The U.S. launches major military operations against Iran

March 5, 2026 – IRAN - "And you shall hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that ye be not troubled. For these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet." (Matthew 24:6 Douay–Rheims)

The United States and Israel launched massive air and naval strikes on the brutal Iranian regime, which has attacked Americans, Israel, and international shipping for 47 years. Iran has retaliated by launching missiles at U.S. bases.

As of press time, six U.S. service members have been killed since the war began on February 28, 2026. Most were killed in an Iranian drone strike on a tactical operations center in Kuwait, part of Iran's retaliation for U.S.–Israeli strikes. Several additional U.S. troops have been seriously wounded, with at least 18 reported injured.

The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed this morning in an Israeli air strike. President Donald J. Trump (R) announced the slaying on Truth Social, after the United States and Israel launched a major joint attack that overwhelmed Iranian air defenses.

"Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead," President Trump announced. "This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS. He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do."

To this point the U.S. has struck Iran over 2,000 times with cruise missiles, B2 bombers, F16s, F35s, F15s, and F/A-18s. The venerable B-52 bombers have also played a key role in Operation Epic Fury.

"American airpower remains unmatched," Central Command said on X. "The B-52 Stratofortress has been utilized in every major conflict since 1965. During the first 100 hours of Operation Epic Fury, B-52s struck Iranian ballistic missile and command and control posts."

Israel sent in a strike force of over 200 of its own aircraft – the largest aerial strike operation in its country's history.

"This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country," said Trump. Trump is offering immunity to Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, military officers, and regime assets that lay down their arms now.

"The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD!" Trump concluded.

Dozens of the top Iranian commanders of the regime have already been killed.

Central Command said that U.S. military forces have attacked missile launchers, Iranian air defenses, and command and control for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Israel and seven Arab countries have been hit by Iranian missile attacks.

The Pentagon described the operation as a response to what it called "imminent threats" posed by Iran's expanding missile program and its support for militant groups across the region. Iranian officials, however, condemned the attack as an act of aggression and vowed retaliation, setting the stage for a potentially prolonged conflict.

Iranian leaders condemned the strikes as a violation of international law and accused the United States of seeking to undermine Iran's sovereignty.

Central Command announced that Iran's naval presence in the Gulf of Oman has been completely eliminated, declaring that the Iranian regime went from 11 ships to none in just 48 hours.

"Two days ago, the Iranian regime had 11 ships in the Gulf of Oman, today they have ZERO," CENTCOM said on the X account. "The Iranian regime has harassed and attacked international shipping in the Gulf of Oman for decades. Those days are over. Freedom of maritime navigation has underpinned American and global economic prosperity for more than 80 years. U.S. forces will continue to defend it."

CENTCOM has stated that U.S. forces will continue to defend maritime navigation and respond to Iranian missile launches, which remain ongoing. The situation is fluid, and additional military actions or regional responses are possible as Operation Epic Fury continues.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has exerted heavy pressure on the 88‑member Assembly of Experts to select Mojtaba Khamenei, age 56, as the country's next Supreme Leader.

Analysts and regional observers say the IRGC has taken an unusually assertive role in shaping the succession process following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte told Newsmax on Wednesday there is "widespread support" among members of the alliance for President Donald Trump's campaign targeting Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities. Spain has been the most vocal critic of the ongoing combat operations.

F35s flown by British pilots have shot down several Iranian drones that were threatening the country of Jordan.

The Iranian regime killed 35,000 peaceful protestors in its own streets in January and February when they sought regime change. This brutal defiance of international norms and Iran's refusal to give up its quest to develop nuclear weapons convinced President Trump that Operation Epic Fury was necessary for the best interests of the United States and the peace of the world.

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