The United States launched a massive military strike on Friday, February 27, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, targeting key Iranian military targets just days after President Donald Trump gave Tehran 10 days to complete the nuclear deal and warned that “bad things” would happen if it did not comply with Washington’s demands.
Hours after the U.S. launched a “major combat” operation against Iranian military installations, U.S. defense officials announced the name of the operation in a social media post that included an American flag emoji.
The US and Israel attacked Iran
On Saturday, Israel and the US began attacking key targets across Iran, with Trump calling on Iranian citizens to take over once the military campaign ends, Bloomberg reported. Addressing the Iranians, Trump shared a video on his Truth Social platform, saying: “The hour of your freedom is coming. When we are done, take over your government. It will be up to you to take over. This will probably be your only chance for generations.”
Before Trump urged the Iranians, several large explosions were reported in the Iranian capital of Tehran. The country’s state media said it had also launched a wave of rocket and drone attacks on Israel. Israel’s military said its defense systems were working to intercept any attack from Tehran.
Iran refused to give up nuclear weapons: Trump
Trump said the military operation, which began on Friday (local time), comes after Iran refused to give up its nuclear weapons, which Tehran has consistently said it is not continuing. He also added that Washington would destroy the Islamic Republic’s missile inventory and industry, as well as its navy.
He added: “A short time ago, the US military launched major combat operations in Iran. Our goal is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime,” and warned that the operation could cost US lives.
At least one of the attacks was reported near the office of Tehran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to an AP report.
Iran’s IRGC targets US bases in Middle East: News
As the US and Israel launched a joint strike against Iran, targeting its military and naval forces, Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked at least four US bases, CNN reported, citing local media.
The Iranian missile strikes reportedly hit Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates and the US 5th Fleet base in Bahrain, Fars news agency reported, citing the IRGC.
US embassies in the Middle East are urging Americans to seek shelter
Several US embassies in the Middle East, including Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan, have urged Americans to take cover. In a social media post, the U.S. Embassy in Bahrain, Manama, wrote: “The U.S. Embassy in Manama urges American citizens in Bahrain to take cover, review security plans in the event of an attack, and remain vigilant in the event of future attacks.
