The United States and Israel conducted their largest Joint Military Operation against Iran to date through Operation Epic Fury, which included Bombing several cities throughout Iran, including Tehran. The Operations were classified as an “escalation of tensions” centered on Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons, Missiles, and regional influence.
Iran responded with missile strikes targeting both Americans and Israelis, leading to heightened concerns of large-scale military conflict in the Middle East.
Below is an overview of Why the US and Israel conducted these attacks and what may occur next.
What happened during Operation Epic Fury?
Us and Israel performed air, land, and sea strikes against key Iranian Military and Intelligence targets on February 27-28: targeting locations near the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s office in Tehran, the US President stated “This is Major Combat Operations” and indicated that these operations will last for multiple days.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that not only are these airstrikes considered to be highly successful, but also have successful follow-on operations, therefore they will continue “As Long As Necessary.”
Reason One: Nuclear Weapons & Missiles
The U.S. and Israel’s rationale for attacking Iran was to stem Iran’s advancement in developing nuclear weapons and long-range missiles.
According to Trump, objectives would include destroying Iran’s missile capabilities, targeting Naval and military targets, preventing Iran from gaining access to nuclear weapons, and eliminating “immediate threats,” as well.
Iran has considered “Israel” its number one enemy and poses the largest security threat, however, Iran denies that it is constructing an arsenal of nuclear weapons; contends intent is civil-nuclear energy.
Failed nuclear talks and ultimatum triggered the attack
The attack on Iran occurred after the failure of Nuclear Talks between the USA and Iran and furthermore the ultimatum that President Donald Trump issued to Iran to limit its ability to develop a nuclear program.
Once Iran replied, the United States would launch Operation Epic Fury.
Mediators have had some success in talking about the ceasefire which makes the military strikes going on even more controversial.
There is a belief that the armed forces are trying to bring down the Iranian regime, in fact, President Trump went as far as to say:
“When we are finished, take over your government”
Some analysts feel this suggests the mission is not just to destroy Iran’s military, but also to destroy Iran’s government.
This fuel to the fears that Iran is experiencing civil unrest inside the country.
Iran retaliates and raises the risk of a larger conflict.
Iran retaliated by firing missiles at Israel and bases belonging to the United States in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.
Air raid sirens were sounded in Israel and the Gulf States activated their air defence systems.
Consequently, air traffic and oil prices have been adversely impacted as a result of this violent activity.
Experts believe the conflict is a regional one and not a worldwide conflict yet.
On the other hand, as risk continues to rise:
– There are multiple countries in theatre
– The United States is in direct combat with Iran
– More countries could get involved
– If there is a major player like China or Russia involved, the potential for escalation to a global level is significant.
ALSO READ: Why fears of a US-Iran war are rising again despite ongoing nuclear talks
What happens next
According to the US, their military will keep on attacking Iranian forces until they have eliminated their capability to wage future warfare.
Iran has vowed to continue avenging these attacks.
Consequently, we can anticipate that the Middle Eastern region will be in turmoil for a prolonged period of time.
The military operation known as “Operation Epic Fury” is potentially opening up another new chapter of turmoil that could alter the overall balance of power in the Region of the World.
FOR MORE: https://civiclens.in/category/international-news/
About the Author
