Operation Roaring Lion

Air power can create a moment, but it cannot guarantee an outcome. It can weaken the regime, fracture its leadership and erode its sense of invincibility.

Operation Epic Fury began early Saturday, with Trump confirming US strikes on Iran alongside Israel, igniting debate in Washington over escalation and presidential authority.

Flight maps showed airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel and Bahrain virtually empty as Israel said it struck Iran and the US military initiated a series of strikes against targets in the country.

Former IDF intelligence official Yossi Kuperwasser said Iran now views the conflict as an existential war, warning the regime is likely to escalate and use all military and proxy capabilities.

Vessels in the Gulf reported receiving messages warning that no ships were allowed to pass the Strait of Hormuz, according to EU and UK agencies, though Iran has not confirmed any closure.

In the Tabriz area, the IDF struck a major site from which the Islamic Republic has fired dozens of ballistic missiles at Israel.

Hezbollah expressed solidarity with Iran following US and Israeli strikes, warning of regional consequences while stopping short of saying it would enter the conflict.

US President Donald Trump has for weeks signaled the US was interested in seeing regime change in Iran, but has not given in any detail Washington’s thinking on who could lead the country.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir confirmed that Israel and the US intend to “destroy capabilities” of the Iranian regime.

In his remarks, Netanyahu accused Iran’s leadership of sponsoring terrorism and threatening Israel and the United States.