US names its Iran offensive ‘Operation Epic Fury’ as Tehran reports explosions, Israel sounds sirens

Iran’s state news agency IRNA said President Masoud Pezeshkian was “alive” and in “good health,” amid the escalating tensions

• US names military campaign against Iran "Operation Epic Fury"
• US, Israel strike; Iran retaliates with missiles at Israel
• Iran's internet disrupted; Israel declares emergency

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The United States has formally named its ongoing military campaign against Iran 'Operation Epic Fury,' as joint US-Israeli strikes continue across multiple Iranian cities and Tehran launches ballistic missiles toward Israel.

President Donald Trump has described the military action as 'massive and ongoing,' stating that it is a 'major combat operation' aimed at 'eliminating threats from the Iranian regime.' He added that American lives 'may be lost' as a result.

OPERATION EPIC FURY 🇺🇸

— Department of War 🇺🇸 (@DeptofWar) February 28, 2026

Two US sources told CNN that the American military is preparing for several days of further strikes. An Israeli source separately said Israel is also preparing for several days of attacks 'and even more if needed.'

Iranian state-affiliated media reported that “dozens” of ballistic missiles were launched toward Israel following the strikes.

Nour News, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said the missiles were fired in response to the attacks. Iran’s English-language outlet Press TV reported that '30 to 75' missiles were 'coming out of Iran right now.' Mehr News Agency said the missiles were targeting the 'whole of Palestine,' referring to Israel.

The Israeli military said missiles were launched from Iran, triggering sirens in several areas. Israel declared a state of emergency and advised residents to remain close to shelters.

Explosions were reported in Tehran, including areas where ministries and military compounds are located. Additional blasts were reported in Kermanshah, Lorestan, Tabriz, Isfahan and Karaj.

Netblocks, an internet monitoring group, said internet access in parts of Iran, including Tehran, was disrupted, with connectivity at 54 percent of normal levels.

Trump has accused Tehran of working to rebuild its nuclear program following US strikes last summer, which he had previously said had obliterated key facilities. He also called on Iranians to 'take over your government.'

Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were intended to remove what he described as an 'existential threat.' He said 'joint action' by Israel and the US would 'create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands,' and praised Trump for his “historic leadership.”

An unnamed US official told Al Jazeera that the joint air strikes aim to dismantle Iran’s security apparatus.

Strikes on Iranian targets began earlier and have been described by US and Israeli officials as coordinated action. The formal naming of the campaign as Operation Epic Fury comes after days of reported military activity.

Trump has previously said US strikes last summer destroyed Iranian nuclear facilities. Tehran has denied pursuing nuclear weapons and has maintained that its nuclear programme is for civilian use.

Israel has repeatedly stated that it views Iran’s nuclear capabilities as a direct security threat and has previously conducted strikes targeting Iranian-linked assets in the region.