Donald Trump announced early Wednesday that U.S. Forces had initiated a “large-scale” operation against Iran, following reports of explosions in Tehran. The announcement, made via an eight-minute video posted on his Truth Social platform, came as Israel declared a state of emergency in anticipation of retaliatory attacks, according to reports from the BBC and multiple news agencies.
Trump stated the operation was intended to prevent Iran from rebuilding its nuclear program and developing long-range missiles that he claimed threatened allies, including “very good friends” in Europe. He specifically asserted the U.S. Was acting to counter a “very evil, radical regime” and vowed to “completely destroy” Iran’s missile industry. He also called on the Iranian people to “take back” their government.
The initial strikes, carried out jointly by the U.S. And Israel, targeted key military bases and leadership compounds in Tehran, according to reports from Yonhap News Agency and The Chosun Ilbo. The operation, dubbed “Epic Fury” by U.S. Officials, reportedly involved the deployment of B-2 Spirit stealth bombers to strike underground ballistic missile storage facilities, utilizing bunker-buster munitions. The Chosun Ilbo reported that approximately 2,000 targets and 17 Iranian naval vessels were hit in the initial phase.
The scale of the operation is estimated at $1.15 billion for the first 24 hours, according to the Hankyoreh. The U.S. Has also reportedly begun to leverage its economic influence, potentially jeopardizing the $200 trillion in tariffs Trump previously imposed on various nations, as noted by the Hankyoreh.
While the Trump administration initially stated the goal was to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program, messaging has become increasingly varied, according to reporting from Newsis. Trump himself has offered a broader range of objectives, including the destruction of Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities, its naval forces, its nuclear weapons development program, and its support for proxy groups in the region. He stated the overarching purpose of the war was to protect the U.S. And its allies from Iranian aggression.
The U.S. Navy has released footage of the destruction of an Iranian vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by KBS News, further escalating tensions. According to Trump, “The era of Iran bullying is over.”
The conflict’s outcome hinges on missile stockpiles, with analysts suggesting the side that depletes its reserves first will be at a disadvantage, according to v.daum.net. As of Wednesday afternoon, the Iranian government has not issued a comprehensive response, but has reportedly begun a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared a state of emergency in Israel, anticipating retaliation from Iran, as reported by the BBC. The situation remains fluid, with no immediate indication of a ceasefire or diplomatic negotiations.
