In the early hours of 28 February 2026, former US President Donald Trump declared the launch of “Operation Epic Fury,” signalling a major military campaign against Iran. This announcement followed increasing tensions over ongoing protests in Iran and repeated threats pertaining to the country’s nuclear programme.
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Utilising his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump conveyed his message in an eight-minute video, stating that American troops had commenced significant combat operations in Iran. He described the Iranian regime as a “vicious” entity posing a direct threat to the safety of both American citizens and allies worldwide. Trump emphasised the long-standing history of hostility between the United States and Iran, stating that for nearly five decades, the regime has engaged in violence and called for the demise of America.
“The Iranian regime has rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions, and we can’t take it anymore,” he asserted. Trump insisted that the current military operation aimed to dismantle Iran’s missile capabilities to protect US national security interests and those of its allies. He acknowledged the risk of American casualties in the operation but stressed that such sacrifices would be made to secure a safer future.
As the bombing commenced in Tehran, Trump addressed the Iranian population, urging them to take control of their government amidst the chaos. In his statement, he expressed solidarity with the protesters, claiming that this was perhaps their only opportunity for change in generations. Trump’s message aimed to inspire Iranian citizens to rise against their government with the backing of American force.
Prior to the military action, Trump had openly threatened intervention in Iran for several weeks, especially as protests began to escalate violently in late December 2025. Citizens had taken to the streets opposing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s regime, particularly following economic turmoil and currency devaluation. In early January 2026, Trump indicated that the US was closely monitoring the situation and hinted at a strong response should violence against protesters continue.
On 13 January, Trump publicly encouraged Iranian patriots to persist in their protests, pledging that help was forthcoming. Reports surfaced in mid-January that the US was beginning to withdraw non-essential personnel from its bases in the Middle East, stoking speculation about an imminent military action.
This atmosphere of uncertainty had been compounded by previous incidents, such as the June 2025 missile attacks on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which was retaliatory action from Iran in response to earlier attacks on their nuclear sites. At that time, Qatar’s foreign ministry had condemned Iran’s aggression, asserting that it was a violation of international law and sovereignty.
In his announcement for Operation Epic Fury, Trump reflected on the successes of prior military engagements, referring to a mission in June 2025 aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear capabilities as a “spectacular military success.” The continued conflict was contrasted with his promise of precision and skill in targeting additional locations should peace not be attained swiftly.
With the military action underway, the implications are likely to extend beyond the immediate region, prompting reactions from global leaders and affecting international relations. The current situation underscores the volatile interplay between diplomatic negotiations, military interventions, and the aspirations of the Iranian populace for reform.
As developments unfold, the global community watches closely to assess the potential repercussions of this significant escalation in US-Iran relations. The Trump administration’s commitment to mitigate threats from Iranian nuclear ambitions remains a central focus, raising questions about the long-term impact of these military operations.