Washington, United States. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States had begun “major combat operations” in Iran, warning there may be U.S. casualties. Trump said the strikes aimed to destroy Iranian missiles and annihilate Iran’s navy.
Trump statements and stated objectives
Trump said the strikes followed repeated U.S.-Israeli warnings that they would strike Iran again if it pressed ahead with its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. In a video shared on Truth Social, Trump said his administration had taken steps to minimise risk to U.S. personnel in the region, while warning that U.S. casualties may occur.
Pentagon names operation “EPIC FURY”
The U.S. military named the operation “EPIC FURY,” the Pentagon said on X. The strikes mark the second time the United States has carried out strikes on Iran since Trump returned to the White House last year.
Operation expected to last several days
A U.S. official told Reuters that Saturday’s strikes are expected to be carried out over several days, unlike the first strikes in June, when Washington carried out a series of attacks on Iranian nuclear sites.
Iran and Israel reactions
An Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran is preparing for retaliation and that the response is set to be crushing. The Israeli military said Tehran launched missiles toward Israel in response.
What impact do you think a multi-day U.S. operation could have on regional stability?
