Operation Epic Fury Escalates: U.S. Intense Bombing Campaign Enters 12th Day
U.S. forces conduct over 5,500 strikes as President Trump demands unconditional surrender and reports indicate the elimination of Iran's top leadership.
Operation Epic Fury, the U.S.-led military campaign against Iran, has reached a critical phase as it enters its 12th day. According to U.S. Central Command, more than 5,500 strikes have been launched since February 28, 2026, targeting Iranian ballistic missile facilities, drone hubs, and naval assets. Admiral Brad Cooper reported the integration of AI and Space Force tactics to maintain superiority in the Strait of Hormuz, where U.S. forces have neutralized 16 mine-laying vessels and four Soleimani-class warships. President Donald Trump has signaled a commitment to a prolonged engagement if necessary, stating that U.S. objectives to dismantle Iran's military infrastructure are nearing completion.
On the diplomatic and domestic front, the conflict has drawn sharp international reactions and significant internal debate. While Senator Tom Cotton and Senator Dave McCormick suggested that Iran's military is being "totally dismantled," Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed concerns regarding the risks of potential ground deployments. Iranian authorities have countered U.S. claims of precision targeting, alleging that over 1,300 civilians have been killed in strikes hitting civilian infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Pentagon is reportedly preparing for potential special operations to secure Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles to prevent further nuclear escalation.
The maritime situation remains tense as international shipping tankers largely avoid the Strait of Hormuz due to Iranian mining activities. Despite retaliatory drone and missile strikes from Tehran targeting Gulf areas—including an interception near Dubai airport and a strike near a U.S. facility in Baghdad—officials indicate that Iranian offensive capabilities have dropped significantly following the most intense day of U.S. strikes on March 10. A supplemental defense budget request is expected this week to cover the multi-billion dollar cost of munitions expended during the opening phase of the campaign.
Key Points
- U.S. Central Command has conducted over 5,500 strikes against Iranian targets since the start of Operation Epic Fury on February 28.
- Military strikes have destroyed major Iranian naval assets, including four Soleimani-class warships and 16 mine-laying vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
- The U.S. and Israel have reportedly eliminated top Iranian leadership, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
- President Trump has demanded an unconditional surrender from Tehran while vowing to destroy all nuclear and missile infrastructure.
- The Pentagon is reportedly weighing the deployment of special forces to secure stockpiles of highly enriched uranium within Iran.
- Iran claims over 1,300 civilian deaths resulting from strikes on what it describes as 10,000 civilian sites.