As Operation Epic Fury continues into its fifth day, U.S. and Israeli strikes have hit over 1,000 Iranian targets, sinking warships and crippling communications, but Iran retaliated, killing four U.S. service members. Political backlash grows with polls showing majority opposition and pushes for congressional oversight amid rising oil prices.
Following the initial U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on February 28 that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a meeting at his Tehran compound—now confirmed by U.S. Central Command—operations expanded through March 2, striking naval vessels, missile sites, and nuclear facilities. President Trump reported U.S. forces sank nine Iranian warships, while Israeli cyber operations caused a near-total internet blackout in Iran (1% connectivity, per NetBlocks).
Iran's missile and drone attacks killed four U.S. service members in Kuwait and injured others; a friendly fire incident downed three U.S. F-15 jets over Kuwait, though crews were recovered safely. Trump vowed to press on for four to five weeks to destroy Iran's missiles, navy, and nuclear capabilities, warning of more casualties.
Criticism intensified over lack of congressional approval, with legal experts deeming it unconstitutional. Polls indicate broad opposition: 60% against per CNN, 43% per Reuters. Democrats like Rep. Ro Khanna and Sen. Tim Kaine advance war powers resolutions, facing resistance in Republican-led Congress.
Economically, oil prices surged over 10% to $79.31 per barrel for Brent crude, pushing U.S. gas toward $3/gallon. Iranian interim leaders signaled interest in talks, per the White House, amid vows of retaliation.
