Source TOI
TEHRAN / WASHINGTON — The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has released dramatic video footage documenting the first 24 hours of “Operation Epic Fury,” the high-stakes joint military mission with Israel that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The operation, which began in the early hours of Saturday, featured a daylight pre-emptive airstrike designed to dismantle the Iranian regime’s security apparatus and neutralize what officials described as “imminent threats” to the region.
A “Swift and Decisive” Escalation
In a statement shared on social media, CENTCOM confirmed the commencement of the strikes, noting that the Iranian regime had been warned multiple times before the military took action.
“The Iranian regime was warned. CENTCOM is now delivering swift and decisive action as directed,” the post read.
The newly released footage provides a rare glimpse into the scale of the offensive. It features the deployment of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), Tomahawk cruise missiles, and advanced aerial assets including F-35 and F/A-18 fighter jets. Notably, the operation marked the combat debut of “Task Force Scorpion Strike,” which utilized LUCAS one-way attack drones—a new generation of cost-effective, precision weaponry.
Joint Operations and Regional Fallout
The strikes, which reportedly began at 1:15 a.m. ET, targeted key strategic sites across Iran. While the U.S. led the charge, Israel acted as a primary regional partner. Following the initial wave of attacks, CENTCOM reported that its forces successfully intercepted hundreds of retaliatory missile and drone launches from Iranian territory.
The Trump-led administration characterized the mission as a “bold action” intended to protect American interests and allies.
Immediate Global Impact
The repercussions of Operation Epic Fury were felt instantly across the globe:
Aviation: International flights, including those from Air India, were forced to divert or return to their origins as regional airspace was closed.
Oil Markets: Crude oil prices have spiked as investors weigh the potential for a prolonged conflict and the possibility of OPEC adjusting output.
Regional Tensions: Reports indicate explosions were heard as far away as Abu Dhabi and Doha, while Iranian-backed groups reportedly launched counter-attacks on U.S. naval headquarters in Bahrain.
As the world watches the fallout of Khamenei’s death, the focus now shifts to Iran’s succession process and the potential for further escalation in the Middle East.
