The White House announced that the United States will conclude its conflict with Iran once Operation Epic Fury’s military goals are met. President Donald Trump will have the final say on ending the campaign. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned that the operation’s pace exceeded expectations but emphasized that its duration hinges on the President’s evaluation of mission accomplishment.
Leavitt revealed that the Pentagon’s initial projection suggested the operation might last 4 to 6 weeks. The objectives of Operation Epic Fury encompass neutralizing Iran’s missile capabilities, incapacitating its navy, and preventing nuclear weapon acquisition by the nation. The campaign has already dealt significant blows to Iran’s military capacity, with over 5,000 enemy targets hit thus far.
Iran’s retaliatory actions have significantly decreased since the operation’s commencement. Ballistic missile attacks from Iran have plummeted by over 90%, while drone attacks have decreased by around 35%. US forces have targeted Iran’s naval assets, destroying more than 50 Iranian naval vessels, including a key drone carrier ship. The Iranian navy is now largely inactive in crucial regional waters.
The military campaign is broadening its focus to Iran’s weapons production infrastructure. Efforts are underway to dismantle Iran’s missile production facilities, with US strategic bombers employed to strike deeply buried missile sites. The primary aim of Operation Epic Fury remains to eliminate Iran’s capacity to threaten the US and its allies, with President Trump tasked to determine when the operation’s objectives are fulfilled.
The US initiated Operation Epic Fury following concerns that Iran was progressing towards nuclear weapon acquisition and expanding its missile capabilities, as per the White House’s statement.
