Operation Epic Fury: U.S. Intensifies Bombing Campaign Against Iran Amid Global Energy Crisis

On the 14th day of the conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine announced that U.S. and Israeli forces have struck over 15,000 targets under 'Operation Epic Fury.' The campaign has targeted Iran's missile, naval, and proxy capabilities, with Hegseth describing the Iranian military as 'devastated.' Despite the heavy bombardment, U.S. officials warned of an even heavier upcoming phase. Reports indicate a significant naval engagement resulted in the sinking of an Iranian warship, and efforts continue to clear mines laid by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. In his first public statements as Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed as strategic leverage. He threatened retaliatory strikes against U.S. bases in Gulf Arab states and warned of escalation on 'other fronts.' This defiance is mirrored by the IRGC, which issued warnings that any strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure would result in the destruction of regional oil and gas facilities linked to U.S. allies. Regional tensions spiked further as Saudi Arabia intercepted a barrage of 36 drones targeting its Eastern Province, and minor U.S. personnel injuries were reported following drone strikes in Irbil, Iraq. The conflict has triggered what the International Energy Agency (IEA) calls the largest oil supply disruption in history. Brent crude prices remain above $100 per barrel, fueling a global market downturn and a stronger U.S. dollar. On the ground, the IRGC is reportedly taking a more direct hand in Hezbollah's operations in Lebanon. Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command is investigating the crash of a refueling plane in western Iraq; officials stated the aircraft loss was not due to hostile fire.