U.S. Escalates 'Operation Epic Fury' Against Iran; Military Sites Obliterated

The conflict between the United States and Iran has escalated significantly under 'Operation Epic Fury.' Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that U.S. and Israeli forces have successfully struck more than 15,000 targets since the onset of hostilities. President Donald Trump further confirmed a massive bombing raid on Kharg Island, the center of Iran's oil network, stating that while all military targets were 'totally obliterated,' oil infrastructure was intentionally spared. However, the U.S. issued a stern warning that any interference with shipping in the Strait of Hormuz would lead to direct strikes on Iran's energy sector. The situation on the ground suggests a severe degradation of Iranian leadership. Secretary Hegseth reported that Iran's new Supreme Leader has been wounded and is currently 'hiding underground' as command structures weaken. Simultaneously, a maritime crisis persists in the Strait of Hormuz, where hundreds of oil tankers are reportedly stuck, with some vessels on fire or dead in the water. Hegseth characterized these developments as signs of 'sheer desperation' from Tehran. On the diplomatic front, the U.N. Security Council adopted a resolution with 140 co-sponsors condemning Iran for attacks on Gulf neighbors and the closure of the Strait. U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz defended the military actions as a right to self-defense under Article 51 of the U.N. Charter. Conversely, some critics, including economist Jeffrey Sachs, have labeled the escalation a 'war of choice,' pointing to the Trump administration's previous withdrawal from the Iran nuclear agreement as a pivotal factor in the current crisis.