Operation Epic Fury

Trump chose national security over political safety in confronting Iran - opinion

Thank you, Trump, for refusing to allow Iran to dictate America’s foreign policy. Thank you for recognizing that the US cannot spend another 50 years managing the same threat.

 US President Donald Trump seen over an illustrative image of American-Iranian ties (illustrative)
An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 151, launches from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln during the ongoing conflict with Iran July 31, 2026.

Trump says Iran is 'failed nation' as Iranian official calls latest attacks 'limited' confrontation

US Sailors conduct night flight operations aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73), August 30, 2026.

US strikes two Iranian launchers preparing to reportedly fire sea mines at Strait of Hormuz

US Air Force F-35A stealth fighter jets patrol the skies over the Middle East, published August 9, 2026.

US military chiefs warn Hegseth that Iran war is weakening forces needed to counter intl. threats


US weighs scaling back Middle East military presence after months of Iranian attacks - report

CENTCOM chief Adm. Brad Cooper has been involved in the discussions, one source said, adding that he supports discussing the relocation of Gulf troops westward.

US Navy and US Marine Corps aircraft attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 are arrayed on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln during the Operation Epic Fury attack on Iran from an undisclosed location March 10, 2026.

Trump's Iran war is reshaping US alliances from South Korea to the Middle East - analysis

The US has slammed European allies and allies such as South Korea. Threats to Oman show that the White House is willing to threaten partners and friends of the US.

South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-Back, speaks during the joint press conference with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, following the 57th Security Consultative Meeting at the Defense Ministry in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

'We won the war, won diplomacy': Araghchi says Iran pushed US war so it could control ceasefire

Araghchi concluded by saying that "those who tried to impose unconditional surrender on Iran begged for negotiations shortly after the war began."

FOREIGN MINISTER of Iran Abbas Araghchi, and Speaker of Iran Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf with the delegation of Iran at the Lake Lucerne Summit at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, Sunday, June 21, 2026.

Trump says 'no talks scheduled' with Iran, France to expel two Iranian diplomats

At least six killed in IDF strike on Gaza City cafe targeting Hamas commanders • Trump declares Strait of Hormuz 'new US territory' • UAE air defense systems activated due to missile threats

US President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, US, August 7, 2026

Hormuz crossings rise slightly from weekend, remain in single digits, data shows

Some vessels could be passing through the strait with their transponders switched off and they are not considered in the tally.

Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, June 18, 2026.

Trump approval drops as majority of Americans fear prolonged Iran conflict - poll

After returning to the White House last year with just under half the country approving of his presidency, Trump's popularity this year took a hit after he ordered strikes on Iran.

US President Donald Trump speaks at the White House in Washington, DC, US, July 18, 2025

Conditions aboard USS Lincoln 'exacerbated by decision to start Iran war,' senators tell Hegseth

Criticizing Hegseth and US President Donald Trump for dismissing the reports, the senators argued that the situation on Lincoln was "preventable" and similar to issues USS Gerald R. Ford faced.

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) conducts US blockade operations related to the Strait of Hormuz on April 16, 2026.

Trump says Iran won't make the deal he thinks is needed, will not extend MoU

Iran targets Kurdistan prime minister with drones • Houthis launch attack at Bab al-Mandeb • Iraqi PM pledges to monopolize arms

Israeli forces conduct a military operation in Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus in the West Bank, August 12, 2026.

Trump used Iraqi Kurdistan leader as secret line of communication with Iran’s IRGC - report

Sources familiar with the matter told Axios that the White House asked Kurdistan Regional Govt. President Nechirvan Barzani whether the IRGC had any additional demands during peace talks in May.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani gestures on the day he votes during the parliamentary election in Erbil, Iraq, November 11, 2025.

Hezbollah attempts to resupply operatives trapped underground, Iran continues executing protesters

Hamas delegation arrives in Cairo to discuss BoP deal • IDF reportedly diverts forces to West Bank to combat settler extremism • IDF strikes Hezbollah command center

Debris is strewn across the jetty in the Port of Mokha the day after an attack by the Houthis on the city of Mokha, held by Yemen's internationally recognised, Aden-based government on August 10, 2026.