Washington, D.C. – March 2, 2026 – US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that the ongoing large-scale military operation against Iran, codenamed Operation Epic Fury, is projected to last four to five weeks but could extend significantly longer if required to achieve its objectives. Speaking at a White House ceremony honoring fallen service members and reaffirming the mission's goals, Trump described the campaign as progressing “ahead of schedule” while emphasizing the United States' capacity for prolonged engagement.
“We projected four to five weeks, but we have capability to go far longer than that. We'll do it,” Trump declared, addressing an audience that included military leaders, congressional representatives, and families of service members. He tied the operation's duration directly to the complete dismantling of Iran's conventional ballistic missile infrastructure, which he characterized as an urgent and rapidly expanding threat.
Trump highlighted the growth of Iran's missile program, asserting that it had already produced weapons capable of striking US forces in the region, European allies, and US bases worldwide. “This posed a very clear, colossal threat to America and our forces stationed overseas,” he said. “The regime already had missiles capable of hitting Europe and our bases, both local and overseas, and would soon have had missiles capable of reaching our beautiful America.”
The president framed the offensive as a decisive response to what he called the “grave threats posed to America by this terrible terrorist regime.” He reiterated that the current campaign represents the United States' “last best chance” to eliminate the “intolerable threats posed by this sick and sinister regime.”
Trump outlined three core objectives of Operation Epic Fury:
Destruction of Iran's missile capabilities, with significant progress reported in targeting production facilities, launch sites, and stockpiles.
Neutralization of Iran's naval forces, including the confirmed sinking of at least 10 vessels.
Prevention of Iran ever acquiring a nuclear weapon, a red line he has maintained since his first term.
“Never going to have a nuclear weapon. I said that from the beginning, never going to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump emphasized.
The operation, launched jointly by the United States and Israel on February 28, 2026, has already resulted in major strategic blows to Iran. Strikes targeted leadership compounds, nuclear-related sites, ballistic missile infrastructure, air defenses, naval assets, and command centers, leading to the confirmed deaths of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several other senior officials on the opening day. Iran has since declared 40 days of national mourning and formed an interim leadership council.
Iran responded with retaliatory missile and drone barrages targeting US military installations across the Gulf region—including bases in Bahrain, the UAE, Kuwait, and others—as well as Israeli territory. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed successful strikes on the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE, and Camp Arifjan in Kuwait. Satellite imagery has confirmed extensive damage at several US facilities.
Earlier on Monday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that four American service members were killed in action during the third day of operations, with additional personnel injured. President Trump offered condolences to the families, vowing that their sacrifice would fuel continued resolve. “In their memory, we continue this mission with ferocious, unyielding resolve to crush the threat this terrorist regime poses to the American people,” he said.
The conflict has expanded regionally, with Iran's proxy Hezbollah launching attacks on Israel in response to Khamenei's killing, prompting Israeli counterstrikes in Lebanon. Civilian casualties have mounted on multiple fronts: Iran's Red Crescent reported 555 deaths from US-Israeli strikes, while attacks on US-linked sites in Gulf countries have caused additional fatalities and injuries.
Trump's remarks underscored the administration's view that the operation is not merely defensive but a necessary preemptive effort to eliminate existential threats before they materialize. He described the campaign as “large-scale combat operations” conducted with “ferocious, unyielding resolve,” signaling no immediate intent to de-escalate absent full achievement of stated goals.
The president did not provide specific timelines for individual phases or disclose further operational details, citing the need to protect military advantage. However, he projected confidence in the mission's progress and the US military's ability to sustain high-intensity operations over an extended period.
International reactions remain sharply divided. Some allies have expressed support for curbing Iran's missile and nuclear ambitions, while others—including Türkiye, which on Monday pledged intensified diplomacy for a ceasefire—have voiced alarm over civilian suffering and the risk of broader war. Oil markets continue to fluctuate amid concerns about potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf energy infrastructure.
As Operation Epic Fury enters its fifth day, military activity persists across multiple theaters, with both sides exchanging strikes and defensive measures. The coming weeks will likely determine whether the conflict remains contained within its current scope or escalates further, with significant implications for regional stability, global energy security, and US foreign policy priorities.
