U.S. and Israel Strike 15,000 Targets in Iran as Operation Epic Fury Intensifies
The Trump administration signals the 'heaviest bombing yet' as the IRGC threatens regional energy sites and oil prices top $100.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine announced that American and Israeli forces have struck over 15,000 Iranian targets during Operation Epic Fury. Officials described Tehran's military capabilities as 'devastated' following the heaviest bombing campaign to date, which specifically targeted missile sites, naval assets, and proxy infrastructure. President Trump acknowledged the start of the conflict's second week, warning observers to 'watch what happens' while the Pentagon confirmed four additional U.S. military fatalities.
In response to the escalation, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a chilling warning, stating they would burn oil and gas sites across the Middle East if Iran’s own energy or port infrastructure is attacked. This threat comes amid a total closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces, which has disrupted global shipping and pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel.
Politically, the situation has sharpened following the first public statement from Iran's new Supreme Leader, who vowed vengeance for the ongoing strikes. While military operations have intensified, there have been no new developments regarding diplomatic back-channels or additional economic sanctions in the last 24 hours.
Key Points
- U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine report 15,000 Iranian targets struck to date.
- The IRGC threatened to destroy regional oil and gas sites if Iranian energy infrastructure is targeted.
- Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, causing global oil prices to exceed $100 per barrel.
- President Trump confirmed the conflict is entering its second week as four more U.S. service members were reported killed.
- Iran's new Supreme Leader issued his first public statement vowing vengeance against U.S. and Israeli interests.