WASHINGTON/TEHRAN - A sweeping military operation, dubbed "Operation Epic Fury" by the Pentagon, is underway, involving the United States and Israel in a concentrated assault on Iranian military infrastructure. Reports indicate that nearly 2,000 targets across Iran have been struck since the weekend, with officials suggesting the campaign could last for weeks. The offensive appears designed to dismantle Iran's ballistic missile capabilities, target intelligence and security headquarters, and degrade its air force command.

ARSENAL DEPLOYED
The United States has marshaled an extensive array of weaponry and surveillance assets for this campaign.

Air Power: US stealth bombers are being utilized, with indications of further strikes originating from British bases. Air Force A-10 attack jets, B-2 bombers, and MQ-9 Reaper drones armed with Hellfire missiles and guided bombs are actively engaged. Support aircraft, including AWACS (E-3 Sentry and E-2 Hawkeye) for surveillance, RC-135 reconnaissance jets for intelligence, and EA-18G Growlers for electronic warfare, are feeding real-time data to commanders.
Naval Presence: US warships, including aircraft carriers like the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford, alongside guided-missile destroyers, have been involved.
Missile Systems: Footage released by CENTCOM shows strikes on ballistic missile launchers, underscoring a key objective of the operation. High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) are also part of the deployed hardware.
Logistical Support: KC-135 and KC-46 tankers are providing aerial refueling, essential for sustained long-range operations.
STRIKES AND COUNTER-STRIKES
Explosions have been reported in Tehran, with semi-official Iranian news agency ISNA confirming loud sounds in the eastern part of the city. Israeli military statements confirm attacks on a military compound in Tehran, alongside intelligence headquarters, IRGC Air Force command centers, and internal security headquarters.
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In parallel, the conflict has widened. Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for firing missiles into Israel, prompting a significant response. This follows earlier Israeli retaliation strikes on Lebanon.

BROADER CONTEXT
The intensified military action follows Washington assembling its largest concentration of firepower in the Middle East in decades. President Donald Trump has characterized the operation as a "locked and loaded" force moved from deterrence to destruction, particularly after unspecified Saturday strikes resulted in the death of Iran's supreme leader.
The Senate is reportedly voting on measures to limit President Trump's authority for further military action against Iran. Separately, statements from individuals like Pete Hegseth suggest a prolonged engagement, with him claiming the US is "just getting started" and that the progress is rated exceptionally high. The potential deployment of B-2 bombers from UK bases indicates a significant escalation, with one outlet referencing Trump's potential use of what it termed the "mother of all bombs."
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Sir Keir Starmer has been cited regarding pre-deployed air defense capabilities and has maintained a position of not joining the direct attack, while allowing US forces to operate from UK bases.