM said.

The strikes targeted command and control centers; the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Joint Headquarters and Aerospace Forces Headquarters; integrated air defense systems; ballistic missile sites; Iranian Navy ships and submarines; anti-ship missile sites; and military communications infrastructure, according to CENTCOM.

Iran retaliated by launching waves of missiles across the Middle East, targeting major U.S. bases in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.

U.S. forces have also targeted Iranian Navy ships and submarines, anti-ship missile sites, and military communications capabilities, signaling a broad effort to disrupt Iran’s ability to coordinate operations and project force across domains.

What is Operation Roaring Lion?

Answer: The Israeli military campaign, known as Operation Roaring Lion, began with roughly 200 fighter jets launching the largest coordinated air operation in the history of the Israeli Air Force. Israeli aircraft struck missile launch sites and air defense systems across western and central Iran.

How did the Iran war start in 2026?

Answer: In late 2025, widespread anti-government protests began over a severe economic crisis in Iran. Iranian police launched an intense crackdown on protesters, killing thousands, if not more. The government also implemented internet blackouts to limit information sharing.

President Donald Trump issued multiple warnings to Iran to stop the killing of civilians, but the violence continued.

What happened in the Strait of Hormuz?

Answer: Just about 21 miles wide at its narrowest, the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman is a global energy choke point. The waterway carries roughly 20 million barrels a day and about one-fifth of global liquefied natural gas, making it a top-value target when conflict in the region erupts.

Iran put mine-laying vessels near the Strait of Hormuz causing US forces to have to destroy those in order to protect shipments and work towards opening the strait to commercial shipping in the Gulf again.

What is Kharg Island?

Answer: Kharg Island handles the bulk of Iran’s crude exports. It sits in the northern Persian Gulf, roughly 15 miles off Iran’s mainland. Tankers leave through the terminal and pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Around 90% to 95% of Iran’s crude and petroleum exports pass through Kharg, making it the regime’s primary oil revenue hub.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) struck Kharg Island on March 13, 2026, in a large-scale precision attack as part of Operation Epic Fury. The strikes hit more than 90 military targets, including naval mine storage facilities and missile bunkers, while leaving the island’s oil infrastructure intact, according to CENTCOM.