U.S. and Israel Strike Iran in Operation ‘Epic Fury’: Trump Calls for Regime Overthrow

In a dramatic escalation of long-simmering tensions, the United States and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes on Iran on February 28, 2026, under Operation Epic Fury, with President Donald Trump explicitly calling for the overthrow of the Iranian regime.[1][2][3] Explosions rocked Tehran and other key sites, as Israeli and U.S. forces targeted military installations, missile facilities, and leadership figures in a bid to neutralize what they describe as existential threats.[1][2]

The Strikes Unfold: A Joint Offensive with Months of Planning

The operation began just after 9 a.m. local time, catching Iranian forces off guard with an “element of surprise” despite occurring in daylight, according to U.S. and Israeli officials.[2] Israel codenamed its component Operation Roaring Lion (Hebrew: Mivtsa She’agat Ha’ari), focusing on “dozens of military targets” including missile launchers in western Iran, IRGC commanders, and sites linked to nuclear and proxy activities.[1][2][3] The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) released video footage showing airstrikes on these launchers, emphasizing “full synchronization” with U.S. forces after months of joint planning.[2]

From the U.S. side, the Department of Defense dubbed the campaign Operation Epic Fury, involving dozens of strikes by attack planes from Middle East bases and aircraft carriers, executed via air and sea assets.[3][4] A U.S. official clarified that while Israel targeted Iranian leadership, American strikes zeroed in on ballistic missile sites posing “imminent threats” to U.S. troops, bases, and allies.[2] President Trump confirmed the scale, describing it as a “massive and ongoing operation” to dismantle Iran’s missile industry and prevent nuclear ambitions.[1][4]

Targets spanned Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah, with the IDF vowing to “raze their missile industry to the ground” and continue strikes “as long as necessary.”[1][2][3] NPR sources indicated the operation could last a few days, prioritizing Iran’s missile program.[1]

Trump’s Direct Appeal to Iranians and Regional Fallout

In a video on Truth Social, Trump addressed Iranians directly: “Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be, probably, your only chance for generations.”[1] He framed the strikes as defensive, protecting Americans from a “vicious group of very hard, terrible people” after failed nuclear negotiations.[1][4] Trump urged Iran’s military to “lay down their weapons.”[4]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this, stating the attacks aim to “remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime” and empower “the brave Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands.”[1] The IDF accused Iran of persisting with nuclear fortification, missile production, and arming proxies despite prior setbacks like “Operation Rising Lion.”[2]

Iran retaliated swiftly, launching missiles at Israel and a U.S. naval base in Bahrain, with an official declaring all Israeli and U.S. interests “legitimate targets.”[1] Trails of smoke filled skies over Tel Aviv as interception systems activated; a central Israeli hospital shifted to an underground bunker.[1] Israel shut its airspace, declared a 48-hour nationwide emergency, and mobilized reservists for air defense.[1][2]

Broader Context: Escalation from Protests to Preemption

This blitz follows weeks of U.S. military buildup amid stalled nuclear talks and Iran’s January crackdown on protesters.[4] Trump had repeatedly threatened action to curb Tehran’s nuclear program and regional aggression.[1][4] Israeli officials highlighted Iran’s unyielding plan to “destroy Israel,” including funding border proxies that threaten the Middle East and beyond.[2]

A U.S. official noted the strikes’ daylight timing was deliberate, signaling resolve to Iran.[2] Regional forces are on high alert, with IDF commanders assessing situations for potential wider conflict.[2]

What’s Next? Experts Weigh In

As Operation Epic Fury unfolds, questions loom over duration, Iranian response, and global ripples. Atlantic Council experts are assessing outcomes, predicting intensified proxy clashes or broader war if Iran escalates.[5] Civilian safety protocols dominate in Israel, while U.S. bases brace for reprisals.[1][2]

The strikes mark a pivotal shift, blending preemption with regime-change rhetoric. Trump and Netanyahu’s coordination underscores ironclad alliance against shared foes.[1][2][4] For Iran, the coming days will test resilience; for the world, they signal a volatile new phase in Middle East security.

(Word count: 812)

---

Original source: NPR News – U.S. and Israel strike Iran in operation ‘Epic Fury.’ Trump calls for regime overthrow

The post U.S. and Israel Launch “Epic Fury” Strikes on Iran; Trump Urges Regime Overthrow first appeared on Limited Liability Solutions.

Source: Read More