The Operation Epic Fury campaign intensified after Iran appointed a new supreme leader following the death of Ali Khamenei in an airstrike early in the conflict. Iran selected Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late leader, to assume the position. However, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the decision during an interview with Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst. Trump said he does not believe Mojtaba Khamenei “can live in peace” under current circumstances. He also claimed that the early results of Operation Epic Fury have exceeded expectations.
The United States and Israel launched the operation on February 28, targeting key Iranian military and intelligence infrastructure. According to U.S. Central Command, the campaign has struck more than 5,000 locations. Military officials also reported that over 50 Iranian ships were damaged or destroyed during the first ten days of operations. Primary targets included command centers connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, along with air defense systems and ballistic missile facilities. Iranian naval bases, submarine infrastructure, and drone and missile production sites were also included among the targets.
Trump also warned Iran against blocking oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. Posting on Truth Social, he said the United States would respond with force if Iran attempted to disrupt traffic. Meanwhile, U.S. forces continue conducting daily strikes. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the United States remains focused on defeating Iranian capabilities while warning other countries, including Russia, to avoid entering the conflict.
