The 'Epic Fury' Military Campaign
On February 28, 2026, a joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign codenamed 'Epic Fury' commenced, with the objective of decapitating the Iranian regime by destroying its military infrastructure and eliminating key leadership figures. The Israeli component of the operation, dubbed 'Roaring Lion,' involves strikes on regime infrastructure and the private residences of high-ranking officials. Iran has retaliated by attacking American assets in six Persian Gulf countries, including a naval base in Bahrain.
This military action unfolds against a backdrop of simultaneous global challenges confronting the United States across three distinct theaters: the ongoing war in Ukraine in Europe, the escalating conflict with Iran in the Middle East, and the persistent threat from China regarding Taiwan in the Far East.
Historian Niall Ferguson observes: 'There is Europe, where the war in Ukraine is ongoing... There is the Middle East... And there is the Far East.'
He further emphasizes that 'the United States is playing a global geopolitical game. I call it the 'three-body problem.''
Demands on Iran and Broader Context
Prior to the operation's launch, the United States presented a series of demands to Iran, which included:
- halting uranium enrichment,
- surrendering weapons-grade uranium stockpiles,
- dismantling its ballistic missile program,
- and ceasing financial support for proxy terrorist groups.
This action takes place within a context where Iran is widely regarded as a leading state sponsor of terrorism. Niall Ferguson underscores this point, stating: 'Iran has been one of the world's leading sponsors of terrorism for half a century. Americans have died every decade.'
It is also notable that nearly 40,000 Iranian citizens were killed during protests in early January. Furthermore, the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad—groups Iran is accused of sponsoring—remains a pivotal event. In this light, commentator Rafaela Ziveri poses the question: 'Explain to my 30-year-old son... why overthrowing the Iranian government is America's top priority?'
According to Ferguson, the situation in the Middle East and Iran's actions serve as a global signal: 'The United States is sending a global signal... the real addressees are in Moscow and Beijing. The signal is: don't mess with the United States.'
Operation 'Epic Fury' marks a significant escalation in the long-standing U.S.-Iran conflict, with profound implications for regional stability. The U.S. and Israeli actions risk triggering further retaliatory cycles that could destabilize the wider Middle East and impact relations with other global powers. Facing multifaceted geopolitical challenges, the United States aims to project strength and resolve in countering threats emanating from Iran, while carefully weighing the potential consequences for its strategic interests worldwide. This operation represents a high-stakes gamble in an already volatile region.