WASHINGTON – The U.S. Military operation against Iran, dubbed “Epic Fury” and authorized by President Donald Trump on February 28th, is entering a potential new phase as the conflict surpasses three weeks. President Trump, speaking to reporters, asserted, “I believe we’ve won. I don’t aim for a ceasefire, you don’t do that when you’re destroying the enemy,” reaffirming confidence in American military superiority.
A central point of contention remains the Strait of Hormuz, currently blocked by Iran, disrupting approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply and impacting global markets. Trump stated, “We don’t use the Strait. It’s for Europe, China, Japan. At some point it will open on its own,” whereas continuing to criticize NATO members for failing to contribute to an international coalition.
According to CBS News, the Pentagon is preparing for the potential deployment of U.S. Ground forces. This development coincides with the United Kingdom’s authorization allowing the United States to utilize British bases for raids against Iranian targets, extending the permission to include defensive operations targeting Iranian capabilities used to attack shipping in the Strait.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, responded sharply to the UK’s decision, stating, “The vast majority of the British people do not want to be involved in the war of Israel and the U.S. Against Iran,” and warning Prime Minister Keir Starmer that allowing the use of British bases for aggression against Iran risks British lives, asserting Iran’s right to self-defense.
The White House has indicated a willingness to adjust strategy, with Deputy White House Press Secretary Anna Kelly stating to the Associated Press, “U.S. Armed forces can seize Kharg Island at any time if the president gives the order,” highlighting the island’s critical role in Iran’s oil infrastructure.
Reinforcing the military posture, the Pentagon is dispatching three warships and additional Marines to the Middle East, marking a second troop deployment to the region in recent days. Approximately 2,200 Marines from the USS Boxer amphibious ready group and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, originally slated for the Indo-Pacific region, have had their mission redirected and accelerated. The USS Tripoli, carrying 2,200 Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, was previously observed near Singapore. It remains unclear when these units will arrive and their specific mission parameters.
U.S. And allied air operations have reportedly intensified, targeting Iranian ships, mines and cruise missiles. The deployment of A-10 aircraft, flying at low altitudes to interdict Iranian attack vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, and Apache helicopters, used to target drones, have been confirmed by General Dan Caine, Joint Chiefs of Staff. Caine noted that some allied nations are also deploying Apache helicopters “to strike loitering attack drones.” The Pentagon reports that U.S. Airstrikes have destroyed or damaged over 120 Iranian naval units.
Despite these gains, analysts suggest Iran retains a substantial arsenal of truck-mounted missiles and hundreds of vessels concealed in underground sites along the coast and on islands. Farzim Nadimi, an analyst at the Institute for Near East Policy, indicated that several more weeks may be required to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
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