Operation Epic Fury is a sustained U.S.-led military campaign launched in early 2026 following Iran's acceleration of uranium enrichment to weapons-grade levels (90%+) and a series of Iranian-backed proxy attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria that killed over 40 American service members in late 2025. The operation initially targeted Iranian nuclear infrastructure including the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, the Natanz facility, and the Parchin military complex, using B-2 stealth bombers armed with GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs) in conjunction with Tomahawk cruise missile salvos from U.S. naval assets in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea. Iran retaliated with ballistic missile and drone strikes against U.S. bases in Qatar (Al Udeid) and UAE (Al Dhafra), and activated Hezbollah and Houthi proxy networks. The Strait of Hormuz was briefly disrupted, causing global oil prices to spike above $140/barrel. Regional escalation risks remain critically elevated, with China and Russia calling for immediate ceasefire negotiations at the UN Security Council.
U.S. B-2 Spirit bombers deploy GBU-57 bunker-busters against Fordow and Natanz nuclear facilities. Simultaneous Tomahawk salvos from USS Gerald R. Ford CSG strike Parchin military complex. Pentagon confirms all strike packages executed successfully; Iran declares national emergency.
Iran fires 22 Fattah-2 hypersonic and Shahab-3 ballistic missiles at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. U.S. THAAD and Patriot PAC-3 systems intercept 18; 4 impacts cause structural damage and kill 11 U.S. personnel. Qatar formally protests use of its territory as a strike origin point.
Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy deploys fast-attack craft and sea mines, temporarily closing the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. U.S. 5th Fleet engages IRGCN vessels; 3 Iranian gunboats sunk. Global oil prices surge to $142/barrel. Tanker traffic resumes after 38-hour disruption.
China and Russia co-sponsor a binding ceasefire resolution at the UN Security Council. The United States vetoes the measure, citing Iran's continued uranium enrichment activities at undisclosed backup sites. UN Secretary-General calls the situation 'the most dangerous escalation of the 21st century'.
Omani mediators confirm indirect U.S.-Iran talks held in Muscat. Iran demands full cessation of airstrikes and sanctions relief in exchange for IAEA access to remaining nuclear sites. U.S. insists on verifiable dismantlement of enrichment capacity. Talks described as 'preliminary but serious' by both sides.