The launch of what the Pentagon called "Operation Epic Fury" on Saturday plunged the Middle East into a new and unpredictable conflict. ADVERTISEMENTThe US and Israeli militaries struck sites across Iran, triggering retaliatory Iranian attacks against Israel and nearby Gulf Arab countries. The briefings from Trump's national security team help explain how the president decided to pursue arguably the riskiest US military operation since the invasion of Iraq in 2003. On Thursday, Admiral Brad Cooper, who leads US forces in the Middle East as the head of Central Command, flew to Washington to join discussions in the White House Situation Room. Trump's sweeping goalsIn the weeks leading up to the attack, Trump ordered a major military buildup in the Middle East.

Source: The Telegraph March 01, 2026 11:58 UTC