Washington, March 1 – In a bold declaration from the Pentagon, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the launch of Operation Epic Fury, branding it the deadliest, most intricate, and precise airstrike campaign in history. This sweeping military response targets Iran’s aggression head-on, serving as a direct rebuke to Tehran’s refusal to engage in diplomacy.
Hegseth laid bare the decades-long animosity, accusing Iran of targeting and killing Americans for nearly 50 years while relentlessly pursuing the world’s most powerful weapons to fuel its radical agenda. ‘They had their chance at the table, but they walked away. Now, they’re facing the consequences,’ he stated firmly.
Unlike previous administrations, President Trump has initiated a decisive strike against this persistent threat, Hegseth emphasized. The operation zeroes in on destroying Iran’s missile production facilities, powerful missiles aimed at US citizens, its navy, and ensuring it never acquires nuclear arms. ‘America didn’t start this fight, but we will finish it,’ he affirmed.
Tehran received a stark warning: any attacks or threats against Americans anywhere in the world will be met with relentless pursuit and elimination. Hegseth praised the elite US forces involved, calling them the finest warriors globally, fully primed for success.
CENTCOM confirmed the operation kicked off at 1:15 AM Eastern Time under presidential orders, prioritizing the dismantling of Iran’s security apparatus. Strikes hit IRGC command centers, air defenses, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields using air, land, and sea platforms.
Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, highlighted the innovative use of low-cost one-way attack drones by Task Force Scorpion Strike – a wartime first. Following initial assaults, US and allied forces successfully intercepted hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones, showcasing unbreakable defense capabilities.
This escalation marks a pivotal moment in US-Iran relations, with the operation’s precision underscoring America’s commitment to neutralizing immediate threats while deterring future provocations. As the campaign unfolds, global eyes are on the potential ripple effects across the Middle East.