The United States and Israel launched “Operation Epic Fury” to end the Iranian terrorist regime

The United States and Israel launched an efficient joint military operation against the Iranian dictatorship on Saturday, described by the Israel Defense Forces as a “comprehensive and joint operation”, in response to Tehran's refusal to dismantle its nuclear program after weeks of indirect negotiations.

The offensive, referred to by Washington as “Operation Epic Fury”, aimed at military infrastructure and strategic areas in Tehran, including areas close to the fortified complex of the tyrant Ali Khamenei.

According to reports and videos, at least seven missiles hit near the Khamenei complex in the Iranian capital, in addition to explosions occurring near the presidential palace. Sources indicated that the dictator was not in the city at the time of the attack, as he had previously been transferred to an undisclosed safe place. Bombing was also reported in other cities, including Isfahan, Qom, Karaj and Kermanshah. Israeli officials pointed out that the initial phase could last several days and that the daylight of the attack was intended to generate a surprise effect

.

President Donald Trump stated in a public message that the operation was aimed at eliminating imminent threats against the United States, its troops and its allies. He argued that the Iranian regime represents a direct danger to international security and reiterated that Washington would not accept a nuclear agreement that would allow Tehran to continue enriching uranium. Trump also called on the Iranian population to seek political change, while recommending that civilians take cover due to the risk of new bombings

.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu backed the offensive and reiterated his opposition to Iran obtaining nuclear weapons. In Israel, sirens were activated across the country as a preventive measure against possible retaliation, and non-essential public activities were suspended, allowing

only emergency services.

Iran responded by launching missiles against Israel and against US bases and targets in several Gulf countries. Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates confirmed that they intercepted Iranian missiles aimed at their territory, all of which are countries hosting US military

installations.

In Bahrain, headquarters of the U.S. Fifth Fleet, it was reported that a service center linked to the fleet was hit by a missile attack. Qatar described the launch of ballistic missiles against its territory as a flagrant violation of its sovereignty and a dangerous escalation for

regional stability.

In the United Arab Emirates, the Ministry of Defense stated that the country was the target of an Iranian ballistic missile attack, and that its air defenses successfully intercepted several projectiles.

News crews in Abu Dhabi and Dubai reported hearing loud explosions. Saudi Arabia, although not a direct target, condemned the Iranian attacks and expressed its willingness to support the affected countries with all available resources

.

The geographical expansion of the fighting had an immediate impact on regional aviation. The United Arab Emirates announced the temporary closure of its airspace as a precautionary measure, while numerous airlines diverted or canceled

flights.

Emirates reported interruptions to several routes due to the closure of regional airspaces. Air Arabia canceled flights to Iran, Iraq and other parts of the region, and warned of possible additional delays. Qatar Airways temporarily suspended flights to and from Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace

.

U.S. embassies in different countries in the region instructed their staff and U.S. citizens to remain safe until further notice. Iraq also closed its airspace after the start of the offensive

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The background of the operation includes weeks of indirect negotiations between U.S. and Iranian officials, mediated by Oman and carried out in part in Geneva.

Washington had demanded the dismantling of Iran's dangerous nuclear program, while Tehran maintained that its uranium enrichment was for civilian purposes. Trump had set a deadline of between 10 and 15 days to reach an agreement, warning of consequences otherwise

.

Prior to the offensive, the United States had significantly increased its military presence in the region, deploying two carrier strike groups, the USS Gerald R. Ford and the USS Abraham Lincoln, along with destroyers, littoral combat ships and more than 50 combat aircraft, including F-16, F-22 and F-35. Some of these forces were stationed in Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia

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The operation represents the most significant escalation in tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran since the previous year's attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. The Iranian response against multiple Gulf countries extended the conflict beyond a bilateral confrontation, increasing concern about possible wider regional destabilization

.

The development of events keeps governments, armed forces and international markets on alert to the risk of a protracted escalation with far-reaching military, diplomatic and economic consequences.