US and Israel launch “Epic Fury” operations in Iran, triggering unprecedented regional retaliation in 2025
President Donald Trump announced this Saturday, March 29, 2025, that the United States initiated “major combat operations” against Iran. Vowing to dismantle the country’s armed forces and destroy its nuclear program, the announcement marks a significant escalation in Middle Eastern tensions.
Differing from previous engagements, these attacks commenced in broad daylight across Iran, a stark contrast to earlier limited strikes in June 2025. While the previous American attacks concluded within hours, sources indicate that the US military is planning operations spanning several days.
In a rapid and aggressive response, the Iranian regime unleashed an unprecedented wave of retaliatory strikes across the Middle East. Explosions were reported in multiple nations hosting US military bases, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain, alongside reported attacks on Israel.
“Operation Epic Fury” declared amid escalating tensions
In a pre-dawn statement, President Trump outlined the objective of the American operation, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” by the Department of Defense. He asserted that the goal is “to defend the American people by eliminating the imminent threats from the Iranian regime,” emphasizing the critical nature of the current offensive.
The President detailed Iran’s extensive history of alleged state-sponsored terrorism and its consistent hostility toward the United States, tracing these actions from the 1979 hostage crisis to recent activities by its regional proxies. Trump declared that the US would no longer tolerate what he described as a “campaign of bloodshed and mass murder.”
Rationale behind the major US-led offensive
Trump justified the military action by stating Iran had “rejected all opportunities to renounce its nuclear ambitions,” pushing the United States to take decisive measures. This offensive follows a period where Oman’s foreign minister, a key mediator, had reported “significant progress” in US-Iranian negotiations just hours prior, highlighting the sudden shift in diplomatic efforts.
The President specifically addressed the threat posed by Iran’s ballistic missile program, asserting its potential to endanger US security. He pledged that American forces would “destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry,” along with a declaration to “annihilate” the Iranian navy. These statements underscore a comprehensive military strategy aimed at severely degrading Iran’s offensive capabilities across multiple domains.
Trump addresses Iran’s military and populace
In a concluding message within his video address, Trump directly appealed to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the elite branch of Iran’s armed forces. He urged them to surrender, offering “full immunity” in exchange, while warning of “certain death” if they refused. Given the aerial nature of the attacks, the practicalities of such a surrender remain unclear.
The President also spoke directly to the Iranian people, encouraging them to “take over your government” once the US operations conclude. He framed this as a singular opportunity, stating, “This will probably be the only chance you will have for generations.”
Trump concluded by suggesting that past requests for American assistance had gone unanswered by previous administrations, positioning himself as the leader finally willing to deliver what the Iranian people desired. “Now you have a president who is giving you what you want. So let’s see how you react,” he challenged.
Key Iranian sites reported hit by initial strikes
Initial reports from Iranian state media indicated explosions in Tehran’s highly secure Pasteur district, which houses the complex of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. These early strikes suggest high-value targets were prioritized from the outset of the operation.
Further explosions were reported across several other Iranian cities. Unconfirmed reports, citing three sources, claimed the deaths of Iranian Defense Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and IRGC Commander Mohammed Pakpour during the intense aerial bombardments, signaling potential high-level casualties for the Iranian leadership.
Escalation triggers widespread Iranian retaliation
Iran responded to the US and Israeli offensive with a series of unprecedented attacks across the wider Middle East. Multiple neighboring countries hosting American military installations, including the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain, reported explosions, alongside confirmed strikes targeting Israeli territory.
From the coastlines of Dubai to the bustling streets of Doha, the sounds of explosions echoed across the region. While it was not immediately clear whether these detonations were due to intercepted missiles or successful hits on targets, the rapid and extensive nature of Iran’s response was undeniable.
This swift retaliation marks a stark departure from previous engagements. When the US and Israel previously targeted Iran in June 2025, those attacks specifically aimed at crippling Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal, intending to diminish its capacity for a broad counter-offensive. The current escalation suggests Iran is proactively utilizing its remaining missile capabilities.
The urgency of Iran’s reaction implies a strategy to deploy its available weapons before further significant degradation of its military infrastructure. This immediate and widespread counter-attack signals a critical phase in regional hostilities, potentially impacting geopolitical stability and global energy markets.
International community urges de-escalation
The immediate aftermath of the US and Israeli strikes and Iran’s swift retaliation has prompted widespread international concern. Numerous nations, including Brazil, have condemned the attacks and issued calls for maximum restraint and de-escalation from all parties involved, fearing a broader regional conflict.
Air travel across the Middle East has been severely impacted, with several countries, including Israel, announcing closures of their airspace to civilian flights. Airlines are re-routing or canceling services, causing significant disruption to global air traffic and raising alarm about the safety of commercial routes in the volatile region.
Immediate regional impact and market concerns
The unfolding events have sent immediate ripples through global markets, particularly impacting oil prices as concerns over energy supply stability mount. International shipping routes in strategic waterways like the Strait of Hormuz face heightened risks, prompting multinational discussions on maritime security and trade implications.
Middle East conflict, US Iran Israel, Operation Epic Fury, regional war, Iran nuclear program
