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By Mandy Taheri
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U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on Saturday released unclassified footage of missile launches and fighter jets taking off as part of "Operation Epic Fury," saying U.S. and partner forces also fended off hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks and reported no U.S. combat casualties or injuries.
It noted that the operation involves “the largest regional concentration of American military firepower in a generation.”
Why It Matters
The U.S.-led strikes, alongside Israel, on Saturday morning struck multiple targets in Iran, killing at least 200 people, and injuring over 740, according to Iran's Red Crescent, per state television. The death toll is expected to grow as more reports come in, with the number of people reportedly killed at a girl's school in southern Iran exceeding 85 people now, per the local governor. The Islamic Republic then launched retaliatory strikes across U.S. bases in the Middle East, widening the conflict.
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The attacks mark a sharp escalation following recent nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran and raise the risk of a wider regional conflict. They come as the U.S. has deployed additional warships, aircraft and air defenses to the Middle East in what analysts describe as the largest U.S. buildup there since the Iraq war in 2003.
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What To Know
In a Saturday X post, CENTCOM shared a video compilation that depicts several missiles launching and fighter jets taking off from aircraft carriers as part of the military operation. It also includes footage of several successful strikes on Iranian targets.
The post was captioned, “The President ordered bold action. CENTCOM forces are delivering an overwhelming and unrelenting blow.”
In another post, CENTCOM released details about the operation, writing “U.S. and partner forces began striking targets at 1:15 am ET to dismantle the Iranian regime’s security apparatus, prioritizing locations that posed an imminent threat.”
It noted that targets included “Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities, Iranian air defense capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields.”
CENTCOM said the initial round of U.S. and Israeli strikes included “precision munitions launched from air, land, and sea.” Following the coordinated strikes, Iran retaliated with their own set of strikes. “CENTCOM forces successfully defended against hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks.”
The statement noted there are no reports of U.S. casualties or combat-related injuries, and “damage to U.S. installations was minimal and has not impacted operations.” Iran fired missiles at Israel, and U.S. bases in the region, including in United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.
In a third post, CENTCOM announced Task Force Scorpion Strike used one-way attack drones "modeled after Iran's Shahed drones" for the first time in history in the attack. The post said the low-cost drones "are now delivering American-made retribution."
What People Are Saying
Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, said in a Saturday statement: ““The President ordered bold action, and our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen are answering the call.”
Representative Yassamin Ansari, an Iranian American Democrat, said in a Saturday statement: "As the daughter of Iranian immigrants who fled this regime, I know personally what its violence means. Members of our family and friends were brutalized and murdered by the Islamic Republic. I carry that history with me every day. At the same time, as a U.S. Congresswoman sworn to uphold the Constitution and protect the American people, I am deeply concerned by President Trump’s decision to launch an illegal, dangerous war without Congressional authorization. Under Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, the power to declare war rests solely with Congress. Consistent with my previous votes, public statements, and the consensus in my district, I believe no president–Republican or Democrat–has the authority to launch military strikes of this magnitude without Congressional approval."
Senator Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, on X: "A word of advice to our regional Arab partners and other allies: get behind President Trump and go all in to ensure the ayatollah’s Iran, which has become the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world is no more. Stand with the people and stand against the ayatollah. You won’t regret it if you do."
Senator Mark Kelly, an Arizona Democrat, said in an X post: "After promising to keep America out of war and instead focus on lowering costs for families, Donald Trump has launched a large-scale military operation against Iran...When I launched on my first combat mission during Operation Desert Storm 35 years ago, I understood the mission and the end goal. So did Congress. So did the American people. That’s the minimum level of leadership this country deserves. And Donald Trump has failed again at that. The Senate needs to come back to Washington immediately and do its Constitutional duty."
Representative Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, said in an X post: “I am opposed to this War. This is not ‘America First.’ When Congress reconvenes, I will work with @RepRoKhanna to force a Congressional vote on war with Iran. The Constitution requires a vote, and your Representative needs to be on record as opposing or supporting this war."
Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres said in a Saturday statement: “I condemn today’s military escalation in the Middle East. The use of force by the United States & Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermine international peace & security. All Member States must respect their obligations under international law, including the Charter of the @UN…I call for an immediate cessation of hostilities & de-escalation. Failing to do so risks a wider regional conflict with grave consequences for civilians & regional stability. I strongly encourage all parties to return immediately to the negotiating table.”
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